The Easiest Way to Do a Day Trip to Pena Palace From Lisbon
Perched atop a hill in Sintra, Portugal, lies the enchanting Pena Palace, a whimsical and colorful creation that seems to have emerged straight out of a fairytale. This Romanticist palace is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture and is considered to be one of the greatest expressions of European Romanticism. With its vibrant hues, intricate details, and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, the Pena Palace is truly a feast for the eyes and an essential destination for any traveler exploring Portugal. In this blog, we'll delve into the easiest way to do a day trip to Pena Palace from Lisbon, provide you with tips on how to make the most of your visit to this magical place, and discuss the fascinating history of the palace.
Making the day trip to Pena Palace is one of my top travel recommendations for all of Europe. It makes for a great excuse to put on a long, flowy dress and explore the palace grounds as if you were a royal. Sintra as a whole is a characteristic region that I hope to explore more of someday, but if you only have time for one day here, I highly recommend dedicating your time to Pena Palace.
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How Do I Get From Lisbon to Pena Palace?
By Train: The easiest way to do a day trip to Pena Palace from Lisbon is to take a train from Lisbon to Sintra, the town where the Pena Palace is located. Trains run daily from Lisbon's Rossio Train Station, departing every 30 minutes. This makes it extremely easy for travelers to select a time that works best for them, and they rarely have to worry about tickets running out.
The train ride is pretty straightforward, taking approximately 40 minutes to reach Sintra. The Sintra Station is the last stop of this train line, which is good news for travelers worried about navigating public transportation in a foreign country and potentially missing their stop. All you’ll have to remember is to disembark at the final stop!
Alternatively, you can book your ticket ahead of time through Trainline.
Getting to Pena Palace From the Sintra Station: Once you arrive at Sintra Station, you can either take a taxi to the palace or catch a bus to the entrance of the park. We opted for the buses, as this proved to be the cheapest option. Upon exiting the train, you’ll see a line of buses lined up next to the sidewalk. Keep your eyes peeled for Bus 434, whose final stop is Pena Palace. Again, all these final stops are a huge help in eliminating confusion as to when to step off!
In order to take this bus, an additional ticket will be required. It is highly recommended to purchase the roundtrip bus ticket for €7.60 so that you have transportation to and from the palace. Given that most individuals that exit the train station intend to hop on this bus, it is not uncommon for a line to form. No worries if you don’t make the first bus you see, though. These buses depart every 15 minutes from 9:15 am to 7:50 pm in the summer and from 9:30 am to 6:20 pm during other seasons.
You can pay the bus driver directly in change as you step onto the bus, so I recommend coming prepared with the exact change. If you find yourself in a hiccup, however, you can easily step into a nearby shop for a delicious pastel de nata and ask for some exact change for your ride.
Overall, this bus trip lasts about 20 minutes from Sintra Station to Pena Palace if this is your final destination. It was a simple process of getting dropped off at the entrance to buy tickets to the palace. However, you will have to pay another small fee for an additional vehicle to lead you to the actual palace, which I highly recommend doing. You can walk from the ticket booth to the entrance of the palace, but you’ll be in for a steep and lengthy journey. We opted to save our energy for exploring the palace.
By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Lisbon and drive to the Pena Palace. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes, and there are several parking options available near the palace entrance. Keep in mind that during peak tourist season, parking can be limited, so it's best to arrive early in the morning.
Through a Tour: Another option is to take a guided tour from Lisbon, which includes transportation to and from the palace. Many tour companies offer half-day and full-day tours that include a visit to the Pena Palace, as well as other popular attractions in Sintra, such as the Moorish Castle and Quinta da Regaleira.
I love saving money and doing things the local way, which often means embracing public transportation! But, regardless of how you choose to get there, a visit to the Pena Palace is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Lisbon and is worth the straightforward journey.
How to Purchase Your Train Ticket From Lisbon to Sintra
Purchasing your train ticket from Lisbon to Sintra is a fairly straightforward process. First, you'll need to decide on your departure station, as there are a few options within Lisbon. The most popular station for travelers heading to Sintra is Rossio Station, which is located in the heart of Lisbon's historic center. This is where I departed from, and it was a straight shot to Sintra from there.
Once you've determined your departure station, you can purchase your ticket in a few different ways. One convenient option is to buy your ticket online, and you can either print out your ticket or save it to your smartphone for easy access. Alternatively, you can purchase your ticket in person at the train station ticket office or using one of the ticket machines. I purchased my ticket in person and had no issues, as the line was short this day. Keep in mind that during peak travel times, lines can be long, and trains may sell out quickly, so it's best to book your ticket in advance in these cases.
Check out Trainline to book your ticket in advance!
How Much Is a Train Ticket From Lisbon to Sintra?
Budget travelers are in luck when it comes to this day trip, as a round-trip train ticket from Lisbon to Sintra can be bought at the low fare of around €4.80, but this is subject to change. Children under the age of 12 and seniors over the age of 65 are eligible for a reduced fare. Additionally, there are various passes and travel cards available that can provide discounts on train travel within the Lisbon area, including the Lisboa Card and the Viva Viagem card. Overall, this trip is very affordable for any traveler!
Can I Walk From Sintra Train Station to Pena Palace?
