12 Incredible Day trips from Lisbon by train or bus

Picture yourself stepping off a train into a fairy-tale town, where pastel-colored palaces peek through misty forests. Or imagine wandering through sun-drenched medieval streets, where history whispers from every weathered stone. These aren’t far-off fantasies – they’re the reality of day trips from Lisbon, the enchanting Portuguese capital.

Some of the best day trips from Lisbon can be accessed easily by public transportation. Whether you take a train, bus, or a private tour–or just rent your own car and travel the country you will be amazed. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to pristine beaches and charming villages, these day trips offer a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Train and Bus stations in Lisbon

Lisbon has several train and bus stations, some being at the same place. Listed are the major ones that serve most of the destinations mentioned.

Main train stations in Lisbon

• Lisboa – Oriente Station: This is the largest and most modern station in Lisbon. It serves international trains, long-distance domestic trains, and suburban lines. Many trains to destinations in the north and east of Portugal depart from here, including services to Porto, Coimbra, and the Algarve.
• Lisboa – Santa Apolónia Station: This is the oldest main station in Lisbon, located near the historic Alfama district. It serves long-distance trains to destinations in the north and east of Portugal, as well as some international services.
• Lisboa – Rossio Station: Located in the heart of Lisbon, this station primarily serves the Sintra line. It’s the main departure point for trains to Sintra, making it crucial for tourists planning a day trip to this popular destination.
• Lisboa – Cais do Sodré Station: This station serves the line to Cascais, a popular coastal town. While not as central for the day trips mentioned in the blog post, it’s an important station for reaching beaches along the Estoril coast.

For most of the day trips mentioned in the blog post, you’ll likely be using either Oriente Station or Rossio Station. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check your specific journey, as departure points can sometimes vary depending on the time of day or specific service.

Lisbon has several bus stations serving different areas and routes.

• Sete Rios Bus Terminal: This is the main and largest bus station in Lisbon. It’s a hub for both domestic and international bus services. Many of the day trips mentioned in the blog post, such as Óbidos, Fátima, and Évora, would likely depart from here. Companies like Rede Expressos, Eva Bus, and Renex operate from this terminal.
• Oriente Bus Terminal: Located next to the Oriente train station, this bus terminal serves many intercity and international routes. It’s particularly useful for buses heading east and north of Lisbon.
• Campo Grande Bus Terminal: This station primarily serves suburban areas north of Lisbon and some intercity routes. It’s smaller than Sete Rios but still an important hub.
• Praça de Espanha: While not a large terminal, this is a significant departure point for buses to Sintra and other nearby destinations.
• Cais do Sodré: This is mainly a train station, but it also serves as a departure point for buses to the coastal areas west of Lisbon, including Cascais.

Navigating the bus and train stations are usually pretty easy. The large stations have signs but you really have to pay attention. The bus lots are a little harder to navigate but there is usually someone you can ask for help.

So what are some perfect places to go for the day? Here are a few!

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Sintra

Nestled in the forested hills of the Serra de Sintra, this enchanting town is a must-visit for any traveler to Portugal. Sintra is home to some of the most stunning and unique palaces in Europe. The colorful Pena Palace (Palácio Nacional da Pena), perched atop a hill, looks like it’s straight out of a Disney movie. It is quite obvious why this is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon.

The mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, with its initiation wells and underground tunnels, will spark your imagination. And the Moorish-inspired National Palace of Sintra (Palácio Nacional de Sintra) in the town center offers a glimpse into Portugal’s royal past.

There is also the lush Sintra-Cascais Natural Park that surrounds the town, offering hiking trails with breathtaking views from the Moorish castle (Castelo dos Mouros). The microclimate here keeps the area cooler and mistier than Lisbon, creating an almost magical atmosphere.

The best way to get to Sintra is by train from the Rossio train station in Lisbon. This is the way we went the first time and it is really easy. It takes about 45 minutes and drops you a little outside of Sintra. You can walk, get a taxi, or take one of the numerous TukTuks up to the palace or into the historic town.

Évora

This well-preserved medieval city in the heart of the Alentejo region is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a treasure trove of history and culture. There are the Roman ruins of the Temple of Diana, a beautifully preserved 1st-century Roman temple, stands as a testament to the city’s ancient past. It’s one of the best-preserved Roman structures on the Iberian Peninsula. But do not miss the haunting Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) in the Church of São Francisco is lined with human skulls and bones, creating a macabre yet fascinating sight that reminds visitors of life’s impermanence.

Évora is also the capital of the Alentejo wine region, known for its robust reds. Schedule a wine tasting while you are there. The city’s restaurants serve delicious regional specialties like black pork, sheep’s cheese, and açorda (bread soup).

Travel time by train is 1 hour 30 minutes from Lisbon’s Oriente Station. You can also leave by bus at that station but it will take about 15 extra minutes.

