Lisbon to Cascais by Train: The Perfect Day Trip Itinerary

Planning to travel from Lisbon to Cascais by train? Here’s everything you need to know to take a glorious day trip to the Portuguese Hamptons, from a frequent Cascais visitor!

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Don’t get me wrong, I love Lisbon, but after a few days of going up and down all those hills (with far too many pastéis de nata to compensate), the thought of an afternoon by the sea starts to sound very appealing.

Luckily, Cascais is only about 40 minutes away by train, and one of the loveliest day trips you can take from the Portuguese capital.

The ‘Portuguese Hamptons’, as they say, has everything you’d want from a seaside escape—cue pretty beaches, seaside restaurants and grand old villas.

But despite its newfound chi-chi, Cascais started off humble as a fishing town long before King Luís I began spending his summers here in 1870, bringing the royal court along with him…

Between the old town, the seafood (oh, the seafood) and the beautiful stretch of Atlantic coastline, I always leave wanting another day here.

Here’s how to spend one for yourself.

Shall we?

Quick Overview: Lisbon to Cascais Day Trip

Getting there	Take the CP train from Cais do Sodré in Lisbon to Cascais. The journey usually takes 40 minutes.
Train cost	€2.55 each way (at the time of writing), plus €0.50 if you need a new Navegante card. Zapping can be cheaper.
How much time	I’d give Cascais a full day, ideally six to eight hours to enjoy lunch and the coast.
My day-trip itinerary	Cascais Bay and the old town, the beaches, lunch in Rua Amarela, the Citadel and Santa Marta, then Boca do Inferno if you have time.
Before you go	Wear comfortable shoes, check the train home and bring swimwear if you’re planning a beach afternoon.

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How to Get from Lisbon to Cascais by Train

Thankfully, the train journey from Lisbon to Cascais is a breeze. From central Lisbon, make your way to Cais do Sodré station and catch the CP train towards infr It’s the last stop on the line, so you really can’t go too far wrong.

The journey takes around 40 minutes, and you can get your ticket from the station machines with your contactless card.

Once you arrive, the beaches and old town are only a short walk from the station.

P.S. – Don’t confuse Cais do Sodré Station with Rossio. Rossio is the station I’d use for my Sintra guide!

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My One-Day Cascais Itinerary

For a first visit, I’d spend the morning in the old town and around the beaches, then leave the afternoon for a proper Portuguese lunch and a wander further along the coast.

You certainly don’t need to see every inch of Cascais in one day to enjoy it!

Morning: Cascais Bay, the Old Town and a Beach

As soon as you come out of the station, I’d make my way towards Cascais Bay for your first (charming, may I say) introduction to the town.

Here you’ll be viewsmacked with little boats in the harbour, old streets and cafés and hordes of independent shops and restaurants.

Have a potter around, then head up to Praia da Rainha, a small beach tucked between the rocks and buildings. The name means ‘Queen’s Beach’, as Queen Amélia used to come here during the royal summer holidays. It’ll instantly make you feel like you’re on holiday.

If you want a proper afternoon on the sand, I’d also look at Praia da Conceição or neighbouring Praia da Duquesa. They’re close to the station, with a bit more room to settle and swim. Just be sure to check the beach flags and conditions before going in the water.

Lunch: Seafood at Sa Caleta, Then Santini Ice Cream

When you get hungry, head towards Rua Amarela, a famously yellow-painted street around Bairro Amarelo with lots of little restaurants and bars to choose from.

I stopped at Sa Caleta here for seafood and Portuguese petiscos on my last trip and loved it.

Then, of course, you’ll need ice cream. Santini has been around since 1949, when Attilio Santini opened his first shop in nearby Estoril, and if you’re going to spend the day in Cascais, a stop here is practically compulsory.

Afternoon: Cascais Citadel, Santa Marta and the Coast

After lunch, wander towards the Cascais Citadel and marina. What was once a fortified part of the town now has galleries, shops and plenty of places to stop for a drink. You can also savour some Portuguese history at the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães.

