- Recommended
Museu do Brinquedo
Museum in a former toy factory displaying Portuguese and international toys, dolls, and miniatures across generations in central Sintra.
Cheapest price
$28
Average price
$45
Fastest journey
12 h 15 m
Average duration
13 h 28 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
518 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Sintra is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Sintra will cost around $45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Sintra without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Sintra among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, and a train costs an average of $102.
Distance: 321 miles (518 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$35 Average price Cheapest | $95 Average price | $102 Average price | $103 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 55m Average total duration 8h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 40m Average total duration 8h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Sintra:
A bus is $61 (€61) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Sintra costing on average $95 (€95).
A bus is $67 (€67) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Sintra costing on average $102 (€102).
Other travel options to Sintra take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 10m.
Bus takes on average 8h 25m.
Tickets start at around $35 (€35) compared to roughly $103 (€103) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $69 (€69). The journey takes 8h 25m versus 6h 20m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by BlaBlaCar Bus, Gipsyy, BlaBlaCar.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 17h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:55AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 16h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:40AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 15h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 15h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 14h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 14h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 14h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 17h40 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Sintra buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:45 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 12h15 | 12:00 PM Sintra, Portela Estacao Sul | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:55 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 16h55 | 4:50 PM Sintra, Portela Estacao Sul | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:25 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 15h25 | 11:50 PM Sintra, Portela Estacao Sul | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 14h50 | 11:50 PM Sintra, Portela Estacao Sul | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 14h00 | 12:00 PM Sintra, Portela Estacao Sul | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:25 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 18h10 | 4:35 PM Sintra, Portela Estacao Sul | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 13h30 | 12:00 PM Sintra, Portela Estacao Sul | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:55 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 17h40 | 4:35 PM Sintra, Portela Estacao Sul | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Madrid to Sintra run on average 8 times per day, taking around 8h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $13 (€13) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 321 miles (518 km) distance in 8h 30m.
Distance 321 miles (518 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 (€13) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 8h 30m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Sintra — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sintra trip today.
Museum in a former toy factory displaying Portuguese and international toys, dolls, and miniatures across generations in central Sintra.
Museum inside a former school building exploring local natural history, archaeology, and ethnography from Sintra and its surrounding landscapes.
Local art space hosting temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists, useful for visitors seeking current creative work beyond the classic monuments.
Sintra’s UNESCO-listed old town offers lanes, tiled facades, shops, and easy access to major monuments, making it the essential walking base.
Large Romantic park surrounding Pena Palace, filled with lakes, viewpoints, exotic trees, and winding paths through misty mountain scenery.
Forest park and reserve with walking trails, dramatic rock formations, and cooler mountain air, ideal for nature lovers near central Sintra.
Pillow-shaped pastry filled with almond cream and egg yolk. Sintra’s best-known sweet, traditionally bought warm from historic pastry shops.
Small cheesecake-like tart made with fresh cheese, sugar, eggs, and cinnamon. A classic Sintra convent sweet with medieval roots.
Traditional fresh cow’s milk cheese from nearby Colares. Mild and creamy, often eaten simply with bread or as part of a local starter.
Fine dining restaurant near Penha Longa with creative Portuguese cuisine, polished service, and a scenic upscale atmosphere.
Refined restaurant in the historic center known for polished Portuguese cooking, strong wine service, and a romantic dining room.
Historic pastry shop famed for travesseiros and queijadas. Elegant old-world setting and an essential stop for Sintra’s signature sweets.
Moderate for Portugal: Sintra tourist areas raise hotel and dining prices, but local cafes and transit remain fairly affordable versus major Western European destinations.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service; small change for cafes; taxi tips are optional, usually rounding up.
Official public transport app
Sintra, Av. Mário Firmino Miguel (Portela de Sintra - Estação Norte) -> Sintra Historic Center, Sintra
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Sintra by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Sintra, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid to Sintra buses use the Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) to Sintra, Portela Estacao Sul station pair, with some services arriving at Alcabideche, Av. República (CascaiShopping - Terminal). Use this guide to compare Madrid and Sintra bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need