Portugal Expert Needed!

Why would you bother with a car to get to Sintra, when there's a fast, efficient train that could not be more convenient?

Sintra is great - you will have a great time there (if you like castles, you'll be happy). It's a great place to spend the day - but I don't see any reason to spend the night there.

We found Porto to be a charming city with good public transportation options - as well as lots to see on foot, if you're willing to walk up and down a bit. There is much to be seen (including LOTS of tile!), and three nights/two days will let you sample the sights, sounds, and tastes - and decide what to do more of the next time you visit.

Hi there - I was saying I would take a car direct from the airport to Sintra - I don't think there is a train from the airport ... maybe a bus but maybe it is easier to hire a car - priced it at 54 euros (up to 4 passengers), is there public transit which is easier/cheaper?

I was thinking we'd take a car from the airport to Sintra and then train it back to Lisbon or, from Sintra, travel up to Obidos ... anyone know if this is possible by train. Another consideration is renting a car in Sintra to explore. Thinking maybe that is more reasonable then traveling all the way up to Porto/Braga.

No expert, but just returned from PT last night. Sintra is an easy train trip from Lisbon-35 minutes (Rossi station) several each hour. Not sure having a car there is worth it. Pena Palace is great, Nat'l Palace worth seeing as well. Obidos is a beautiful walled city with a castle/fortress but no development as a sight. We enjoyed hanging out but might question staying overnight. Nazare is wonderful and we were glad we spent a night there, but again, go for hiking or biking but not attractions (funicular to Sitio is fun).We regret that we did not get to Porto/Braga. Lisbon:Fortress and the #28 streetcar worth it but it is not a half day attraction. Lisboa's Belem suburb was very good... Coach museo a pleasant surprise-watch the video of King Carlos there-Monastery good, walking along the monument of discoveries and Belem tower ok. We loved Rick's "eating Lane" and would especially recommend the fried chicken at Bonjardim/Machado-- our special treat: Casa do Alentjo-phenomenal bldg inside, tiles, painted ceilings, good food, moderate prices. Hope this helps. George, Pittsburgh

Just saw your comment on Airport to Sintra... there is an Aeropuerto shuttle (3.50) that will take you to Sete Rios, where the rail station has trains to Sintra. (also a bus station which we used to go to Nazare)It is the Jardim Zoological stop on the Blue Line Metro, which could also be reached by Metro with a couple of transfers. Transferring on the Metro is relatively easy, lots of escalators and we two dinosaurs had little trouble with any Metro station. This was the first time we traveled to Europe and didn't rent a car for at least part of the trip and had no regrets. By the way, we used buses for inter city and loved them.
George, Pittsburgh

I suggest you check out the website www.toursforyou.pt. This is a Portuguese tour company that we used last year for a private guided tour of Portugal in 5 days; they have great itineraries you might want to consider , including a self-drive option. We loved Porto, Coimbra and Obidos, especially the hotel Casa das Senhoras Rainhas. The Alentejo region was also lovely. I was very impresssed with their service as a private tour company as well.

Don't pretend to be an expert, but was there almost exactly 1 year ago. Our flight - an overnight from the US (out of EWR - probably the same flight you're on) - landed in Lisbon, and we were certainly in no shape to drive (especially in a foreign country) and the last thing I would have wanted to do would have been to get in a rental car and drive. You might consider what you're going to be feeling like when you arrive.

My advice would be to take a bus from the airport to the old center, check in and go enjoy the city for the day, relaxing and recovering from the time shift. Ride the old trolley up to the big castle overlooking the city, explore the ramparts, then wander down through the Alfama to the waterfront. Get a good night's sleep, then the next day, head out to either Belem, or Sintra - each are worth a day (and both make a perfect, easy day trip via public transport), and neither would be a good place for a car.

If you really want to drive, pick up a car on your way out of Lisbon.