How to Visit Pena Palace in Sintra from Lisbon?

How to Visit Pena Palace in Sintra from Lisbon? Pena Palace Guide From a Local

Heading to Sintra and wondering how to visit Pena Palace? I am here to help you plan a smooth day trip to Pena Palace from Lisbon.

Pena Palace is a breathtaking example of 19th-century Romantic architecture and one of the most colorful fairytale castles that you will ever see.

It is known for its eclectic architecture, which combines elements of Gothic, Manueline, Moorish, and Renaissance styles. The palace’s color scheme, featuring shades of red, yellow, and blue, makes it stand out against the greenery of the Sintra Mountains.

In 1995, the palace and the surrounding Cultural Landscape of Sintra were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing their outstanding universal value. Nowadays, it is known as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. For all the right reasons!

We have been to Sintra numerous times, and we have gathered all the best insights to help you plan a fantastic and hassle-free visit to Pena Palace. We will cover a lot of useful travel tips and answer all your questions.

Just to clarify, most photos from this Sintra travel guide are from May 2020 when international travel was still limited. We were basically the only visitors, which explains the empty palace in the photos below. It was such a surreal experience seeing Pena Palace without crowds.

However, you dont have to worry, because we will share the best ways to avoid crowds in Pena Palace so you can have a similar experience as well. Let’s unlock Pena Palace together!

*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Tips for visiting Pena Palace in Sintra

Best ways to reach Pena Palace from Lisbon

Best ways to reach Pena Palace from Lisbon
Pena Palace without crowds

Getting to Pena Palace from Lisbon is relatively easy, but let’s dive in and discover different ways of transportation so that you can choose the most suitable option for travel style and budget.

How to get to Pena Palace from Lisbon by public transport

Sintra and Lisbon are connected by the Sintra Line train, and the most convenient departure point is the Rossio train station, centrally located in downtown Lisbon. Another important station is located in Oriente.

Trains from Rossio to Sintra are frequent, typically running every 20 to 30 minutes. The train ride takes approximately 40 minutes; however, it can get packed during rush hour, and seats can’t be pre-booked.

A single ticket costs 2.30 euros. You can buy your tickets at ticket counters or machines available at the train stations. You will need to purchase a “Viva Viagem” card if this is your first time using public transport in Lisbon and it costs 0.50 euros. 

Please make sure you validate your card at one of the machines on the platforms. You won’t be able to validate your card inside the train and you could end up with a fine in this case, so dont forget this step.

Once in Sintra, take bus number 434, which goes directly to Pena Palace. You will find the bus stop right outside the train station, and it departs every 15 minutes. A single ticket will cost you 7.60 euros and it can be purchased from the driver.

Alternatively, you can hike up to the palace from the train station, which takes about 45 minutes, or hire a tuk-tuk. Make sure you agree on the price beforehand. You can also use Uber in Sintra.

If you have a Lisbon Card, a train ride from Lisbon to Sintra is included, but you will still need to pay for a local bus in Sintra.

Local insights! If you are planning to visit a couple of palaces in one day, go to the ticket counter at Lisbon train station and ask for a ticket that includes the Sintra & Cascais train line and local buses in Sintra. The price is 14 euros and it is a great deal.

How to get to Pena Palace from Lisbon by taxi

For a hassle-free way to Pena Palace, taking a taxi is ideal. You can call an Uber or get a taxi from anywhere in the city, and it will take you directly to the palace. Prices vary between 25-30 euros depending on your location in Lisbon.

I heard taxis are a bit more expensive, but I personally never used taxis as I think Uber is a more convenient option. Either way, this is a great price if you are 2-4 people traveling to Sintra.

How to get to Pena Palace from Lisbon by car

While it is an easy 30-minute drive from Lisbon to Sintra, I don’t recommend using a car to visit Pena Palace. Sintra town is small, packed, and with limited parking options, which makes your day trip complicated, especially during peak season & peak hours.

If you decide to visit Pena Palace by car, make sure you arrive before opening time so you can secure your parking spot. Also, note that the road up to the palace is not for inexperienced drivers.

There are two parking areas at Parque da Pena. The first is at the bottom of the park, requiring a 30-minute uphill walk through the gardens. The second parking area is near the main entrance at the top.

Alternatively, you can park in the historic center of Sintra, but the available options are very limited.

Keep in mind! 

