How to Get to Pena Palace

Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena) is located in Sintra, high up in the Sintra Mountains. 

So using a combination of public transportation (train, bus, and car) is the most convenient and affordable way to get to Pena Palace.

Pena Palace (and Sintra) are super close to central Lisbon (Portugal’s capital city). 

It is only 15 miles (24 km) northwest, so there’s no reason not to go.

Pena Palace Address: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal Get Directions.

Pena Palace Location

Located a mere 50 kilometers away in the vast Sintra Hills, getting to Pena Palace is easy via public transportation.

And the journey takes less than an hour from Lisbon’s city center. 

A bus stop is only 500 meters (one-third of a mile) from the palace called Palacio da Pena. 

Train services are available from Sintra, about three kilometers from the palace. 

You can take bus 434 from the Sintra Estação stop outside the train station to the Palacio da Pena stop. 

Walk the rest of the distance to the attraction in five minutes.

Getting to Pena Palace by Train:

Travel time: 25 to 30 minutes
Closest stop/station: Portela De Sintra
Timings: 6 am to 1 am

If you are looking for the cheapest option to reach Pena Palace, Sintra is the closest train station, located 3 km away from the palace.

From there, visitors can take bus 434 to complete the journey to Palacio da Pena.

If you are looking for how to get to Pena Palace from Lisbon by train, you will need to go to Rossio Train Station. 

This station is located downtown, just off of Plaza Rossio. 

You can buy your train ticket at one of the green kiosk machines inside the station and pay with a debit/credit card or in cash.

There is only one platform with multiple pathways to different train lines. 

Trains depart about every hour, so check the schedule before you go. 

The train ride takes about 30 minutes, and you will need to get off at Sintra Estação.

At the train station, swipe your transport card again to exit. Then, head to your right to catch a ride to Pena Palace.

There are several different fares available. 

You can purchase a one-way, round-trip, or day pass. 

The day pass offers the best value because it is good for 24 hours and lets you move around all of Sintra.

Getting to Pena Palace by Bus

Travel time: 20 minutes
Closest stop/station: Palacio de Pena
Timings: From 9.15 am to 7.50 pm in the summer and from 9.30 am to 6.20 pm at other times of the year.

If you are looking for the most economical option and are on a budget, this might be the best option to reach Pena Palace.

The Palacio da Pena bus stop is the closest to the palace, just 500 meters away. 

Those arriving at Sintra train station can take bus 434 from the Sintra Estação stop outside the station to reach Palacio da Pena.

However, if you buy the day pass, you can use the same ticket to take the local bus straight to Pena Palace.

Show your day pass to the bus driver. The bus ride takes about 10-15 minutes.

When you get to the Pena Palace, get off the bus and follow the crowd.

• The bus gets crowded in peak season, so it is best to arrive early.
• You can also buy a single ticket for the bus, but the day pass is the best value.
• The bus stops at several points in Sintra, so ensure you get off at the right stop.

Getting to Pena Palace by Tuk-Tuk

Taking a tuk-tuk from Sintra train station to Pena Palace is a fun and affordable way to get to the palace.

For four people, a tuk-tuk ride is typically around €10 to €15. However, you can usually haggle the price down.

Before you get in, agree on a price with the tuk-tuk driver.

Tuk-tuks can be a bit cramped, so if you are tall or have a lot of luggage, you may want to consider taking a taxi or the bus.

Tuk-tuks are not allowed to go inside the Pena Palace grounds, so you will need to walk from the tuk-tuk stop to the palace entrance.

Getting to Pena Palace by Car or Taxi

This is the fastest way to get to Sintra. Also, parking spaces near the palace are sufficient to park your car.

However, the roads are also steep and winding, so it’s not the best option if you’re not used to driving in mountainous areas.

If you are considering driving to Pena Palace from Lisbon, here are some things to remember:

• The drive from Lisbon to Pena Palace is about 40 kilometers and takes 45 minutes.
• The roads are winding and narrow, so it is important to be a cautious driver.
• Pena Palace has limited parking, so it is best to arrive early.
• The entrance fee to Pena Palace is €14 for adults and €12 for seniors and children.

Here are the directions to Pena Palace from Lisbon by car:

1. Take the A1 motorway to the exit for Sintra.
2. Follow the signs for Sintra and Pena Palace.
3. Turn right onto N249 and follow the signs for Pena Palace.
4. Turn right onto Escadinhas de Santa Maria 6 and follow the signs for Pena Palace.
5. Turn right onto Rampa do Castelo 12-2 and follow the signs for Pena Palace.

Taxis are generally the quickest way to get to Pena Palace but can also be the most expensive.

The fare for a taxi from Sintra train station to Pena Palace is typically around €5–10.

It is possible to hail a taxi directly from the train station, but finding an available taxi may take some time.

Parking near Pena Palace

There are several parking facilities near Pena Palace:

• Pena Palace Parking: There are two parking spaces close to Pena Palace. 
  
  One is at the bottom of the Parque da Pena and requires a 30-minute walk to the palace.
  
  The other one is near the entrance but is usually busy.

• Sintra Parking: This parking lot is 19 minutes (3.8 miles) from Pena Palace. You can take the bus to the palace from here.
  
• Estacionamento Largo São Pedro Penaferrim Parking: This free parking lot is 16 minutes (3 miles) from Pena Palace.
  
  You can take the bus or walk the rest of the way to the palace.
  
• P1 N: Parque Portela 1 Norte Parking: This free parking lot is 22 minutes (4 miles) from Pena Palace.
  
  You will need to hike to reach the palace or take the bus.
  
• Cabra macho estacionamento Parking: This public parking space is 20 minutes (4 miles) from Pena Palace.
  

Walking to Pena Palace

Travel time: 33 minutes from Sintra City Center
Distance: 2.5 km

By hiking from the city center to Pena Palace, you can completely avoid using public or private transportation. 

You can take the scenic route and save money. You will walk through Sintra’s forests and see some incredible views. 

However, remember that the hike is steep.

If you prefer a short walk, it’s possible to walk the remaining distance to the palace in about five minutes from the Palacio da Pena bus stop.

Pena Palace Entrances

There are two entrances to Pena Palace.

First entrance

This entrance provides access to all parts of the palace.

It consists of stone carvings and painted terraces and is guarded by a statue of Triton.

Visitors with skip-the-line tickets and combo tours have to enter through this gate.

Second Entrance

This Pena Palace entrance provides access to the park only.

FAQs

Featured Image: Parquesdesintra.pt