Top 10 Exciting Day Trips from Lisbon

Lisbon is ideally positioned along the Portuguese coast, featuring excellent train and bus connections that make it an ideal base for exploring central Portugal. Below are some of the most popular day trips from Lisbon.

The Best Excursions From the Portuguese Capital

Can You Go to Porto as a Day Trip From Lisbon?

Porto is a popular destination for many visitors looking to explore beyond Lisbon. Although it’s a two-and-a-half-hour train ride away, the connections are direct and manageable, making it a feasible day trip.

The Golden Triangle of Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca

For those seeking a realistic day trip, the sights west of Lisbon are must-sees, particularly Sintra. The transport connections among these sites are efficient, allowing visits to two or even three locations in a single day.

Evora and Other Wine Regions in Portugal

Evora is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its Roman ruins and the eerie Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos). Additionally, located in the Alentejo wine region, it offers fantastic wineries for exploration. The journey from Lisbon to Evora takes approximately 90 minutes by train or bus.

North From Lisbon: Fatima, Obidos, Nazare, Batalha, and Coimbra

Fatima serves as a significant Catholic pilgrimage site, famously known for the Virgin Mary’s apparition in 1917. The Sanctuary of Fatima is the focal point of the visit, often coupled with tours of other religious sites in the area.

The historic university town of Coimbra boasts a unique student tradition—exploring it on foot is highly recommended. It is conveniently reachable from Lisbon by train in about 90 minutes.

How to Get From Lisbon to Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, and Cabo da Roca

Several remarkable attractions are located near Lisbon, each easily accessible within a day.

What to See and Do in Each

• Sintra: The region’s biggest attractions include its three palaces and beautiful natural parks.
• Cascais: A vibrant beach town known for its upscale lifestyle during the 20th century.
• Estoril: Quieter than Cascais, it features a charming seaside and a scenic castle.
• Cabo da Roca: The westernmost point of continental Europe presents breathtaking views.

How to Get from Lisbon to…

• Sintra: Expect a 40-minute train ride from Rossio Station costing around 5€ for a round trip.
• Cascais and Estoril: The scenic train from Cais do Sodre takes about 40 minutes and costs under 2.50€.
• Cabo da Roca: Accessible via the 403 bus from either Cascais or Sintra, running hourly.

Buses are operated by Scotturb, and train information can be found at Cp.pt.

How Many Could You (and Should You) Visit in One Day?

For many, Sintra alone warrants a full day. If relaxing at the beach is your aim, pairing it with a visit to Cascais or Estoril could work well. Alternatively, Cabo da Roca is a splendid addition to balance your itinerary.

If you’re on a beach-focused vacation, either Estoril or Cascais serves as a convenient base to explore the other, easily reachable by bus, taxi, or even walking during the day.

Nonetheless, cramming three or four destinations into a day could lead to a rushed experience. Opting out of one beach town could result in a more enjoyable outing.

Estoril to Cascais and Sintra

The Estoril to Cascais train journey lasts merely five minutes, while the 418 bus connects Estoril to Sintra efficiently.

Fatima, Obidos, Nazare, Batalha

In this section, you will discover transport details for exploring Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare from Lisbon, including guided tour, bus, train, and car options.

Lisbon to Obidos

Bus services from Lisboa-Campo Grande take about one hour. For updates, check Rodotejo.

Lisbon to Fatima

The bus ride to Fatima lasts approximately 1h30 and costs around 10€ each way. Reservations are available from Rede Expressos.

The nearest train station is about 10 km away and necessitates a bus transfer.

Visiting Nazare

Frequent buses operated by Rede Expressos connect Lisbon to Nazare, with a journey time of around two hours.

Connecting up These Sights

Due to limited bus services between these attractions, your best option is either via guided tours or self-driving.

Guided Tour: Several guided tour options from Lisbon to Fatima are available; some focus solely on Fatima, while others combine visits to additional sites.

By Car: The drive from Lisbon to Obidos takes roughly an hour. Continuing to Fatima via Nazare requires just over an hour, with the return to Lisbon taking about one and a half hours. Complete your excursion with a visit to Coimbra, located just 50 minutes away from Fatima.

Visiting Evora From Lisbon

For those keen on exploring Portugal’s Alentejo wine region, Evora is a prime destination. Although a bit further from Lisbon, it remains well connected through both bus and train options, making it a sought-after spot for tasting Portugal’s lesser-known wines.

Evora en Route From Spain to Lisbon

If you are traveling from Spain to Portugal, a stop in Evora could be a pleasant detour before heading to Lisbon. It is roughly an hour’s drive from Badajoz or two hours from Merida. Remember, the time zone difference may affect travel estimates on booking websites.

Best Way to Travel Between Lisbon and Evora

Both bus and train take a similar duration and price, though the train offers more comfort, depending on your proximity to the respective stations.

An organized guided tour may provide the best access, especially if you wish to visit a winery.

Lisbon to Evora by Guided Tour

Guided tours from Lisbon to Evora often encompass visits to significant historical sites, including the Chapel of Bones, the Évora Cathedral, the Roman Temple, and Almendres Cromlech.

For those remaining in Evora for more than a day, city tours starting in Evora can offer a different experience.

Lisbon to Evora by Train and Bus

The train ride from Lisbon to Evora typically lasts 1h30 and costs around 15€ one way.

The bus ride to Evora takes slightly over 1h30 and costs about 20€ for a round trip (approximately 10€ one way). Tickets can be purchased from Rede Expressos.

Lisbon to Evora by Car

The distance from Lisbon to Evora is around 130 km, with a travel time of approximately an hour and a half.