Óbidos

Óbidos is one of our favorite places to visit and a must see when people come to visit. This picturesque town is like stepping back in time to medieval Portugal. Make sure you check out the well preserved medieval castle and walk through the narrow, cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowers. It’s like wandering through a living museum.

Make sure you taste the sweet cherry liquor of ginjinha in chocolate cups. Óbidos is famous for its ginjinha, a unique and delicious treat you shouldn’t miss.

Óbidos is also considered a literary town and has been designated a UNESCO City of Literature. The town hosts an annual international literary festival and is home to several unique bookshops, including one in a converted church.

You can take the train from Lisbon’s Sete Rios Station for a two hour ride to Caldas da Rainha and then take a bus transfer. There is no train station in Óbidos anymore. The best way is to just take the bus from Lisbon’s Campo Grande Station and arrive in Obidos in an hour. We do this trip frequently and it is very easy and costs less than €10.

Mafra

Often overlooked by tourists, Mafra offers a glimpse into Portugal’s royal past and boasts one of the most impressive palaces in the country, the National Palace of Mafra. This enormous baroque palace-monastery complex is a marvel of 18th-century architecture. It houses one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, with over 36,000 leather-bound volumes.

There is also the Tapada Nacional de Mafra, a former royal hunting ground that is now a wildlife park where you can spot deer, wild boar, and various bird species. It’s perfect for nature lovers and hikers.

Make sure you try the traditional bread “Pão de Mafra,” a delicious sourdough bread that’s been baked here for centuries.

There is no direct train connection but you can get there by bus from Oriente station in about 45 minutes.

Tomar

Tomar is a small city in central Portugal steeped in mystery, legend, and a rich history thanks to its connection with the Knights Templar. DO NOT miss the Convento de Cristo. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once the headquarters of the Knights Templar in Portugal. Its unique circular church and intricate Manueline window are architectural marvels.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during early July every four years (next one in 2027) you’ll witness this colorful festival of Festa dos Tabuleiros where women parade through the streets balancing towers of bread and flowers on their heads.

Whether you take the train from Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia or Oriente stations or the bus from Oriente Station, the ride is about two hours.

Fátima

Fatima is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world and attracts millions of visitors each year. It tends to get very busy around religious holidays, so you may want to check the calendar before scheduling.

There are several places to check out in Fátima. One is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, the enormous square and basilica complex is impressive in its scale and devotion. Watching pilgrims approach the chapel on their knees is a moving sight.

The Apparition Chapel was built on the site where the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared to three shepherd children in 1917, This small chapel is the heart of Fátima’s spiritual significance.

Finally the Museu de Arte Sacra e Etnologia offers insights into the story of Fátima and displays an interesting collection of religious art from around the world.

There is no direct train connections but a bus trip take about an hour and a half. This is a popular day trip and is often offered with many guided tours such as Nazaré, Óbidos and Batalha.

Alcobaça

This small town in central Portugal is home to one of the country’s most beautiful monasteries, the Monastery of Alcobaça:. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Its simplicity and grandeur are awe-inspiring, and the tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro tell one of Portugal’s most tragic love stories.

The best place to leave Lisbon is Lisbon’s Oriente Station. You can take the train which is about 2 hours or the bus which is about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The bus will drop you closer to the city center.

Coimbra

Sometimes I think Coimbra gets overlooked as a day trip. There is certainly more to do there that would take more than a day but if you are not going to make it north, consider checking it out.

It is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290. The University is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t miss the stunning Joanina Library, with its gilt bookshelves and resident bat colony that protects the books from insects. You can also tour the rest of the University and see some amazing artifacts from the science labs.

Take a walk through old town to see the entrance way arch and experience the Fado de Coimbra. This unique version of Portugal’s soulful fado music is performed by male students in their traditional black capes.

There is also the quirky Portugal dos Pequenitos, a theme park that features miniature versions of Portuguese historic monuments and landmarks and is a hit with both kids and adults.

Coimbra can be reached by train in 2 hours from Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia or Oriente stations. Make sure you get off at Coimbra A. If the train takes you to Coimbra B, you can take a taxi into town–which is what I recommend.The walk is about 30 minutes to the historic center.

Cabo da Roca

The westernmost point of continental Europe, Cabo da Roca offers dramatic coastal scenery and a sense of standing at the edge of the world. It is a great place to see some of the most stunning vistas in Portugal. On a clear day, you can see for miles along the coastline.

Check out the historical lighthouse built in 1772. It adds a picturesque element to the landscape and reminds visitors of the area’s maritime importance. There are also lots of nature trails surrounding the area that offers beautiful hiking trails through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, with diverse flora and fauna.

There is no direct route there but you can take the train to Cascais and then take a bus. The whole trip may take about 2 hours to get there by public transport but it is worth it.

