How to Get to Pena Palace from Lisbon in 2023
Are you wondering how to get to Pena Palace from Lisbon? I’m sharing all of my tips for visiting Pena Palace!
Nestled atop a hill in the picturesque town of Sintra, Pena Palace is a spectacular sight to behold. With its vibrant hues and eclectic mix of architectural styles, this iconic palace is undoubtedly one of Portugal’s most popular tourist attractions.
If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, then a visit to Pena Palace in Portugal should be at the top of your list.
While it may seem like a daunting task to get there, fear not! In this article, I will guide you through the best ways to get there from Lisbon to Pena Palace and provide essential tips for making the journey as smooth as possible.
I’ve personally done this trip twice. And it’s easy if you have the right information in advance about how to get from Lisbon to Pena Palace, which I am happily ready to share! So sit back, relax, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Table of Contents
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How to Get to Pena Palace from Lisbon
Let me first start by answering your burning question – how to get from Lisbon to Pena Palace.
The best way to get to Pena Palace and the most popular ways how to go from Lisbon to Pena Palace is by group or private tour.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip
✅ 8-hour tour
✅ 4 stops
✅ Top-rated tour
Benefits of the Pena Palace tour from Lisbon include:
- Avoid the long lines that are inevitable at Pena Palace and get a guided tour of the iconic Pena Palace
- Visit the stunning coastal cliffs of Cabo da Roca
- Enjoy free time in the charming seaside resort town of Cascais, another popular day trip from Lisbon
- Experience no wasted time in long lines or waiting for the train from Pena Palace to Lisbon
Getting to Pena Palace from Lisbon by Train
Pena Palace is in the historic town of Sintra which is easily accessible by road or rail from Lisbon. By train, take the Sintra Line directly from the Rossio Train Station. In just under 45 minutes you will arrive in the city center of Sintra. The trains run from 6 am until 1 am and at peak times run every 10 minutes.
Purchase your ticket at the train station by buying the Viva Viagem card. The initial purchase price for this card is €0.50, but it is reusable for all other train/bus travel in and around Lisbon. All you do is top up the card on the machine and select Sintra as the destination. It costs €2.25 one way from the Rossio station.
When you arrive at the Sintra train station, take the 434 bus from the Sintra train station to the Pena Palace. Bus 434 Sintra is a tourist bus that does a loop around Sintra with stops at all the attractions in Sintra Mountains. It picks up just outside of the Sintra Train station and costs €6.90 for the entire loop or €3.90 for one stop.
While waiting for the 434 bus you will find many tuk tuk tour companies offering private tours. Consider the higher cost and the slower speed at which tuk-tuks can operate.
Pena Palace Parking
If you prefer driving, you can rent a car or take a taxi from Lisbon directly to Pena Palace. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
The recommendation by tourist boards is for visitors to take the bus. There is very limited parking and the roadway is far too narrow to allow for parking. As well, as the desire to control the air quality and limit car emissions in this area.
The Palace is on a steep hill, about 5 km (or 3 miles) from the train station. So even though it doesn’t seem too far away, walking there will take you far too long due to the steep hairpin turns up the mountain.
About Pena Palace Sintra
History of Pena Palace
Once Upon a Time… in the middle ages stood a chapel dedicated to ‘Our Lady of Pena’ that stood on the top of a hill overlooking the town of Sintra in Portugal. In the 13th century, due to its serene and peaceful surroundings, royalty ordered the construction of a monastery as a quiet place for meditation for monks.
In the 18th century, Palace Pena was severely damaged. First by lightning and then in the great Lisbon earthquake in 1755, reducing it to ruins. All that remained was the original chapel. In 1838, King Ferdinand II decided to acquire the monastery and the surrounding land which included a few other estates peppered along the Sintra hill. This led to the construction of the architectural marvel now known as the national palace of Pena.
Pena Palace Architecture
Most deservedly, the Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders. Why visit here? This national monument is incredibly unique. The Pena Palace Portugal is a fusion of so many architectural styles from Neo-Gothic to New-Manueline to New-Islamic to Neo-Renaissance. It’s majestic and romantic, almost as if it was torn from the pages of a fairy tale. Almost the entire Palace stands on a rock formation in the incredible mountains just outside of Sintra town. It’s definitely worth a day trip from Lisbon to visit Pena Palace or Palacio de Pena.
A Detailed Look at Pena Palace Sintra
A picture is worth 1,000 words, right? The bright vivid colours of Pena Palace are not enhanced or edited. It’s the actual vibrancy of colour.
Since the original painting from the 19th century, it has slowly faded over time to such an extent that it was visually identified as being entirely grey. In 1996, Pena Palace underwent an extensive restoration project, which included repainting the exterior walls of the original colours. Two decades later, the colours are still so bright and vibrant.
Some of the sights worth seeing include the coat of Arms for the insignia of King Ferdinand II (above the crossing bridge), the Triton which is an allegorical gateway of the Divine Creation and Belvedere the viewpoint adjacent bulbous dome.
Inside The Palace
The interior of the Pena castle is just as interesting. The interior reflects the decor of 1910 and resembles a museum. If you have the time and interest, it is recommended you tour the inside of the Palace as well as the exterior. We did not and elected to spend more time touring Pena Park and the nearby castles.
