Does the Lisboa Card include the train to Sintra?

Planning a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon often brings up the same practical question: do you need to buy a separate train ticket, or is the journey already covered by the Lisboa Card? It is a small detail, but one that can change both your budget and the way you plan the day.

In this article, we explain whether the Lisboa Card includes the train to Sintra, how the journey works in practice, where to catch the train in Lisbon, and what the card does and does not include once you arrive.

If you are still comparing options for transport, it is also worth reading our guide on how to get to Sintra from Lisbon.

Yes, the Lisboa Card includes the train to Sintra

Yes, the Lisboa Card includes the train to Sintra. According to Comboios de Portugal, card holders can travel for free on the Sintra Line between Lisbon Rossio / Oriente and Sintra, as well as on selected other CP routes included in the pass. The official Lisboa Card site also states that the card includes CP train travel for day trips such as Sintra.

That means you do not need to buy a separate train ticket for the Lisbon–Sintra journey if you already have a valid Lisboa Card.

Where to catch the train to Sintra

Most travellers take the train to Sintra from Rossio Station, which is the most central and convenient departure point for visitors staying in the city centre. CP also notes coverage from Oriente on the included Sintra Line.

Rossio is usually the simplest option if you are staying around Baixa, Chiado, Avenida da Liberdade or nearby areas. If you are based further east, Oriente may make more sense.

How the Lisboa Card works on the train

The Lisboa Card works as your transport pass during its validity period, so once the card is active, you can use it on the included public transport network without buying extra tickets for those routes. The official card also includes Lisbon public transport such as metro, buses, trams and lifts, alongside the CP routes covered by the card.

The practical point to remember is simple: if your card is still valid, the train to Sintra is covered. If the card has expired, you will need to pay separately.

If you are still deciding whether the pass makes sense for your plans, our article on Lisbon Card: Is It Worth It? is the natural next read.

What the Lisboa Card includes in Sintra — and what it does not

This is where many travellers get confused. The train to Sintra is included, but that does not mean all the main attractions in Sintra are included too.

For example, the official Lisboa Card pages indicate that Pena Palace is not included in the standard card, and Quinta da Regaleira is also not included, although discounts may apply depending on the attraction or booking option.

So the easiest way to think about it is this:

• Train to Sintra: included

• Some attraction discounts: yes

  

• Major Sintra palaces and monuments: often not included in full

That distinction matters, because many people assume the card covers the whole Sintra day trip from start to finish. In reality, it mainly helps with the transport side and selected discounts.

Is the Lisboa Card worth it for a Sintra day trip?

It can be worth it if you are using the card for more than just the train. The official FAQ explains that the value depends on your plans, especially how much public transport you use and how many included attractions you visit.

If your plan is only:

• one train ride to Sintra

• one or two paid attractions there

• very limited transport use in Lisbon

then the card may not save you much.

But if you are also using:

• metro from the airport

• trams, buses or lifts in Lisbon

• one or more attractions included in the card

then it becomes much easier to justify the cost.

For reference, at the time of writing, the official Lisboa Card site still lists adult prices of €31 for 24 hours, €51 for 48 hours, and €62 for 72 hours, although the page has not yet updated its validity dates beyond 31 March 2026.

Practical tips before you go

Try to leave for Sintra early, especially in high season. Even when the train is included, the biggest delays usually happen after arrival, when queues build up for buses, tuk-tuks and palace entrances.

It is also smart to separate your budget into two parts:

• transport to Sintra, which the Lisboa Card can cover

• entry tickets in Sintra, which often need to be bought separately

That way, you avoid the common mistake of assuming the card covers everything.

Final thoughts

So, does the Lisboa Card include the train to Sintra? Yes, it does. That makes it a useful option for travellers who want an easy day trip without buying separate rail tickets.

The important detail is that the card helps most with transport and convenience, not with covering every major attraction in Sintra. If you understand that difference before you go, it becomes much easier to decide whether the Lisboa Card is actually worth buying for your trip.

FAQ

1. Does the Lisboa Card include the train from Lisbon to Sintra?

Yes. The Lisboa Card includes free travel on the CP Sintra Line between Lisbon Rossio / Oriente and Sintra.

2. Do I need to buy a separate Sintra train ticket with the Lisboa Card?

No. If your Lisboa Card is valid, you do not need a separate ticket for the included train route to Sintra.

3. Is Pena Palace included in the Lisboa Card?

No, Pena Palace is not included in the standard Lisboa Card, although some combo options or discounts may exist.

4. Is Quinta da Regaleira included in the Lisboa Card?

No, Quinta da Regaleira is not included in full, but Lisboa Card holders may get a discount.

5. Is the Lisboa Card worth it if I am only visiting Sintra?

Sometimes, but not always. It depends on whether you are also using the card for Lisbon transport and included attractions, not just the train ride to Sintra.