Setúbal

This bustling coastal town south of Lisbon offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. Go here to eat the best seafood or at least to see the Mercado do Livramento. It is one of the best fish markets in the world. If you don’t buy any seafood, you must at least try the choco frito (fried cuttlefish).

There is also a an estuary close by where you can take a boat trip out for the day and enjoy the amazing beaches. Dolphins are often spotted in the Sado Estuary which would make the day even more magical.

The train from Roma-Areeiro Station is about an hour ride and drops you not far from the city center. The bus will drop you closer though.

Arrábida

The Arrábida Natural Park is probably one of the most amazing day trips, especially if you are a beach person. Portinho da Arrábida and Praia do Creiro are some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches. The crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches surrounded by lush green hills are simply breathtaking.

The park also offers numerous hiking trails with spectacular views of the coastline and the Tróia Peninsula across the bay and the Convento da Arrábida, a 16th-century monastery built into the mountainside, offers a peaceful retreat and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Unfortunately, there is no direct bus or train route here. It is best reached by car and takes about 45 min. You can hire a Bolt or Uber to drive you are get a guided tour.

Sesimbra

This small fishing village nestled between the mountains and the sea offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and gastronomy. Go out to Cabo Espichel to see the lighthouse and the Nossa Senhora do Cabo sanctuary, as well as dinosaur footprints in the nearby cliffs.

Sesimbra’s main beach is a long stretch of golden sand is the perfect place for sunbathing and water sports. For a more secluded experience, try the beautiful Ribeiro do Cavalo beach.

As a traditional fishing town, Sesimbra offers some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in Portugal. Try the grilled fish at one of the beachfront restaurants for a true local experience.

There is no direct train route to Sesimbra but the bus takes about and hour and 10 minutes. You can leave from the Sete-Rios station and the cost is less than €10.

Some Additional Thoughts

As we conclude our journey through these captivating destinations, it’s clear that Lisbon serves as an ideal base for exploring the rich tapestry of Portuguese culture, history, and natural beauty. Each of these day trips offers a unique glimpse into a different facet of Portugal, from the romantic palaces of Sintra to the sacred sites of Fátima, from the academic traditions of Coimbra to the rugged beauty of Cabo da Roca.

While train travel is often the most convenient and relaxing way to reach many of these destinations, some places are more easily accessed by bus or car. Whichever mode of transport you choose, remember that the journey itself is part of the adventure. As you travel through the Portuguese countryside, you’ll be treated to views of rolling hills, ancient olive groves, and charming villages that seem frozen in time.

One of the joys of these day trips is the ability to immerse yourself in the local culture, even if just for a few hours. Whether you’re sipping ginjinha in Óbidos, listening to fado in Coimbra, or savoring fresh seafood in Setúbal, these experiences will give you a deeper appreciation of Portugal’s rich cultural heritage.

Portugal has something for everyone

For history buffs, the wealth of UNESCO World Heritage sites on this list is truly impressive. From the mysterious Templar fortress in Tomar to the grand monastery of Alcobaça, from the Roman ruins of Évora to the academic halls of Coimbra, you’ll find yourself walking in the footsteps of kings, knights, scholars, and pilgrims.

Nature lovers will find plenty to admire as well. The dramatic cliffs of Cabo da Roca and Arrábida, the lush forests of Sintra, and the dolphin-inhabited waters of the Sado Estuary offer a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems to explore.

And let’s not forget the food and wine. Each region has its own culinary specialties, from the hearty dishes of the Alentejo to the fresh seafood of the coast. Paired with local wines – perhaps a robust red from Évora or a sweet Moscatel from Setúbal – these gastronomic experiences are sure to be highlights of your trips.

A few things to consider

As you plan your day trips from Lisbon, remember that while it’s tempting to try to see everything, sometimes less is more. Don’t rush through these places; take the time to wander, to sit in a cafe and watch the world go by, to chat with locals, and to really soak in the atmosphere of each unique destination.

Also, keep in mind that while the summer months are the most popular time to visit Portugal, these day trips can be enjoyed year-round. In fact, visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall can offer milder weather and fewer crowds, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

Finally, while this list covers some of the most popular and accessible day trips from Lisbon, it’s by no means exhaustive. Portugal is a country of endless discoveries, and you’ll find that each trip leads to new adventures and unexpected delights. So don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path, to explore that intriguing side street, or to strike up a conversation with a friendly local. After all, it’s often these unplanned moments that become our most cherished travel memories.

Whether you’re drawn to Portugal for its history, its natural beauty, its cuisine, or simply its laid-back charm, these day trips from Lisbon offer a perfect way to deepen your understanding and appreciation of this captivating country. So hop on a train, bus, or rent a car, and set out to explore. Portugal’s hidden gems are waiting to be discovered, and each one promises an unforgettable adventure. Boa viagem!