While it is technically possible to walk from Sintra train station to Pena Palace, it is not recommended for most (if any) visitors. The distance between the train station and the palace is over a mile, and the route is steep and winding, with many uphill sections. The walk can take upwards of an hour, depending on your pace and level of fitness. Additionally, there are limited sidewalks and pedestrian crossings along the way, so it can be unsafe to walk along narrow roads, particularly during peak tourist season when traffic is heavy.
Fortunately, there are several alternative transportation options available for visitors who want to travel from Sintra train station to Pena Palace. The easiest and most convenient option is to take a local bus or a tourist shuttle bus from the train station to the palace. Buses run regularly throughout the day, and the journey takes around 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, visitors can hire a taxi or use a ride-hailing app like Uber to travel to Pena Palace. Both options are quicker and more comfortable than walking and can be a good choice for visitors who are short on time or prefer not to walk long distances.
Can You Buy Pena Palace Tickets On the Day You Get There?
It is possible to buy Pena Palace tickets on the day you get there, but it's not recommended during peak tourist season. Pena Palace is one of the most popular attractions in Sintra and can attract long lines and wait times, particularly during the summer months and on weekends. Visitors who buy tickets on the day they arrive may find themselves waiting in line for much longer than desired, which can be frustrating and tiring. In order to avoid possible long lines and wait times, it's recommended to purchase Pena Palace tickets in advance whenever possible.
Check out the ticket prices below for your desired dates!
With that being said, we purchased our tickets to Pena Palace on the day we arrived and didn’t face any issues. We did visit in March, shortly before travel shut down due to COVID-19, however. Therefore, queues, in general, weren’t as long as they would be during peak tourist season. Tickets can be purchased online through the Parques de Sintra website or in person at the palace ticket office. Advance tickets can be booked for specific entry times, which allows visitors to skip the ticket line and go straight to the entrance gate. Additionally, there are various combo tickets and passes available that can provide discounts on multiple attractions in Sintra, including Pena Palace, which can be a good option for visitors who plan to see multiple sites during their visit. By purchasing tickets in advance or opting for a combo ticket, visitors can save time and avoid the hassle of waiting in line, allowing them to fully enjoy their visit to Pena Palace.
Alternatively, you can book a tour in advance to take away the stress of traveling there on your own. See below for some tour options!
How Much Time Do You Need in Pena Palace?
The amount of time you need to visit Pena Palace depends on your level of interest in the site and how much of the palace and surrounding park you want to explore. While some visitors choose to spend one or two hours here, I recommend dedicating half of your day to this venture. Visiting Pena Palace is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most individuals, so I recommend giving yourself the time you deserve to explore this enchanting palace.
From my experience, I wanted to explore every square inch of this property, as your entrance ticket gives you access to the gates, elevated cobblestone walkways bordering the outside of the palace, the inner rooms and exhibits, the palace terrace, and the adjacent park’s walking trails and gardens. You’ll even be able to walk inside the castle turrets for a cool unsupervised photo-op! The whole property felt like a playground for adults, and I felt so inspired by its elegance.
Things to Do at Pena Palace: There are many things to do at Pena Palace beyond just admiring the stunning outer architecture and views. One of the most popular activities is exploring the palace's many rooms and exhibits, which offer a glimpse into the lives of Portugal's royal family and the palace's history as a summer residence. Visitors can see the lavish state rooms, including the Throne Room and the Music Room, as well as more intimate spaces like the Queen's Bedroom and the Smoking Room. There are also exhibits showcasing the palace's art and furnishings, as well as a fascinating display of 19th-century photography.
Another highlight of a visit to Pena Palace is exploring the palace's extensive park and gardens. The park covers more than 200 hectares and features a wide variety of trees, plants, and flowers, as well as several walking trails and viewpoints. Visitors can wander through the park's many pathways, discovering hidden grottoes, fountains, and other features along the way. Some of the park's most popular sites include the Chalet of the Countess of Edla, the Valley of the Lakes, and the High Cross. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a beautiful place to spend the day, Pena Palace has something to offer everyone.
The History of Pena Palace
The history of the Pena Palace dates back to the Middle Ages when a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Pena was built on the hilltop. In the 15th century, King Manuel I of Portugal commissioned a monastery to be built on the site, which remained in use until it was damaged in the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. However, the chapel remained intact. After being abandoned for decades, the hilltop was purchased by King Ferdinand II in 1838, who embarked on a project to transform the ruins into a summer palace.
Ferdinand II, who was a German prince married to Queen Maria II of Portugal, was a lover of the arts and a patron of architecture. He hired Baron Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege to design the palace, and construction began in 1840. The palace was designed in the Romanticist style, which was popular in Europe at the time, and aimed to create a fantastical and whimsical atmosphere. The palace was completed in 1854 and became the summer residence of the royal family.
In 1889, the palace was purchased by the Portuguese State and eventually converted into a museum, and extensive restoration work was undertaken to return the palace to its former glory. In 1995, the palace was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding cultural and architectural value.
Today, the Pena Palace is one of Portugal's most popular tourist destinations and continues to enchant visitors with its unique history and stunning architecture. My visit to the palace was nothing short of magical, as this eye-catching landmark truly felt like a fairytale come to life. I could easily picture Pena Palace as the perfect hideaway for a princess, and I am patiently awaiting the day this former residence inspires a new Disney film.
I hope this blog post has done its job of informing you on the easiest way to do a day trip to Pena Palace from Lisbon and inspiring you to make room for this in your itinerary. I’d love to see all of the royalty-inspired photos you have from this excursion, so feel free to send them my way so I can relive this experience through your eyes!
