- 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 on Sep 16
$125
Average ticket price on Sep 16
$125
Fastest journey on Sep 16
8 h 54 m
Average journey duration on Sep 16
8 h 54 m
Trains on Sep 16
1
Distance
518 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 $125 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $125.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Sintra without transferring at least 3 times.


Omio 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 an average ticket price of $80 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 36m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $80, while a flight costs an average of $579.
Distance: 321 miles (518 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$80 Average price Cheapest | $579 Average price | $128 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
13h 45m Average total duration 13h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration Fastest 3h 36m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Sintra:
A bus is $499 (€406) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Sintra costing on average $579 (€471).
Other travel options to Sintra take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 15m.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Sintra trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:51 AM Madrid | 8h54 | 5:45 PM Sintra | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train 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.
Take a train from Madrid to Sintra and enjoy the approximately 321 miles (518 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 08:51, the last at 16:38.
Distance 321 miles (518 km) |
First train 8:51 AM |
Last train 4:38 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Sintra by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Sintra, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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