Cavangal

I visited Portugal previously, including Porto, Lisbon and enjoyed a tour based in Povoa which included several day trips. Now trying to plan a short visit this September. I arrive Lisbon from Madrid and will meet family/friends at Fatima staying 4 nights. Have been at Shrine several years ago taking a bus from airport to bus station Lisbon and then onward to Fatima which was not difficult.
Is it easy to travel by public transportation from Fatima to Sintra on a day trip? If not, can someone help planning 1 or 2 day trips that I can enjoy and be able to return early enough for dinner. Not sure of the bus system and if I would need to return to Lisbon to get on a train to Sintra? Any suggestions for day trips much appreciated. Thank you.7

PalenQ

Trains take about 2.5 hours each way and involve changes of train at Entroncamento, Lisbon Oriente and Cacem (sp?) - plus I believe the Fatimas train station is a bit out of town, not sure.

anyways don't give much time in Sintra where there are two major castles/palaces and a nice hilly park to explore.

Buses may well be much quicker but I don't have info on that.

For details on Portugeuse trains I always recommend these superb sites - www.seat61.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com - check the latter's free online European Planning & Rail Guide's Portugal section for places on interest much closer to Fatima. How about renting a car for a day?

Amen!

Pepper_von_snoot

Wrong!

Sintra is an absolutely magical town!

Very beautiful place. I wouldn't hesitate to stay a few days.

I have only visited Sintra by train from Rossio Station in Lisboa.

Have been to Fatima, Batalha, and Alcobaca from Lisbon all in the same day by bus.

Loved the tomb of Ines de Castro in Alcobaca!

My ex-husband, Rogerio, was born in Lisboa.


Thin

PalenQ

Wrong!>

Before screaming WRONG read what was written - nothing says that Sintra ain't a fabulous town - just that it is a long complicated slog each way by train, maybe not bus - I agree Sintra is one of the best places in Portugal.

Pepper_von_snoot

>anyways don't give much time in Sintra <

That's what you wrote.

Thin

PalenQ

Trains take about 2.5 hours each way and involve changes of train at Entroncamento, Lisbon Oriente and Cacem (sp?) - plus I believe the Fatimas train station is a bit out of town, not sure.

anyways don't give much time in Sintra where there are two major castles/palaces and a nice hilly park to explore.>

Read it in context - maybe poorly written but says since it takes so long each way to get there by train it will not leave much time there to see much and there is a whole lot.

Cavangal

My hotel in Fatima is very short distance from the bus station. I now must plan traveling by bus to Lisbon. If I leave from Fatima around 8am should be in Lisbon before 10am as I will not travel on weekend. I know from previous trip there is a metro stop very close to drop off in Lisbon so will look at getting a train from Lisbon to Sintra. I heard recently that the train from Lisbon takes about 45 mins. Not sure if that is reliable information. If it is, I could have a nice day to Sintra as I like to walk around to see major sites, even take a trolley bus or tour around if its offered. If I can get back to Fatima between 8 and 9pm it might be an enjoyable day. I can get a light dinner before taking the bus returning to Fatima I will try going as hate to miss seeing a place that is popular.
Any other suggestions for a day trip out of Fatima? Thanks to all.

PalenQ

Yes Sintra is less than an hour by train from Lisbon - frequent service - a commuter railway.

Cavangal

Is there a multi-day transit pass for the buses and/or trains? I am senior citizen and not sure of prices. If there is I might buy a 2 day pass.
When I stayed in Lisbon the hotel clerk told me to buy a day pass for the bus which was fantastic, I got out to Belem and out to airport next morning for early flight.
I need all the help I can get and that means I have great experience and enjoy everything.

socal

Cavangal.... You can buy a Lisboa Card at the tourist info desks at the airport in Lisbon or in the center of town for 1 to 3 days The card has a senior/childrens discount. It allows you free trips in Lisbon on the metro, buses ,trams and the train from the Rossio station to Sintra. It also provides you with free or discounted admissions to over 20 plus museums and buildings that make it a no brainer. I think the price of a 3 day pass is about 37 or38 euro. They have a web site, but I'll have to look it up. Hope that helps. SoCal

PS.. The subway starts at the airport and you can now get to the center of town in a quick trip. Then you can take a bus, train or trolley to see the city above ground.

Cavangal

I get take metro at LIS airport, does metro stop at Rossio to connect with train to Sintra? Need to be sure I have the correct metro line to avoid nightmare. If this works it will give me enough time and be able to get bus back to Fatima and would advise hotel I will be checking in later. I could try a 2 day pass as I walk around in most places. Any suggestion about storing my luggage?
Thanks for all the help provided.

Pepper_von_snoot

I think you take Red Line from Airport to Alameda, then transfer Green Line to Rossio.

Thin

socal

For the board... I too plan to take the family from the Rossio train to Sintra. My question concerns how we'll get from the train station up to the Castle in Pena and in museums up the hill in Sintra. How close ares the bus/tram stop and which place should we visit first, if we want to see it all in one day? Any idea on the costs of the tickets? thanks for any help... SoCal