Will be arriving via air in late May. Will be staying in Sintra for two nights (before relocating to Lisbon centro), using it to see local sights and to spend one day traveling up to Obidos and back. Right now plan is to rent a car at airport.
Is this the best choice from logistical and stress standpoint? Or is the transport system such that trains are as good or better of a choice.
Having a car in either Sintra or Lisbon isn’t a good idea. And, parking in either of these places is very challenging. Of the places you mention, the only one not easily accessible by train is Óbidos.
I know a lot of people rent cars from the airport but I personally wouldn’t.
Thank you for your reply Katherine.
Can you explain why you suggested not renting a car at the airport?
Also the intent is to drive around the countryside north of Sintra (and perhaps south to Cascais & Estoril) until Obidos & then return to Sintra and park the car at our hotel (Sintra Boutique Hotel) We were thinking of returning the car in downtown Lisbon on the 3rd day.
If we were to take a train, how does one get to the Pena Palace --- by taxi, bus? --- since it is 3-4 km away from the town center
There are shuttle buses up to Pena Palace.
You don’t need a car in Lisbon or Sintra.
Obidos. is good for about two hours maximum. There is an express bus to Obidos.
We were there late May last year. I agree no need for car in Lisbon or Sintra. Traffic and parking can be a headache. Trains, trolleys and walking are the best in these areas. We even did an occasional Uber. You can probably take a train to Opidos, because once you get there you have to park outside the city anyway, which can be a hassle too.
I did something similar when I was in Portugal in 2017, flying into Lisbon, spending my first two nights in Sintra, then moving on to Lisbon, easy train both ways. I did not rent a car, and I spent my time in Sintra exploring Sintra, there are various wonderful places to visit, all easily accessible by bus or walking, or taxi if you need one. I think a rental car in this area would be more a hassle than a benefit. Also, I found Obidos very touristy and a visit there, in my mind, would not merit the time or investment in a rental car. Better to explore Sintra.
Larry, Renee, Suki and Kathryn: Thank you all very much for your input! You have the case for not having a car & we'll take the train from either Rossio or Oriente station to Sintra. Any suggestion on which is the easiest from the airport?
We went from Rossio, we stayed right around the corner from it, very convenient.
