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Sintra Tourist Buses 434 and 435: Complete Schedule 2026
- Pedro Ferreira
- Nov 17, 2025
- 4 min read
Sintra, Portugal—a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in lush, misty mountains—beckons travelers with its fairy-tale palaces, ancient castles, and romantic gardens. But reaching these hilltop gems can be a challenge, thanks to steep roads, limited parking, and heavy crowds. Enter the Sintra Tourist Buses 434 and 435, operated by Scotturb: efficient, hop-on-hop-off loops designed specifically for visitors. These eco-friendly shuttles whisk you from Sintra's train station to the must-see attractions without the hassle of driving or hiking.
As we look ahead to 2026, Sintra's tourism infrastructure remains robust, with these routes confirmed to operate daily throughout the year (weather and unforeseen events permitting). Based on official Scotturb updates and recent concessions extending through 2031, the schedules have been refined for better flow during peak seasons (April–October) and slightly adjusted for quieter months. Expect frequencies as tight as every 5 minutes in summer, with all services running from early morning to evening. Tickets start at €13.50 for a 24-hour unlimited pass covering both routes.
In this guide, we'll break down the routes, confirmed 2026 operating dates, precise timetables, ticket details, and pro tips to make your Sintra adventure seamless. Whether you're chasing the vibrant Pena Palace or the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, these buses are your golden ticket.
Route 434: The Pena Circuit – Majestic Heights Await
The 434 bus is the star for anyone targeting Sintra's iconic hilltop wonders. This circular route starts and ends at Sintra Train Station, looping through the historic center before ascending to the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace. It's a 35–40 minute full circuit, with stunning views of forested slopes and colorful facades en route.
Key Stops on 434:
Sintra Train Station (Estação): Main hub—grab your ticket here.
Sintra Vila (National Palace): Drop into the cone-topped palace in the heart of town.
Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle): Ancient ruins with panoramic vistas.
Palácio da Pena (Pena Palace): The romanticist masterpiece—arrive early to beat queues.
Confirmed 2026 Operating Dates and Hours
Operations run daily, year-round from January 1 to December 31, 2026, including holidays (minor adjustments possible on December 25 and January 1; check Scotturb app for real-time alerts). No seasonal closures anticipated, thanks to the extended concession.
Period | First Departure from Sintra Station | Last Departure from Sintra Station | Frequency | Full Loop Time |
Peak Season (Apr 1–Oct 31) | 8:50 AM | 7:00 PM | Every 5–10 min | ~35 min |
Off-Peak Season (Nov 1–Mar 31) | 9:40 AM | 6:15 PM | Every 15–25 min | ~35 min |
Note: The uphill leg to Pena takes ~17 minutes; downhill back to the station is ~10 minutes. Buses are wheelchair-accessible with priority seating.
Route 435: The Monserrate Circuit – Gardens and Hidden Gems
Complementing the 434, the 435 focuses on Sintra's verdant eastern side, connecting the station to lush estates and palaces perfect for a more relaxed pace. This loop emphasizes gardens and architecture, taking about 30 minutes end-to-end. It's less crowded than 434 but equally scenic, with stops amid exotic flora.
Key Stops on 435:
Sintra Train Station (Estação): Shared starting point.
Sintra National Palace: Quick access to the town center.
Quinta da Regaleira: Gothic estate with inverted towers and secret tunnels.
Palácio de Seteais: Grand 18th-century hotel-turned-palace.
Palácio de Monserrate: Indo-Saracenic marvel surrounded by subtropical gardens.
Confirmed 2026 Operating Dates and Hours
Like its counterpart, the 435 operates daily, year-round from January 1 to December 31, 2026. Integrated with the same 24-hour pass, it's a breeze to switch routes mid-day.
Period | First Departure from Sintra Station | Last Departure from Sintra Station | Frequency | Full Loop Time |
Peak Season (Apr 1–Oct 31) | 9:00 AM | 6:45 PM | Every 10–15 min | ~30 min |
Off-Peak Season (Nov 1–Mar 31) | 9:40 AM | 6:00 PM | Every 20–30 min | ~30 min |
Note: From station to Quinta da Regaleira: ~10 minutes; to Monserrate: ~16 minutes. All buses feature audio guides in multiple languages via the Scotturb app.
Tickets and Fares for 2026: Simple, Affordable Access
No need for separate purchases—these routes are bundled for maximum flexibility:
24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Pass: €13.50/adult (kids 4–11: €7.50; under 4 free). Valid on both 434 and 435 for unlimited rides starting from first validation. Online discount: €12.40.
Single Route Round-Trip: €7.10 for 434 or €5.50 for 435 (not recommended—opt for the pass to explore freely).
Family/Group Options: Up to 20% off for 2+ adults; inquire at the station.
Buy via the Scotturb website, app, or on-board (cash/card; contactless preferred). Combo with CP train from Lisbon: €16 for round-trip rail + bus pass.
Why Choose Buses 434 and 435 in 2026? Pros, Cons, and Insider Tips
These shuttles aren't just transport—they're a stress-free portal to Sintra's magic. Pros include eco-friendly electric-hybrid vehicles, real-time tracking via Google Maps/GTFS integration, and police-prioritized access to restricted roads (no such luck for taxis during peaks). In 2026, expect enhanced digital signage at stops and potential EV-only fleets per the new concession.
Cons? Peak crowds can mean 20–30 minute waits—mitigate by arriving pre-9 AM or post-4 PM. Weather can delay ascents, so pack layers for Sintra's microclimate.
Pro Tips for 2026:
Beat the Rush: Start with 434 at 8:50 AM for Pena (tickets sell out by noon in summer).
Combo Itinerary: Morning on 434 (Pena/Moors), afternoon on 435 (Regaleira/Monserrate), evening stroll in Vila.
Accessibility: Free companion tickets for disabled visitors; request low-floor buses.
Sustainability: Use the reusable digital ticket to go paperless.
Alternatives: If buses are full, hike the 1.5 km trail to Pena (45 min, steep) or book a guided e-tuk-tuk (€50/group).
App Essentials: Download Scotturb or Moovit for live ETAs—search "Sintra 434/435" for 2026 updates.
Sintra's allure lies in its unhurried wonder, and buses 434 and 435 ensure you spend more time marveling than maneuvering. With these confirmed schedules locked in, 2026 promises smoother sails to Portugal's most spellbinding escapes. Planning a trip? Drop a comment below—what's your must-visit palace? Safe travels!
Sources: Official Scotturb schedules (2025–2026 updates), Sintra Explorers guides, and Portugal Virtual transport data. Always verify via scotturb.com for last-minute changes.