Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Cabo da Roca: complete transport guide
Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of continental Europe — a dramatic Atlantic cliff topped by an 1772 lighthouse, 40 km west of Lisbon. From Humberto Delgado Airport allow 90 minutes via Sintra + Scotturb bus, or 60 minutes by car.
How do the options compare?
| Option | Operator | Duration | Price | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro + CP Sintra train + Scotturb 403 bus | Metropolitano + CP + Scotturb | 2 h | €8.00 | Bus every 1–2 h |
| Direct metered taxi (A5 + IC30 + N247) | Lisbon licensed taxi operators | 1 h | €60–80 | On demand |
| Uber / Bolt direct | Uber, Bolt | 1 h | €45–60 | On demand via app |
| Rental car from airport | Hertz, Avis, Europcar | 1 h | €30–55/day | 24/7 at terminal |
| Pre-booked Sintra + Cabo da Roca + Cascais tour | Various tour operators | Full day | €55–75 | Daily |
Metro + CP Sintra train + Scotturb 403 bus?
Metro Red Line to Saldanha, Yellow Line to Rossio, CP Sintra-line train to Sintra (40 min), then Scotturb bus 403 to Cabo da Roca (35 min along the coast).
- Operator: Metropolitano + CP + Scotturb
- Duration: 2 h
- Price: €8.00
- Frequency: Bus every 1–2 h
- Where to board: Aeroporto Metro → Rossio → Sintra
- Notes: Cheapest scheduled option. Bus 403 also continues to Cascais after Roca.
Source: Scotturb bus
Direct metered taxi (A5 + IC30 + N247)?
A5 motorway then coastal N247. Meter T2 plus modest tolls.
- Operator: Lisbon licensed taxi operators
- Duration: 1 h
- Price: €60–80
- Frequency: On demand
- Where to board: Official rank at arrivals
- Notes: Best for groups of 4 with limited time.
Source: ANA passenger info
Uber / Bolt direct?
€15–25 cheaper than metered taxi. Pre-book required.
- Operator: Uber, Bolt
- Duration: 1 h
- Price: €45–60
- Frequency: On demand via app
- Where to board: TVDE area at arrivals
- Notes: Long-distance route; confirm in app before claiming luggage.
Rental car from airport?
For Sintra + Cabo da Roca + Cascais loop, rental car is most efficient. Coastal road N247 is one of Portugal's most scenic drives.
- Operator: Hertz, Avis, Europcar
- Duration: 1 h
- Price: €30–55/day
- Frequency: 24/7 at terminal
- Where to board: Rental pavilion
- Notes: Free parking at the lighthouse, can fill up by 11:00 in summer.
Pre-booked Sintra + Cabo da Roca + Cascais tour?
Most popular Lisbon day-tour combination. Sintra in the morning, Cabo da Roca for sunset, optional Cascais visit on return.
- Operator: Various tour operators
- Duration: Full day
- Price: €55–75
- Frequency: Daily
- Where to board: Pre-booked hotel pickup zone
- Notes: Includes guided commentary and skipping ticket queues at Pena Palace.
When should you pick each option?
- Metro + CP + Scotturb: Cheapest combined option.
- Metered taxi: Best for groups of 4 with time pressure.
- Uber / Bolt: Cheaper than taxi door-to-door.
- Rental car: Best for combining with Sintra, Cascais and Atlantic beaches.
- Pre-booked tour: Easiest for solo travellers; curated full-day.
What are the practical tips?
- Get a 'westernmost-point-of-Europe' certificate (€11) at the visitor centre — kitsch but fun.
- Best at sunset for Atlantic-cliff drama; arrive 90 min early as the small parking lot fills.
- Winds are strong year-round — bring a jacket even in July.
- Combine with Praia da Adraga (5 km north) for a wild beach swim.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the fastest way from Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Cabo da Roca?
- The fastest option is Direct metered taxi (A5 + IC30 + N247) (Lisbon licensed taxi operators) with a typical duration of 1 h.
- What is the cheapest way from Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Cabo da Roca?
- The cheapest option is Metro + CP Sintra train + Scotturb 403 bus (Metropolitano + CP + Scotturb) at approximately €8.00.
- Is Cabo da Roca the westernmost point of Europe?
- Yes — of continental Europe. Iceland and the Azores extend further west, but Cabo da Roca holds the mainland record.
- How long does Scotturb 403 take from Sintra to Cabo da Roca?
- 35 minutes through the Serra de Sintra forest and coastline. Bus runs every 1–2 hours.
- Can I swim at Cabo da Roca?
- No — the cliff is 140 m high. For swimming, drive 5 km north to Praia da Adraga or south to Praia do Guincho.
