How to Get to Cascais from Lisbon: A Perfect Day Trip

Have you wondered how to get to Cascais from Lisbon? I have been to Cascais, Portugal, many times. Cascais is a beautiful coastal town located just a short distance west of Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon.

The town known for its sandy beaches, oceanfront promenade, historic architecture, and lively culture, Cascais has become a popular day trip destination for visitors to the Lisbon area.

Getting there from Lisbon is simple, with multiple transportation options, from train stations, buses, rentals, and taxis.

So, to help make your travels more accessible, I’ve gathered a guide to walk you through everything you need to know to plan your hassle-free day trip to Cascais.

Also, check out how you can navigate the 7 seven hills of Lisbon while here.

How to Get to Cascais from Lisbon: Planning Your Day Trip

A common question is whether you can go on a day trip to Cascais or Sintra. Yes, you can do day trips to these beautiful towns.

Planning a day trip to Cascais from Lisbon is easy. The two cities are less than 20 miles (30km) apart along the coastline, making for a quick and scenic journey.

With frequent trains, buses, rideshares, and taxis running between them, you can customize your transit method based on convenience, cost, and preferences.

When choosing your travel times, keep in mind it takes approximately:

• 40 minutes each way by train
• 30-60 minutes each way by bus, depending on route/traffic
• 30 minutes each way by rideshare or taxi

For you, this means you’ll want to allow at least 2-3 hours for transportation when building your Cascais itinerary for the day.

The best times to visit are in spring and fall when the summer crowds have died down, but the weather is still pleasant for enjoying the beaches and outdoor attractions.

If you stay overnight, it’s worth looking into hotels, vacation rentals, and Airbnb’s in Cascais or the nearby towns of Estoril or Sao Pedro do Estoril.

Giving yourself more time to explore the region without rushing back is ideal. While exploring how to get to Cascais, check out some other things you can do in Lisbon while here.

How to Travel From Lisbon to Cascais 

Traveling between Lisbon and Cascais is smooth with regular, affordable options. Here’s an overview of how to get there using train stations, buses, taxis, or rideshares. Here are the pros and cons of each transportation system.

Train to Cascais Public Transportation

The Cais do Sodre trains offer the fastest and most popular way to travel from Lisbon to Cascais.

They run frequently from early morning until late evening, seven days a week. You can catch direct trains to Cascais from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodre station along the shoreline metro line.

Exit the Cais do Sodre train at Cascais station when you arrive. The trains leave for Cascais, which you can find every 10-20 minutes, and you will find the station across the Time Out Market. As mentioned, reaching this beautiful coastal town takes up to 40 minutes.

I recommend sitting on the left side of the Cais do Sodre train to enjoy the beautiful water views when traveling to Cascais on the train ride. The Cascais station is in the center of town, and you can immediately start to see some of the best things the village offers.

Still, a head warning: the train can get hot during summer, and you should be prepared for that when traveling in the afternoon. Train tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices or ticket machines and cost around €2.30 for a one-way ticket per person.

If you have a Lisbon Card, it is included, and you need to pay for the Cais do Sodre train.

Also, read my 4-day Lisbon itinerary to plan the ultimate vacation in the Portuguese capital.

Bus Services to Cascais Beach Town

Several bus companies, including ScottURB and Vimeca, run between Lisbon and Cascais.

Routes generally start/end at Marquês de Pombal, Cais do Sodre, or Sete Rios bus stations in the capital, then service multiple stops like Belém and Oeiras before reaching central Cascais.

Check routes ahead of time and remember buses make more stops, so trip duration ranges from 30 minutes to an hour. A One-way ticket costs between €3.60 and €5, depending on your boarding location.

You can also buy tickets on the bus.

Rideshares & Taxis

A rideshare service like Uber can provide door-to-door convenience at affordable rates when traveling between Lisbon and Cascais.

The trip by car takes around 30 minutes outside rush hour. Splitting the cost via UberPool brings it down further.

Standard taxis are similarly fast and direct. Average taxi fares run €40-60 each way, though confirm rates beforehand.

Traveling by luxury taxi or private car service elevates the trip at higher prices.

Car Rental

While the main attractions on the day trip shared here are all within walking distance from the station, you need not rent a car. But if you plan to visit the outskirts of Cascais, it is a great way to get around.