Once you pass the ticket office of Pena Palace, you will need to walk for 20-30 minutes uphill to reach the Pena Palace. It is an easy walk, but if you have trouble walking, you can purchase a shuttle bus when buying your entrance ticket for the palace.

After you choose your date and time, look for Supplements – Transfer under Tickets. Round transfer from the entrance to the palace will cost you 3 euros.

Pena Palace Opening Hours

Pena Palace Opening Hours

The park is open from 9 am to 7 pm, with the last ticket and last admission at 6 pm. The palace opens at 9.30 am and closes at 6.30 pm, with the last ticket and last admission between 5.30 pm and 6 pm. Automatic ticket vending machines are available.

Pena Palace Entrance Fees

Pena Palace Entrance Fees

If you choose to visit the palace and park, the adult ticket costs 20 euros. Youths aged 6 to 17, as well as seniors over 65, each pay 18 euros. A family ticket for two adults and two youths is available for 65 euros. 

Dont want to visit the palace? Then the entrance fee is 10 euros for adults, and 9 euros for both youths aged 6 to 17 and seniors over 65. A family ticket for two adults and two youths costs 35 euros.

If you require a transfer between the park entrance and the palace, there is an additional fee of 3 euros for visitors aged 6 and over.

Which ticket to choose? Pena Palace Park & Palace vs Park

Which ticket to choose? Pena Palace Park & Palace vs Park
Triton’s Terrace
  • Pena Palace Park & Palace Ticket: This ticket provides access to both the palace and the park. It’s ideal if you want to explore both the historic palace and the expansive gardens.
  • Park Ticket: This ticket only grants access to the park. It’s suitable if you only want to explore the gardens and grounds without visiting the palace itself.

If you have time and interest in both the palace’s interior and the surrounding park, the combined ticket offers the best value. If you prefer to focus solely on the park, the separate ticket for the park alone will suffice.

I have to say that the interior of Pena Palace felt a bit underwhelming for me and I have heard that it is impossible to navigate during the peak hours. However, if you are visiting with a guide and you want to gain deeper knowledge about the palace, don’t miss it.

Park ticket gives you access to the massive garden, terraces, and the most picturesque parts of Pena Palace. You will be able to see the exterior of the palace up close and capture all the beauty around the palace. I personally think this is the best option, especially with limited time.

Pena Palace Entrance Tickets

Pena Palace Entrance Tickets

If you decide to visit the interior of the Palace, you need to purchase your ticket online. You will need to pick a time sloth for entering the palace and there is no delay tolerance.

Keep in mind that the time slot refers to the entry time for the Palace, not for the Park. Park entrance is located a steep walk or short shuttle bus drive away from the Palace itself, so plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.

If you decide to visit Pena Palace later in the afternoon, you can visit the gardens before, but if you have a 9.30 am time slot, don’t spend any extra time wandering around the gardens and head directly to the palace.

—> Get your Pena Palace Park & Palace Ticket here

Don’t want to visit the interior of the palace? Then you don’t have to pick a time slot; however, I still recommend buying your ticket online. You need to pick a specific date, but you can access gardens anytime during working hours and save time at the ticket office.

—> Get your Pena Palace Park Ticket here

How long does it take to visit Pena Palace

How long does it take to visit Pena Palace
Iconic view of Pena Palace

Depending on your itinerary and available time, you should plan at least a couple of hours for visiting Pena Palace. Since there are different tickets and you can skip some parts of the Pena Palace, here is a quick breakdown of visiting times.

  • Climb from the Park entrance up to the Palace: 15-30 minutes
  • Tour inside of the Palace: 1 hour
  • Walking the terraces of the Palace: 30 minutes (up to 1 hour if you want to take photos)
  • Visiting the rest of the gardens and going back to the exit: 1-2 hours

Highlights of Pena Palace

Monumental Gate

Highlights of Pena Palace

Once you reach the Pena Palace, you will be welcomed at Monumental Gate. This impressive gate is characterized by its unique design, which blends various architectural styles including Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance influences.

Make sure you stop for a moment and appreciate the details of the gate from both sides. Once you walk under the gate, you will be able to snap the same photo that you can see above, which is one of the highlights of Pena Palace.

Courtyard of Arches

Highlights of Pena Palace in Sintra
Highlights of Pena Palace in Sintra

The Courtyard of Arches at Pena Palace offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the lush Sintra Hills. I am sure you have seen these yellow arches all over social media, so make sure you snap your picture as well.

