Travel & Stay
✈️ Getting there…
Flight Options
The closest airport is Lisbon Airport (LIS). From there, Sintra is about 30–40 minutes by car.
Direct flights to Lisbon from the UK:
Gatwick → Lisbon: multiple daily flights via easyJet and TAP Portugal (~3 hrs)
Bristol → Lisbon: easyJet (~2h35m)
Manchester → Lisbon: easyJet, Ryanair, TAP Portugal (~2h45m)
Group Travel
We’re happy to help arrange group travel to coordinate flights, airport pickups, and even some shared transport in Sintra if enough people are interested.
If you’re interested in this, please let us know your preferred dates on the form below.
Once we see everyone’s preferences, we can put together recommended flight options and shared transport plans to make travel as stress-free as possible.
We’re so excited that you’ll be joining us in Sintra for our wedding! To make getting there as smooth as possible, we’ve put together some travel info and options for you. May is a popular month in Portugal, so we recommend booking as early as possible to get the best rates.
If you’d prefer to book your own travel, here are some tips to get the best prices:
Track fares now – use Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak and set price alerts.
Check airline sites directly – Aurigny (GCI→UK) and easyJet/TAP (UK→Lisbon) for final booking.
Watch baggage fees – compare totals including hold luggage and seat selection.
Allow connection time – if using separate tickets (e.g., GCI→LGW + LGW→Lisbon), allow ≥3 hours at Gatwick.
Group bookings – if 10+ people are travelling together, ask the airline about group rates.
Timing:
The cheapest fares often appear as soon as the airlines release schedules.
If you see a good price, book it quickly — budget fares sell out fast.
We’ll update you once flights for our wedding weekend are officially bookable.
🏡 Where to Stay
Options near Sintra, ordered by travel time to the venue.
| 🏙 Town / Area | ⏱ Travel to Venue | 🌟 Vibe | 💸 Budget | 🛏 Mid-Range | 🌟 Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏰 Sintra | ~9 min / 6 km | Fairy-tale historic town, close to venue |
Hotel Nova Sintra (€63+ / €32 pp) ➤ Charming hotel in central Sintra, walking distance to cafés and the train station. |
Sintra Boutique Hotel (€160 / €80 pp) ➤ Stylish boutique stay, steps from historic landmarks and restaurants. |
Penha Longa Resort (€330 / €165 pp) ➤ Luxury resort surrounded by gardens and golf courses. |
| 🌿 Colares / Azenhas do Mar / Praia das Maçãs | ~15–20 min / 10–12 km | Quiet countryside & coastline |
Azenhas do Mar Valley House (€100 / €50 pp) ➤ Cozy guesthouse near beaches and cliffs, perfect for a relaxing stay. |
Outpost Casa das Arribas (€180 / €90 pp) ➤ Stylish coastal retreat with incredible sea views. |
Arribas Sintra Hotel (€400 / €200 pp) ➤ Eco-luxury resort blending nature, comfort, and oceanfront serenity. |
| 🌊 Cascais | ~30 min / 15 km | Coastal, chic, beaches & restaurants |
Patio Guesthouse (€90 / €45 pp) ➤ Charming stay near beaches, restaurants, and the marina. |
Vila Galé Cascais (€170 / €85 pp) ➤ Comfortable hotel close to Cascais center and seaside attractions. |
The Albatroz Hotel (€300 / €150 pp) ➤ Luxury hotel with private beach access and ocean views. |
| 🎰 Estoril | ~31 min / 13 km | Seaside, casino, promenade |
Hotel Inglaterra (€100 / €50 pp) ➤ Classic hotel near the promenade and Estoril Casino. |
Vila Galé Estoril (€160 / €80 pp) ➤ Modern hotel near the beach and local restaurants. |
Hotel Palácio Estoril (€300 / €150 pp) ➤ Historic luxury hotel with sea views and elegant rooms. |
| 🏛 Mafra | ~35–40 min / 35 km | Historic town, quieter than Sintra |
Mafra Hotel (€63 / €32 pp) ➤ Modern hotel near Palácio Nacional de Mafra with comfortable rooms. |
Quinta dos Machados (€150 / €75 pp) ➤ Rural guesthouse with gardens, spa, pool, and family-friendly rooms. |
Villa Terra Da Eira (€250 / €125 pp) ➤ Elegant villa with spacious suites, gardens, and premium amenities. |
| 🏙 Lisbon – Central | ~40 min / 35–40 km | Vibrant city center, culture, dining, easy transport to venue |
Hotel INN Rossio (€90 / €45 pp) ➤ Central Lisbon hotel near Rossio Square, metro, and shops. |
Hotel Lisboa Plaza (€160 / €80 pp) ➤ Elegant hotel near Avenida da Liberdade and boutique shopping. |
Bairro Alto Hotel (€400 / €200 pp) ➤ Luxury property with rooftop views and fine dining. |
🚗 Travel Tips
- Driving is easiest for guests staying outside Sintra.
- For large groups, we can arrange shared shuttle transport on the wedding day.
- Book early, especially for boutique hotels and luxury villas — May is a popular travel period.
🚖 Getting around..
Both Uber and Bolt are widely used in Lisbon and generally reliable.
How it Works
Download the app before you arrive (Uber or Bolt).
Enter your destination (villa, hotel etc).
The app shows a fare estimate before you confirm.
Tips
For larger groups, consider booking multiple cars or request Uber Van / Bolt XL for up to 6 passengers.
Airport pickup spots: Both apps have designated pickup points outside the arrivals hall — follow the signs to the correct zone.
Prices fluctuate based on demand (“surge pricing”), especially on weekends or during busy hours, so check estimates before confirming.
Estimated Cost & Time
Lisbon Airport → Sintra: ~€35–€45 for a standard car (4 passengers).
Travel time: ~30–40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Larger cars (Uber XL / Bolt XL) are available if you have more luggage or people; expect €50–€65.
Advantages
Cashless and convenient — paid through the app.
No need to negotiate fares like with street taxis.
Can track your driver in real time.