Hi again. I was looking at transportation from Porto to Sintra and it looks like taking the Flixbus might be easier than taking the train, where I'd have to stop at the Oriente station in Lisbon then catch another train. From what I've seen, the bus looks pretty much as comfortable as the train and it's less expensive. This will be my first time taking the bus, and I have no idea how popular this route is, so I'm wondering if I need to reserve a ticket a few weeks in advance or if it's safe to wait until just a few days before. I appreciate any help you can provide!
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1676 posts
I’ve taken the Gypsyy bus from Porto to Cascais - it makes a stop in Sintra. It is easier IMO because you don’t have to make the change from bus to train. I’m pretty certain Flixbus is very much the same as Gypsyy.
It think it depends on the time of the year you will be taking it. In the summer, I would go with a couple of weeks. Other times of the year, a few days would likely be fine.
I found the bus to be quite comfortable and will likely take the bus on future trips to Porto.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2382 posts
I took the FlixBus from Porto to Sintra last spring after a train strike was announced. I think I bought the ticket, and paid for a reserved seat, a couple of days ahead.
It was fine, and pretty full. Note the location of the bus stations, especially on the Sintra end. I took an Uber to my Sintra lodging.
Posted by
PA
2741 posts
We did the reverse bus trip in October, it was a fine. Note that the bus station in Sintra is alongside the Portela de Sintra train station, which is about 1 kilometer east of the end of the line station in Sintra, walkable, next train, or Uber to your lodging. We did several Ubers as we were staying on the outskirts several miles east, and found them reliable, efficient, and inexpensive. Bus ride itself was fine, we had bought tix in advance and were able to reserve the first seats on the right (for a fee, of course) allowing for a full view ride. Note in Porto the bus station is in the complex with the Campanha metro and rail stations, signage is not that great.
Posted by
OP
MD
484 posts
Thank you for the helpful input. It looks like a 25 minute walk from the bus station to my Airbnb, which might be nice after sitting for so long.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2382 posts
If I recall correctly, you would be walking along roads without sidewalks--the Sintra bus station is not in town.
Posted by
OP
MD
484 posts
Ah, LizinPA, thanks for that info. I may have to Uber then unless they have a local bus/tram at the station. There are so many things to consider when traveling to unknown places. It can almost be exhausting at times, but so far at least, it's worth it!
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2382 posts
TBH, since my lodging on both ends was a short distance from the train stations, I would much rather have taken the train with 1 transfer in Lisbon. I used Uber at both ends because of the bus station locations, and it was fine. My best option considering the train strike.