We will be in Portugal for 11 nights in September. On one of our travel days we will be leaving Obidos where we stay 2 nights to travel to Lisbon where we are staying 3 nights.
We would like to stop for the day in Sintra on the day we are traveling between both locations, we will have a rental car which we would need to park etc.. Many posts seem to indicate that taking the train is the much preferable option because of difficulties navigating the congestion of Sintra.
What have been others experience ?
Posted by
7641 posts
Geographically, it would make sense to stop off in Sintra on your way to Lisbon.
I visited Sintra last year on a day tour from Lisbon. Roads looked good, but it is very hilly.
I would be concerned about parking. If you can, check that out. Are you planning to visit the old Royal Palace?
http://wikitravel.org/en/Sintra
Posted by
OP
Calgary
2 posts
Yes parking was my main concern. I am just in the early stages of trip planning so i haven't looked specifically at which places we will visit- suggestions would be appreciated
Posted by
Calgary, AB, Canada
479 posts
I'm not sure it is worth driving to Sintra and then driving to Lisbon. Sintra is a busy location and particularly on weekends I think you will spend a lot of time sitting in your car. One option could be to drop your car at the car rental in Sintra, and then train on to Lisbon ( I know there is a Hertz car rental in Sintra) but I'm not sure where you would put your baggage then. I don't remember there being lockers at the station, although in Coimbra the TI took our bags for us.
Sintra has lots to see and really can merit a full day, or even an overnight if you want to see it with a few less tourists. The train from Lisbon is very easy.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1663 posts
The previous poster suggested dropping your rental off in Sintra. I think would be a good idea since you don't really want to drive in Lisbon. There's a Europcar office close to the train station, and many car rental agencies will let you store luggage with them for a few hours. You, obviously, would need to check with them before making firm plans. Autoeurope uses Europcar frequently in Portugal and they might be able to check that for you. Autoeurope is my preferred agency for car rentals.
But, all that said, daytripping by train from Lisbon to Sintra is very easy, too.