This courtyard also features a unique view of Pena Palace and you can capture the contrast of yellow tones with a staircase leading to the tower and red notes in the back. This is one of the best photo spots in Pena Palace.

Triton’s Terrace

Highlights of Pena Palace in Sintra

Triton’s Terrace at Pena Palace is a remarkable feature known for its unique architectural elements and stunning views. This terrace is named after the triton, a mythical sea god, and is known for its unique design.

Don’t miss the window above the Triton’s Tunnel, a simplified version of the Manueline window found in the Convent of Christ in Tomar. This design is a key example of the Neo-Manueline style, which Ferdinand II helped revive.

Other Terraces of Pena Palace

Highlights of Pena Palace in Sintra
Highlights of Pena Palace in Sintra

The Monumental Gate and Courtyard of Arches are connected by a unique terrace, which offers fantastic views and unique angles of the castle. I bet you will want to capture every corner as you walk by.

View of The Moorish Castle

Highlights of Pena Palace in Sintra
View of Moorish Castle from Pena Palace

If you are a photographer, make sure you bring your zoom lens. With a good 200 mm lens you will be able to capture a fantastic panoramic view of The Moorish Castle sitting on the top of the hill.

Best places to see inside the Pena Palace

Highlights of Pena Palace in Sintra
Great Hall
Highlights of Pena Palace in Sintra
Kitchen
  • Manueline Cloister
  • Great Hall
  • Dining Room and Pantry
  • Chambers of King Carlos
  • Bedroom of Ferdinand II
  • Kitchen

More places to see in the gardens of Pena Palace

Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla in Pena Palace Garden in Sintra
Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla
  • Valley of Lakes and Little Birds Fountain
  • Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla
  • Temple of Columns, The Warrior Statue, and The Queen’s Table

Do you want beautiful photos from Lisbon?

Book a photoshoot with us and bring the best souvenirs from your trip! Click on the button below to see our most popular tour!

Other things to know before visiting Pena Palace

How to avoid crowds in Pena Palace?

Arrive right before the opening time or later in the afternoon. Early mornings or late afternoons tend to be less crowded. Plan your visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn), and plan your visit on a weekday. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets online!

When is the best time to visit Pena Palace?

While summer (June to August) offers the warmest weather, it also brings the highest number of tourists. If you prefer fewer crowds, spring and autumn are better options. Winter (December to February) can be quieter but be prepared for cooler temperatures and possible rain.

Is there a restaurant at the Pena Palace?

Yes, there is a restaurant at the Pena Palace, however, it has long lines, limited food, and horrible ratings. If you are starving, you can get a quick snack, but otherwise, wait until you get back to the town or pack your own food.

Do I need to buy Pena Palace tickets in advance?

You need to buy your tickets in advance if you are planning to purchase a Palace + Park entry ticket. If you want to see only the park, you dont need to buy your tickets in advance, but it is recommended to avoid the queue at the ticket office.

—> Get your Pena Palace Park & Palace Ticket here
—> Get your Pena Palace Park Ticket here

Where to find the iconic view of Pena Palace? 

If you look up Pena Palace online, you will find a lot of panoramic photos of the castle, and they are all taken from the High Cross in Sintra. Keep in mind that you will need a 200-300 mm lens.

Can you sleep at Pena Palace?

No, you can’t, but there are some great hotels in the historic town. While most visitors opt for a day trip from Lisbon, I highly recommend spending a night or two in Sintra. This will give you plenty of time to see the best of Sintra and plan some scenic hikes as well.

Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais

If you are looking for a place to stay in Sintra, make sure you check Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais.

The palace is included in the UNESCO Cultural Landscape of Sintra World Heritage Site list and it’s an important attraction of Sintra that tourists usually miss. 

The Seteais Palace has been used as a luxury hotel since 1954, but its original characteristics have been preserved. With a modern-day comfort, of course!

Final thoughts…

How to Visit Pena Palace in Sintra from Lisbon?

This is the end of the Pena Palace travel guide and I am sure you are fully prepared for your visit. Now you can enjoy a smooth trip to Pena Palace and make the most of your time.

I would love to hear your feedback, so feel free to leave a comment below. If you need further help with planning, check out these Lisbon travel tips, hotel recommendations, or food guides.

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How to Visit Pena Palace in Sintra from Lisbon?
How to Visit Pena Palace in Sintra from Lisbon?

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