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From Sintra Train Station to Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira: Transport Guide 2025

Updated: Apr 4


Nestled in the verdant hills of Portugal’s Sintra mountains, the town of Sintra offers an enchanting escape with its lush landscapes, historic charm, and fairy-tale architecture. If you’re arriving by train, the journey from Sintra Train Station to the iconic Pena Palace and the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira is a delightful adventure. In this guide, we’ll explain how to use the local buses—routes 434 and 435—to reach these fascinating landmarks, including ticket prices and the best routes for seamless travel.



Arrival at Sintra Train Station

As you disembark at Sintra Train Station, you’ll be greeted by the quaint atmosphere of this historic town. The station, with its charming tiled façade, serves as the gateway to Sintra’s most famous sites. From here, you’ll embark on your journey to Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, two of Sintra’s most captivating attractions.




Getting to Pena Palace

Distance and Transport Options:

Pena Palace, perched atop a hill, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. To reach it from Sintra Train Station, you have the following options:


  • Bus 434: The most convenient way to reach Pena Palace is by taking Scotturb bus number 434. This bus provides a direct connection between Sintra Train Station and Pena Palace, with the journey taking about 20 minutes. A round-trip ticket for bus 434 costs €15 (this price includes both buses 434 and 435), which can be purchased on the bus or at the station. This bus is specifically designed to serve tourists visiting Pena Palace, making it a straightforward choice for a hassle-free visit.

  • Taxi: If you prefer a more direct and comfortable ride, you can take a taxi from the train station to Pena Palace. The drive takes about 10 minutes, and the cost is relatively reasonable. This option is ideal if you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage.

  • Walking: For the more adventurous, walking to Pena Palace is an option. It’s a 40-50 minute uphill trek, but the scenic views along the way offer a rewarding experience.




Exploring Pena Palace:

Once you arrive, the vibrant and eclectic architecture of Pena Palace awaits. Built by King Ferdinand II in the 19th century, this palace is a stunning example of Romanticism, featuring colorful turrets and ornate decorations. Explore the richly furnished rooms, wander through the expansive gardens, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.



Getting to Quinta da Regaleira

After visiting Pena Palace, your next stop is Quinta da Regaleira. Here’s how to get there:


  • Bus 435: To reach Quinta da Regaleira, take Scotturb bus number 435. This bus connects the town center (including stops near Sintra National Palace or Sintra Train Station) to Quinta da Regaleira. The journey takes about 10-15 minutes, and the cost is included in the €15 round-trip ticket (this price covers both bus 434 and bus 435).

  • Taxi: Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Pena Palace to Quinta da Regaleira. This direct route is convenient but slightly more expensive.


Exploring Quinta da Regaleira:

Quinta da Regaleira is a masterpiece of mystery and fantasy. Designed by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, this estate features an intriguing blend of gothic architecture, hidden tunnels, and enigmatic symbols. Explore the gothic palace, the lush gardens with their hidden grottoes and the famous Initiation Well, a surreal spiral staircase descending into the earth.




Traveling Between Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira

From Pena Palace to Quinta da Regaleira:

  1. Take Bus 434 Back to Sintra Train Station or Sintra National Palace:

    • From Pena Palace board bus 434 to either Sintra Train Station or Sintra National Palace. The ride back will take about 20 minutes.

  2. Transfer to Bus 435:




From Quinta da Regaleira to Pena Palace:

  1. Take Bus 435 to Sintra Train Station or Sintra National Palace:

    • From Quinta da Regaleira board bus 435 to either Sintra Train Station or Sintra National Palace. The ride will take about 10-15 minutes.

  2. Transfer to Bus 434:



Accommodation Options

1. Tivoli Palácio de Seteais

Once an 18th-century retreat for Dutch consuls and Portuguese nobility, Tivoli Palácio de Seteais is Sintra’s crown jewel—a 5-star palace hotel dripping in regal splendor. Imagine waking up in a grand double room or a suite with frescoed ceilings, sipping coffee on a terrace framed by Pena Palace views. Prices hover around $300–$400 per night, and special features include a serene spa, an outdoor pool nestled in manicured gardens, and bathtubs fit for royalty. It’s a 10-minute walk to Quinta da Regaleira—book now on Trip.com to live like nobility!



2. Penha Longa Resort

Tucked into the rolling hills of the Sintra-Cascais Nature Reserve, Penha Longa Resort began as a 14th-century monastery before evolving into a luxurious 5-star estate. Today, it offers plush doubles and suites with private balconies overlooking golf courses and pools, averaging $250–$350 per night. With two Michelin-starred restaurants, a sprawling spa, and an infinity pool, it’s a haven 4 km from Sintra’s center—perfect for a post-hiking soak. Secure your spot on Trip.com for a slice of paradise.


3. Sintra Boutique Hotel

Steps from the National Palace in Sintra’s historic heart, this modern boutique gem opened in 2012 with a chic nod to the town’s heritage. Its airy doubles and themed suites—some with clawfoot tubs and palace views—range from $140–$200 per night. The on-site restaurant dazzles with local flavors, and its prime location means you’re 30 minutes from Moorish Castle treks or cozy café evenings. Don’t wait—check availability on Trip.com for an unbeatable stay.

4. Lawrence’s Hotel

Claiming the title of the Iberian Peninsula’s oldest hotel since 1764, Lawrence’s Hosted famous guests like Lord Byron, its country-style doubles and suites exude vintage charm with bathtubs and antique furnishings, costing $150–$220 per night. A library and elegant restaurant with French windows add to the allure, while its spot near Quinta da Regaleira (a 5-minute walk) makes it a history lover’s dream. Book via Trip.com to step back in time.

5. Vila Galé Sintra

Built in 2018 as a wellness-focused retreat just north of Sintra’s center, Vila Galé Sintra offers a modern escape with doubles and family suites averaging $120–$180 per night. The standout? A panoramic indoor pool, sauna, and Turkish bath in its Satsanga Spa—plus an outdoor pool for sunny days. Snag a deal on trip.com  and relax in style.



6. Sintra Marmòris Palace

This 19th-century manor, revamped in 2017, sits a 7-minute walk from Sintra’s historic center and oozes romance with its palatial vibe. Luxurious doubles and suites—some with marble bathtubs—cost $180–$260 per night, while a heated outdoor pool with Moorish Castle views steals the show.




Tips for Your Visit

  1. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Both Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira involve significant walking and some uphill terrain. Comfortable footwear is a must.

  2. Check Bus Schedules: Bus schedules can vary, so be sure to check the timings for bus 434 and bus 435 in advance to plan your journey effectively.

  3. Purchase Tickets in Advance: For popular sites like Pena Palace, buying tickets ahead of time can help avoid long lines and ensure a smoother visit.

  4. Bring a Camera: The picturesque landscapes and whimsical architecture at both sites offer fantastic photo opportunities.



Conclusion

From the historic charm of Sintra Train Station to the enchanting Pena Palace and the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, your journey through Sintra is sure to be a memorable adventure. By utilizing buses 434 and 435, you can navigate between these stunning landmarks with ease, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable exploration of Sintra’s most captivating attractions. So pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to experience the magic of Sintra.





 
 
 

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