Last Updated on July 29, 2025
Taking the train from Porto to Sintra is a fun and scenic experience! The trip is about 4 hours, and along the route you’ll have beautiful views of the Portuguese countryside.
While I visited Portugal, I used the train system to travel all throughout the country. I found the Portuguese train system is a very reasonably priced, safe, and comfortable mode of transportation. Plus, train travel is a sustainable tourism option for transportation, a great choice for anyone who wants to be a more responsible tourist.
How to Train From Porto to Sintra: The Basics
To take the train from Porto to Sintra, you’ll use Comboios de Portugal (CP). CP is Portugal’s national railway company. It provides an extensive and reliable train network that connects major cities and tourist destinations across the country.
Porto to Sintra Railway Route
To travel by train from Porto to Sintra, you’ll take a direct train from Porto’s Campanha station to Lisbon’s Oriente station, where you’ll change to an urban train that connects you to Sintra. The whole trip takes just under 4 hours.
Campanhã Station in Porto
The 3 main train stations in Porto are Sao Bento, Campanha, and Vila Nova de Gaia. To get to Sintra, you will leave from Campanha station.
Campanha station is just outside the center of Porto. It’s easy to reach by taxi or Uber (a 10 minute drive), or you can take the urban CP train from Sao Bento station to Campanha station, which also takes about 10 minutes.
Campanha station has all the amenities you need, including ticket offices, waiting rooms, ATMs, left luggage facilities, bathrooms, and restaurants.
Oriente Station in Lisbon
From Campanha station in Porto you will connect to Oriente station in Lisbon. This is the main transportation hub in Lisbon. The train is direct, taking about 2.5 hours.
As the train nears Lisbon, stay cognizant of what stations it stops at. There are several stations in Lisbon, and you’ll want to make sure you get off at the right one to transfer – Oriente station.
When you arrive at Lisbon Oriente, find the CP ticket machines in the mezzanine level down from the platforms for ‘Urbanos’ trains and buy your onward ticket there. The ticket from Oriente to Sintra costs around €3, and since it’s an urban train, it runs frequently.
Once you have your ticket, just walk to the right platform for the train and wait for the next one. Be sure that you validate this ticket on the card reader before boarding the train.
Oriente station has all the amenities you might need as you change trains: Coffee stands, bathrooms, restaurants, and more.
Train Station in Sintra
The urban train will connect you from Lisbon Oriente to Sintra’s main train station, Estacao de Sintra. The trip takes 35 to 40 minutes.
Sintra’s train station is small, so it’s easy to navigate. Once you arrive, you can exit and either walk to the center of Sintra (it’s about 1.5 kilometers), take the local bus, or go by taxi.
How to Book a Train Ticket from Porto to Sintra
The key thing to know when you book the train from Porto to Sintra, is that you should book the direct train.
Direct trains from Porto to Lisbon Oriente run several times a day, with a run time of about 2.5 hours. There will be other, longer options, but those options aren’t direct.
You can buy your CP train tickets in person, or online. You can get information on timetables and prices on the CP website. You have the option to book through the website using a credit card – this is what I did.
You also have the option of buying your tickets at the train station. Head to the nearest train station to book. In advance is always best. In the station you can pay by credit card or by cash.
Portugal’s trains are used by locals and travelers alike, and they often book up. Even if you’re traveling during winter in Portugal, or fall in Portugal, which tends to be the low season, it’s best to book your ticket in advance. This guarantees your ticket and time.
If you buy your ticket through the website, you can download the PDF of the tickets to print them or show them on your phone when boarding a train.
If you buy your ticket in the station, you’ll be given a printed ticket. I opted to download the ticket to my phone, which worked perfectly for boarding the train.
Porto to Sintra Train Ticket Prices
How much you pay for your ticket from Porto to Sintra will vary based on when you’re traveling (weekend or a weekday), how in advance you book your tickets, and what class you book.
Typically, a train ticket from Porto to Sintra costs between €25 and €45, but verify the price when you book your ticket through the CP website.
CP Train Classes: Economy Class Vs. First Class
Every train in Portugal is divided up into compartments, and there are two classes to choose from. First-class (comfort class) tickets on Portuguese trains generally cost 30% more than “tourist” class (i.e. second-class) tickets.
If you’re only traveling on the train for a few hours, the class isn’t really a big deal. Both second and first class on CP trains are comfortable.
CP 2nd Class (Tourist Class)
This is the most economic ticket option offered by Portugal’s CP trains. This class is perfectly comfortable.
It has modern facilities, a catering service so you can buy snacks and drinks, and a bar car which is open during the whole ride. Tourist class tickets include free wifi and power outlets, and there are bathrooms in the cars.
CP 1st Class (Comfort Class)
The main difference between the tourist class and comfort class cars is that the seats in comfort class are roomier. Rather than 4 seats in each row, this class has 3 seats in each row.
In this class, you have access to the comfort class lounge in Campanha station in Porto. Once on board, you’re served a free drink.
Comfort class tickets include free wifi and power outlets, and there are bathrooms in the cars. If you’re traveling with pets, you can also take them onboard in comfort class!
Amenities on The Train From Porto to Sintra
The train from Porto to Sintra has all the amenities you need. There are train attendants available to assist you in boarding the train, finding your seat, and helping with any questions you may have.
The trains have clean washrooms, and plenty of storage space for stowing your luggage. All cars have air conditioning, so you’ll be comfortable the whole trip. Trains also have free WiFi on board.
There is a bar car available in both Tourist and Comfort class trains, and there are also service carts for snacks and drinks.
Portugal Train Travel FAQs
Let’s dive into some of the most common questions about how to train from Porto to Sintra.
Is there a direct train from Porto to Sintra?
There isn’t a direct train from Porto to Sintra. You have to train from Porto Campanha Station to Lisbon Oriente Station, and then change to an urban train that takes you the rest of the way to Sintra. Oriente station is easy to navigate, and trains from Lisbon Oriente to Sintra run often, making this connection very simple.
How long is the train ride from Porto to Sintra?
The whole journey from Porto to Sintra will take around 4 hours, including one connection in Lisbon. The train from Porto to Lisbon takes about 2.5 hours, and then the urban train from Lisbon to Sintra is about a 40 minute trip.
Is the train system in Portugal good?
The train system in Portugal is a reliable and comfortable mode of transportation between major cities and urban centers throughout Portugal. All of Portugal’s trains are well-maintained, efficient, safe, and tickets are priced very reasonably.
Train Travel in Portugal: Porto to Sintra
Traveling from Porto to Sintra by train is an easy and comfortable way to get between these two beautiful places. Train ticket prices are super reasonable, and the trains are efficient and fast.
Aside from those benefits, I personally really enjoyed train travel in Portugal because the views of the Portuguese countryside are amazing. Be sure to book a window seat when you reserve your ticket so you can enjoy the views, too!
When you arrive in Sintra, you’ll know the train journey was worth it. You’ll love this beautiful municipality of Portugal, where you can visit incredible palaces like Quinta da Regaleira, Biester Palace, and more.
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