You’re planning on visiting Cascais from Lisbon and are wondering the best way to get there?! Going from Lisbon to Cascais by train is the most affordable option and is not hard at all. This post will take you through where to catch the train, the schedules, pricing, and of course, suggestions of what to do in Cascais when you arrive.
Overview: Cascais
Pronounced cajj-kaiijj, this coastal town is located 19 miles (31 km) to the west of Lisbon. This charming, Portuguese town, is a must-visit if you have a few days in Lisbon. There is plenty to eat, drink, and explore during a day trip to Cascais.
Lisbon to Cascais by Train
The best way to get from Lisbon to Cascais is by train. Aside from the beautiful view traveling alongside the coast of Portugal, the train is quick, frequent, and affordable. The train is operated by CP (Comboios de Portugal). In Lisbon, the train departs from Cais do Sodré train station, and you’ll take Linha de Cascais (the Cascais Line). Once in Cascais, the train will arrive at Cascais station, located just steps from the main town.
Fares & Timetables
A one-way ticket from Lisbon to Cascais by train is €2.25 for an adult and €1.15 for a child. Unfortunately, they don’t offer a discount for return tickets, so a roundtrip fare would be €4.50 (adult) and €2.30 (child). These fares, like those in Lisbon, are charged to a Viva Viagem card (their reusable public transit ticket). When you purchase your first fare, you have to pay €0.50 to get a Viva Viagem card. After that, you must continue to buy each ticket as you need it. It isn’t a matter of just loading a certain amount of money to the card and then spending it.
You can purchase your ticket to Cascais at the Cais do Sodré train station from the ticket office (which usually has a long queue) or the automated ticket machines.
Note: Because the trip from Lisbon to Cascais by train is considered part of their urban train service, you are unable to reserve seats and purchase tickets in advance.
Monday-Friday Timetable (excluding public holidays)
Lisbon to Cascais
Trains leave Cais do Sodre station (Lisbon) as early as 5:30 am. There are Express trains from 7:00 am until 9:12 am that only take 33 minutes to get to Cascais. Otherwise, you are looking at about a 40-minute train ride when stopping at all stations. In the evening, the Express trains run again from Lisbon between 5:12 pm and 8:24 pm. The last train from Cais do Sodre (Lisbon) leaves for Cascais at 1:30 am and arrives at 2:10 am.
If you decide to stop at Belém (which we recommend) on your journey from Lisbon to Cascais by train, be sure to check your route. This is because the Belém train station is often skipped on the morning/evening Express route.
Cascais to Lisbon
When you want to return to Lisbon from Cascais, trains start as early as 5:30 am, with Express trains running from 6:52 am until 9:52 am. Trains depart every 20 minutes afterward. In the evening, the Express trains run from 5:04 pm until 8:16 pm, with the last train leaving Cascais at 1:30 am, arriving in Lisbon at 2:10 am.
Liam’s Hot Tip
When traveling from Lisbon to Cascais by train, sit on the left side as you will get a front-row view of the coast for the whole ride. On your way back to Lisbon from Cascais, sit on the right!
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays Timetable
Lisbon to Cascais
On the weekends, there are no Express trains. If you are traveling from Lisbon to Cascais by train, you can leave as early as 5:30 am. With trains running every 20-30 minutes. The last train leaves Cais do Sodre (Lisbon) at 1:30 am, arriving in Cascais at 2:10 am.
Cascais to Lisbon
Traveling from Cascais to Lisbon by train, you can also depart as early as 5:30 am, with trains every 20-30 minutes. The last train also leaves Cascais at 1:30 am and arrives in Lisbon at 2:10 am.
Trains on the weekends take 40 minutes.
Sound confusing? This Lisbon to Cascais by Train Timetable should help!
Cais do Sodré Train Station – Lisbon
Cais do Sodré is the major transit hub for the Lisbon city bus, subway, taxi, ferry and tram network. This station includes the Linha da Caravela (Green) metro line as well as the Linha de Cascais (Cascais Line) connecting to Belém, Algés, Cruz Quebrada, Caxias, Paco de Arcos, Santo Amaro, Oeiras, Carcavelos, Parede, S. Joao, S. Pedro, Estoril, Monte Estoril and eventually Cascais. There are also buses from Cais do Sodré to the Lisbon Airport and ferries that cross the River Tagus to Cacilhas, Seixal and Montijo.
