Last Updated on June 2, 2026
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Most people who visit Lisbon in Portugal for a few days, set aside at least one day to venture out of the city. The most popular daytrip is without a doubt a charming town of Sintra, which can be reached from Lisbon’s Rossio station in just under one hour. While you are already in Sintra, you can combine it with a visit to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in Europe. Getting from Sintra to Cabo da Roca is very easy using public transportation.
Cabo da Roca is a 150 m cliff and the westernmost point of mainland Europe. When you arrive, you see that there isn’t much there. The monument, the lighthouse and a gift shop is all you will find. However, you don’t really need anything else, because you go to Cabo da Roca for the views. The main draw is the stunning and dramatic view of the coastline you get, when you stand near the cliffs. It was my first introduction to the Portuguese coastline, and I can’t wait to see more.
” Where the land ends, and the sea begins”
You can find these exact words of a Portuguese poet Luis Camoes on the plaque of the monument at Cabo da Roca. As you stand near the cliffs and look around, you see that they perfectly describe this beautiful spot.
How to get from Sintra to Cabo da Roca
Getting from Sintra to Cabo da Roca is very easy, even if you do not have a rental car. A local bus 1253 runs very frequently from Sintra’s train station making a stop at Cabo da Roca. For years that route was operated by 403 bus, but since a new bus company took over in January 2023, the bus 1253 is the one you want to take. It’s simply replacement for the 403.
The 1253 bus runs every 20-30 minutes, depending on time of day and takes about 40 minutes to get to Cabo da Roca. You really can’t miss your stop, as the bus stops right in front of it.
One way ticket costs €2.70 paid directly to the driver. Viva Viagem card is not accepted, as it’s a different bus company. So be sure to have some change to pay on the bus.
There is another bus 1624, which runs from Sintra to Cascais, with a stop in Cabo da Roca. However, this bus leaves from near the Portela de Sintra train station, not the main one. Portela de Sintra is the second to last stop on the Lisbon – Sintra train route, so if you are already in the historic center of Sintra and plan on going to Cabo da Roca from there, it’s not a convenient option.
Cabo da Roca
Even though Cabo da Roca is a popular spot with many people visiting, there’s plenty of room to walk around. It seemed like most people gather near the big monument. All you need to do is just head towards the cliffs, and take a walk along the trails to see the amazing coastline with significantly less people around.
If you are planning a Sintra day trip, this is a fun little detour before heading back to Lisbon. And it’s completely free, all you need to pay is the bus fare. If you arrive by car, parking is free as well. Lately there have been reports of someone trying to charge for parking, so beware! It’s a scam. Parking at Cabo da Roca is FREE!
There is a little gift shop on site, where you can get a certificate that you’ve been to the westernmost point of continental Europe, which can make for a nice souvenir.
How to get from Cabo da Roca to Lisbon
Other than taking a taxi, there is no direct way to get to Lisbon from Cabo da Roca. When you are ready to head back, first you need to get to Cascais, which is about a 20–25-minute bus ride. To do it, just wait for the 1624 bus and go all the way to Cascais.
The old bus 403 used to go to Cascais, but the current one 1253 ( the bus that replaced it), does not! The new bus does a circular route through Sintra. So, right now the only bus option from Cabo da Roca to Cascais is 1624.
Once in Cascais, your next step is to take a train to Lisbon. The train station is right in the center of town, across the street from the last bus stop. The urban railway Linha de Cascais runs frequently, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. One way ticket costs €2.55 and you can use your Viva Viagem card. Once in Lisbon, the train arrives at Cais do Sodre station (not Rossio station).
Cabo da Roca tours
While I recommend you visit Cabo da Roca on your own, as it’s very easy and cheap, you might prefer other options. Many tour operators offer day trips from Lisbon, combining Sintra with a visit to Cabo da Roca and nearby Cascais. Those guided tours are great for those, who decide that after all, they don’t want to deal with bus and train schedule and transfers.
Below are some of the very popular and highly rated tours, that include a stop at Cabo da Roca.
READ MORE:
- How to Plan the Perfect Lisbon to Sintra Day Trip
- 10 days in Portugal – the perfect itinerary by train
- 3 days in Lisbon – best things to do on your first visit
- Best Things to do in Porto, Portugal in 3 days
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