I suggest places like Praia do Guincho or Cresmina Dunes as you can part outside the historic center. If you decide to use a car rental, stop at Cabo da Roca. Check out the rental car prices here.

Another thing about driving a car is looking for a parking space.

What Are The Best Things to Do in Cascais on a Day Trip

Cascais offers the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration for a quick day trip with its seaside charm, endless beaches, and pedestrian-friendly cobblestone streets.

Marvel at the Santa Marta Lighthouse

You will see the Santa Marta Lighthouse on the left as you stroll from the town center towards Boca do Inferno along Avenida Rei Humberto Ii de Itália.

The Santa Marta Lighthouse is truly a majestic sight to behold. Perched atop rocky cliffs overlooking the vivid blue Atlantic, this tall white tower is a guiding light for ships navigating the treacherous coastal waters.

For only 5 Euros, you can explore the Santa Marta museum, admire the view from the top, and enter Casa de Santa Maria. It is a traditional Portuguese home for you to be amazed by.

Parque Marechal Carmona Peackocks

Another highlight of traveling to Cascais is the peaceful park where you can sit under shady trees for a break from the sun.

Another attraction is the peacocks and some chickens, adding a dash of whimsy to the place.

You need not spend much time here, but it is worth a quick walk as you find the Castro Guimarães Museum inside the park and another worthy place to visit while there.

Also, stroll to the back of the home for spectacular water views.

Head to Cascais Downtown Center

The fantastic thing is that you can easily walk in the town, and many small streets lead to the beach, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Here, I recommend taking your time to enjoy the colorful views. For lunch, head to the House of Wonders, a vegetarian place, or visit Masala Indian for some Indian food and seafood; visiting Baia do Peixe is an excellent choice.

Once done enjoying a meal, head to Boca do Inferno to enjoy the views you find. You can reach it from the train station, which takes about 35 minutes on foot. You can stop along the way to do some sightseeing.

Here, you may find the crowds picking up to view the Mouth of Hell or Boca do Inferno with its impressive rock formation and rugged rocks.

Then head to Cidadela de Cascais, which has a long history in the town built in the 15th century. It used to operate as a defense fort, then a royal residence, and now it is part museum and hotel.

Relax on The Beach

After a long day of walking, what better way to end it than at the beach? You can relax on the sand or swim as there is so much to do here. Some beaches that come to mind are Praia da Ribeira and Praia da Rainha.

You can find these beaches in the center of town; they are top picks on my list. The water is calm, shallow to swim, and great when visiting with kids. You will also see surfers; Estoril Praia do Tamariz is another excellent option.

A Quick One-Day Cascais Itinerary

Are you trying to maximize your time on a quick day trip to Cascais from Lisbon? Here’s a suggested 10-hour itinerary:

8:00 am: Depart Lisbon

Catch an early train or bus to Cascais to give yourself a full day to explore.

9:00 am: Breakfast in Town

Grab coffee and breakfast at one of the coastal cafés after arriving. Fuel up before a busy day!

10:00 am: Beach Stroll

Take a long stroll along the beach walkway from Cascais towards nearby Estoril. Pop into museums, admire the mansions, and dip into sandy coves.

12:00 pm: Lunch by the Beach

Choose a restaurant like Santini’s along the promenade for a seafood lunch with ocean views.

2:00 pm: Wander Historic Center

Spend the afternoon wandering Cascais’s charming historic district streets, seeing sites like the Citadel and the Marina.

4:00 pm: Visit Boca do Inferno

Take a short taxi or bus ride to admire the rugged coastal beauty of Boca do Inferno and surrounding trails.

6:00 pm: Dinner in Cascais

Treat yourself to a final dinner at one of Cascais’s most romantic sunset-view restaurants before returning.

8:00 pm: Return to Lisbon

Board a return train or bus back to Lisbon after an enjoyable day by the sea.

Adjust this to your interests by swapping activities for museum visits, more beach time, or extended wandering sessions!

The key is allowing enough time without an overly packed schedule.

Wrap -Up

With its sandy coves, coastal trails, and fascinating history, Cascais is an accessible, rewarding day trip destination a short distance from the bustling streets of Lisbon.

Whether you travel by train, bus, or rideshare, you’ll have convenient transport options for getting there in under an hour.

Once in town, beautiful beaches, relaxing cafés and vibrant culture await. Plan your visit to take advantage of this stunning stretch of the Portuguese Riviera at its best!