Cascais Train Station
The Cascais Train Station is conveniently located just steps from the main town. When you exit, there is a round-about and a McDonald’s right across the way. If you’d like to go to the beach (Praia da Conceição), you’ll want to head towards the water and to the left. Otherwise, we recommend going towards the water and turning right. This will take you through all the shops and restaurants. Then, if you want to continue walking, or rent a bike to take you to Boca do Inferno, you will continue on this route. We recommend walking along the water, it is so beautiful, and eventually, in 1.2 miles (2 km) you’ll find yourself at Boca do Inferno.
Madison’s Practical Pointer
Washrooms are scarce along the way. There are washrooms in McDonald’s that aren’t the cleanest, but will work. Otherwise, once you’re at Boca do Inferno, there is a washroom, but it costs about €0.50, always seems to have a line, and doesn’t smell the best!
What to Do in Cascais
Boca do Inferno
One of the most popular attractions is the Boca do Inferno (Portuguese for Hell’s Mouth), a unique cliff formation along the coast. When the ocean is rough, the waves crash against the cave and rocks, spraying angrily. Hence, the name Hell’s Mouth.
Get Active
There are so many outdoor activities to take part in while visiting Cascais. At many of the beaches, you can rent and take lessons in kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, and kite-surfing. Golf is also a popular activity in Cascais. There are several golf courses, but we would recommend the Estoril Golf Club at Hotel Palácio Estoril.
Cycle to Praia do Guincho
If you enjoy cycling, you can rent a bike and cycle the 6.2 mile (10 km) stretch from Cascais to Praia de Guincho. There’s a dedicated bike path that is paved, making for an enjoyable ride. However, it is open and along the coast, so if it is a windy day, it will make the ride a bit more difficult.
Walking Tour of Cascais
As soon as you arrive (by train), you may notice several people offering free walking tours of Cascais. This is completely legitimate – there are no strings attached, and it is a great way to see this unique village.
Walk the Beachfront Promenade to Estoril
If you aren’t tired yet, we recommend taking a stroll along the 2 mile (3 km) path from Cascais to Estoril. The promenade follows the sea walls and defenses that line the beaches. The path is also flat and accessible for people of all ages and abilities!
Casino Estoril
Even if casinos aren’t your cup-of-tea, we recommend visiting the Estoril Casino. It is one of the largest working casinos in all of Europe and the largest in Portugal. If you’re looking to bet a few Euros, their gaming room is complete with tables and slot machines.
Cascais Beaches
When it comes to beaches, Cascais offers the best of both worlds. To the north, along the coast, are wild and rugged surfing beaches. In Cascais, and to the east, there are several beaches popular among tourists and locals. The water in these areas is also clean, safe, and much calmer for swimming and relaxing. However, it is important to note that the water temperature in all of these areas is always quite cool.
Visit a Museum
Santa Marta Lighthouse & Museum
The Santa Marta Lighthouse and museum were built on the grounds of the Santa Marta Fort, dating back to the 1600s. The intention of this fort was to prevent enemies from getting to the Cascais area.
Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães
This museum was built in 1900 and is an example of classic summer architecture. The collections here include important national and international artwork, furniture, and jewelry.
Casa das Histórias Paula Rego
One of the most recognizable palaces of Portugal, this museum is home to the work of Paula Rego. Even if you are not a fan of visiting museums/art galleries, we would still recommend checking this one out!
The best part? The museums in Cascais are free – there is no admission fee!
Read More
The Ultimate Cascais Travel Guide
37 Instagrammable Places in Lisbon
25 of Lisbon’s Best Kept Secrets
Lisbon to Cascais by Taxi
Should you wish to visit Cascais by taxi from Lisbon, you are looking at spending around €40-60. Additionally, it can take anywhere from 30-60 minutes; the most direct route is roughly 33km (20.5 miles).
Traveling by taxi allows you more flexibility on where you can get picked up and dropped off. If you are traveling by taxi, we recommend spending a bit more to get dropped off at Boca do Inferno, and then you can just walk one way, back to Cascais. The downside to traveling by taxi, aside from the cost, is that the quickest route driving, will not take you along the beautiful coast.
From Cascais, you are looking to spend about €30-36 to get to Lisbon. They also offer taxis to Sintra, if that is another place on your list to visit! Taxis from Cascais to Sintra cost between €18-26.
Summary: Getting from Lisbon to Cascais by Train
It’s so easy to get from Lisbon to Cascais by train, here are a few reasons why we love it:
- A quick trip along the coast – 30-40 minute train ride
- Frequent trains running between 5:30 am and 1:30 am
- Less than €5 for one adult, roundtrip
- Pit stop in Belém on your way to Cascais – it will be an additional €1.35, but worth it while you’re on the way!
- Cascais is the perfect day trip from Lisbon!