In The Pena Park
Located in National Pena Park, the Palace was built in such a way that it is visible from any point in the Park. Pena Park is a vast forested area of 200 hectares that surrounds the Palace. The same Romanticism style of the Palace is carried through to the majestic gardens. The King ordered vegetation from all around the globe, including sequoias from America, ferns from Australia, succulents from Africa, ginkgoes from China, cryptomeria from Japan; and Western red cedar. The park consists of a forest and lush exotic gardens with over 500 different species of trees originating from across the globe.
The Pena Palace gardens are filled with a maze of walking paths, secret pathways, pavilions, ponds, and benches. The Park is cool and shaded. With only small pockets of light streaming through the tall towering trees casts a warm glow. It’s so quiet and serene. Don’t rush your visit to the Park, because, in my opinion, it is the real highlight.
Visiting Pena Palace
Palace Restaurant
There is an onsite restaurant perfect for those that are visiting over the lunch hour.
Admission and Tickets to Pena Palace
Pena Palace Hours
Opening times for Pena National Park and Palace are:
- Park – 09:00 to 19:00 with the last ticket and entry at 18:00
- Palace – 09:30 to 18:30 with the last ticket and entry at 18:00
- Entrance to the Palace is timed entry by appointment only
Prices Palace + Park
There are two different types of entrance fees for the Pena Palace. A Place + Park Ticket and a Park Ticket.
The Palace and Park ticket allows entry to the Palace – exterior and interior and the Park.
- Adult ticket 14 €
- Youth and Senior 12,5 €
- Family ticket (2 adults + 2 youth) 49 €
The Park ticket provides entry to the Palace exterior only and the Park.
- Adult ticket 7,5 €
- Youth and Senior 6,5 €
- Family ticket (2 adults + 2 youth) 26 €
Get your Pena Palace and Park entrance tickets
Tips for Visiting Pena Palace
- get there at 9 am (or 30 minutes before the yellow palace opens) as by 11 am the Palace is very crowded
- to get that famous Instagrammable shot, go to the back of the castle as soon as you arrive to have a better shot of getting a photo alone on the famous steps
- last entrance is one hour before closing – be sure to plan accordingly
Things to Do Near Pena National Palace
Quinta da Relareira
Visit Quinta da Regaleira and take a tour of its magnificent gardens. These sprawling grounds are filled with grottoes and fountains that make for an unforgettable exploration. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for symbols and engravings throughout the garden – they hold clues about its rich history.
Be sure to seek out the famous Initiation Well that leads to the secret tunnels that run beneath Quinta da Regaleira’s gardens. These underground passages lead visitors through dark chambers and winding pathways before emerging into stunning natural settings outside.
Get your skip-the-line entrance ticket to Quinta da Regaleria
Moorish Castle
From Pena Palace, you will notice another castle in the distance. The Moorish Castle, or The Castle of The Moors as it may be referred to.
Moorish Castle is a short walk from Pena Palace, or at least the entrance to it is. Once there it’s a bit of a hike to get all the way to the castle and back. So if you are looking to explore more, this is a great option. Just save your stamina, as it makes for a long day.
Grab your skip-the-line Castle of the Moors Fast Track entrance ticket
Other places to visit include the National Palace of Sintra and Vila Sassetti.
Tickets for the Park of Pena include three other areas you can explore:
- Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla
- Valley of Lakes and Little Birds Fountain
- Temple of Columns, The Warrior and The Queen’s Table
FAQ: Tips for Visiting Pena Palace
Is Pena Palace worth visiting?
Yes, Pena Palace is definitely worth visiting! The palace is a stunning example of Romanticist architecture and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Portugal.
How long does it take to visit Pena Palace?
The amount of time it takes to visit Pena Palace varies depending on your pace and interest level. However, most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the palace and its grounds.
Is it necessary to book tickets in advance to visit Pena Palace?
While it is not strictly necessary to book tickets in advance, it is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist season. This will help you avoid long lines and ensure that you can enter the palace at your desired time.
When is the best time of day to visit Pena Palace?
The best time of day to visit Pena Palace is either early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Additionally, the lighting in the morning can be particularly beautiful, with soft, warm tones that can make for some stunning photos.
How long does it take to visit Pena Palace?
The amount of time it takes to visit Pena Palace varies depending on your pace and interest level. Generally, plan on spending 2 to 3 hours exploring the palace and its grounds.
Lisbon Travel Resources
If you are thinking about a day trip to Pena Palace, it’s likely you are spending time in Lisbon. If you haven’t found a place to stay in Lisbon, may I recommend the hotel/apartment I stayed in, Baixa House, is the place to stay in Lisbon.
To help with your Lisbon trip inspiration, ou might be interested in some of these articles:
- Start with the ideal 4-day Lisbon itinerary taking you to some of the best neighbourhoods in Lisbon and to the incredible Jerónimos Monastery
- A day trip from Lisbon to Cascais was quick and easy by train
- Another option for a day trip is to the UNESCO historic city of Evora
- Lastly, a day trip is Coimbra. I spent a full day in Coimbra and found there is a lot to see and do making it a city worth visiting.
And to help with your trip planning be sure to check out my Europe Travel page with all of my articles and resources (from accommodations to flights to car rentals and more!).
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As a Holidaymaker
If you are planning a trip to Lisbon, and visiting for more than a day in Lisbon a tour of the magical Pena Palace is a must! Whether you have a full day to explore or only a couple of hours, this top landmark should not be missed!
