Reaching by Air: Sintra

Lisbon Airport & Flights

Main Airport Gateway

The nearest and most convenient major international airport is Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), also known as Humberto Delgado Airport.

LIS Overview

Portugal's largest and most active airport.
Serves as the main gateway for international visitors.
A major hub for connecting flights across Europe and beyond.

Airlines & Routes

LIS is a major hub, serving flights from numerous airlines worldwide.

Flight Options

Major carriers: TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa, British Airways, Delta, United, American Airlines.
Direct flights from major European cities (London, Paris, Madrid, Frankfurt).
Direct connections from North America (New York, Boston, Miami, Toronto, Montreal), South America, Africa, and the Middle East.

High Season June-August

Flights are most frequent but also the most expensive. Book several months in advance for better prices.

Shoulder Season April-May, Sep-Oct

Good flight availability and moderate prices. A good balance of agreeable weather and reasonable costs.

Low Season Nov-March

Fewer flights operate, some routes may be seasonal. Lowest prices. Avoid holiday periods when prices rise.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

LIS Facilities

Duty-free shopping, numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Car rental agencies, ATMs, and currency exchange services.
Luggage storage facilities and free Wi-Fi throughout terminals.
Information desks and tourist support services.

Transfers to Lisbon & Sintra

Metro (Red Line) is most efficient from airport to Lisbon city center.
Aerobus, taxi, or ride-share (Uber/Bolt) options to Lisbon.
From Lisbon, direct trains from Rossio Station to Sintra Station (~40 min, ~€2.30 one-way).
Direct taxi/ride-share from Lisbon to Sintra costs €30-€50+.

Affiliate Resources for Flights & Hotels

Flight Deals

Explore flight options with Dollar Flight Club for price alerts and Skyscanner for comparison.

Visa Services

For visa applications, consider services like IVisa or VisaHQ.

Accommodation & Car Rentals

Find car rentals via DiscoverCars.com.

Land Connections to Sintra

Train Services

The train is the most common and efficient way to reach Sintra from Lisbon.

Train Journey Details

Direct trains depart frequently (every 10-20 min) from Rossio Station in central Lisbon.
The journey to Sintra Station takes approximately 40 minutes.
Purchase tickets at station machines or counters; use the Viva Viagem card.

Bus Connections

While buses connect many Portuguese cities, the train is generally the preferred method for Lisbon to Sintra.

Long-Distance Buses

Rede Expressos is a major intercity bus company in Portugal.
Buses from Lisbon's Campo Grande terminal serve Sintra, but are typically slower.
The train generally offers a more efficient and direct route for this journey.

Driving Considerations

While car rental offers regional exploration, driving in Sintra itself comes with challenges.

Renting a Car

Driving and parking within Sintra's historic center and near palaces are extremely challenging.
Roads are narrow, winding, and often steep. Parking is very limited and costly.
Strongly advise Against driving into Sintra town or directly to the palaces.

Road Conditions & Safety

Portugal's roads are generally in good condition, especially major highways.

Driving Safely

Be aware of aggressive driving in urban areas.
Observe posted speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways.
Consider parking your car outside the main tourist areas (e.g., Portela de Sintra train station) and using public transport.

Sea & River Access

Sintra is an inland town; it is not directly accessible by sea or river.
Lisbon is a major cruise port on the Tagus River.
Cruise passengers typically arrive at Lisbon's cruise terminal.

From Lisbon, take a train or an organized tour to Sintra for a day trip.
Taxis, ride-shares, and public transport connect from the cruise terminal to train stations.
No river ferries extend to Sintra.

Departure Planning

Exit Procedures & Timing

Departure Guidelines

No specific exit fees or taxes to leave Portugal for tourists; airport taxes typically included in airfare.
For international flights from Lisbon Airport (LIS), try to arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
For flights within the Schengen Area, 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient.

Airport & Station Facilities

Both Lisbon Airport and Sintra Train Station offer services for departing travelers.

Facilities Overview

Lisbon Airport (LIS) has numerous shops, restaurants, lounges, and duty-free options.
Sintra train station offers basic facilities: ticket machines and a small cafe.
Plan for longer waits at LIS during peak season or if traveling with a large group.

Flight Status

Confirm your flight status and terminal information before heading to the airport.

Group Travel

Allow extra time during peak season or if traveling with a large group to account for potential delays.

Passport Control

Standard airport security checks apply; electronics and liquids from carry-on luggage should be ready for removal.

Final Travel Reminder

Confirm your flight status and terminal information before heading to the airport. Allocate extra time during peak season or when traveling with a large group.

Reaching Sintra by Air