Keep walking up the coast until you reach Santa Marta, which was one of my favourite spots on my last visit. You’ll find the lovely white-and-blue Santa Marta Lighthouse and Casa de Santa Maria, a seaside house designed by Portuguese architect Raul Lino in 1902.

The Santa Marta cove here is gorgeous, and although it isn’t a designated bathing beach, you can join the locals for a short and cheeky swim here. Just beware of the (infrequent, but still worth mentioning) jellyfish!

If You Have Time: Walk (or Scooter) Along the Coast to Boca do Inferno

If you’ve still got some energy after a hard day’s work of lounging on Portuguese bays and sipping white wine with your oysters…I’d continue west towards Boca do Inferno.

It’s a rocky inlet where the Atlantic has carved its way nicely through the cliffs, and is a very dramatic bit of coastline to see before heading back.

I’d allow around 20–30 minutes to walk to it from the centre, or make it easy and rent an electric scooter for the ride up (you can find them a one-minute walk from the Santa Marta cove).

And of course, a reminder that there’s no shame in taking an Uber back to the station…

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What Else Is Worth Seeing in Cascais?

For your trip, I’d say if you’re more interested in art than beach time, definitely have a look at Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, a museum dedicated to the renowned Portuguese artist. You’ll recognise it from the two red pyramid-like towers, designed by architect Eduardo Souto de Moura.

For a longer stay, you can also walk along the Cascais-to-Estoril seaside promenade (going east instead of west towards Boca do Inferno), see the cliffside terraces at Casa da Guia and the much wilder Guincho Beach.

I wouldn’t try to squeeze all of these into the same day as the old town and Boca do Inferno, but they do make a fabulous excuse to come back and consider…

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Staying Overnight in Cascais

An overnight stay in Cascais at the Kimpton Quinta da Marinha

Although there’s absolutely nothing wrong with getting the train back the same day to Lisbon, after staying in Cascais on my last trip, I can make a very good case for spending the night too.

With a longer trip, you can enjoy dinner by the sea without thinking about the last train and have another morning for the beaches or a drive along the coast. I spent two nights in the Cascais area on my last Portugal trip and really enjoyed having that extra time.

Where I Stayed: Kimpton Quinta da Marinha

For my overnight Cascais trip, I stayed at Kimpton Quinta da Marinha, a lovely resort-style hotel a little outside Cascais’ old town.

The staff were extremely friendly, and between the spa, a wonderfully restorative facial and dinner at Ao Ponto, I had a lovely time.

It’s not a hotel where you can walk straight out into the historic centre, but if you’re in need of a proper city escape, it’s worth the short Uber from the train station.

For more on the rooms, spa and what to expect, read my full review of Kimpton Quinta da Marinha to help you decide whether it’s right for you.

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A Few Things I’d Know Before Visiting Cascais

• Check your train time home on the day. The CP timetable can be a bit funny and change with works or the time of day, so don’t assume the last train runs at the same time all year.
• Bring comfortable shoes. You can do most of the old town on foot, but the coastal walks will easily add a few kilometres to your day.
• Leave beach time in your plans. If you’ve come to swim or sunbathe, I’d pick one beach (and lunch at Sa Caleta) rather than trying to see every attraction.
• Remember Cascais is an actual town. Spend a little time (and money) in its cafés and independent shops if you’re a day tripper, and be considerate when you’re wandering around residential streets.

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Final Thoughts: Is a Day Trip to Cascais from Lisbon Worth It?

Absolutely. It’s easy to get to, there’s a lot more history than you might expect from a beach town, and it makes a lovely change from Lisbon’s hills.

I’d happily go back for another seafood lunch, a Santini ice cream and a long wander along the coast. And if you have the time to stay overnight, even better.

Have the most fabulous time in Cascais!

Happy travels,

Candace x

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FAQ: Lisbon to Cascais by Train

How long is the train from Lisbon to Cascais?

Usually around 40 minutes from Cais do Sodré station in Lisbon to Cascais. Check CP’s timetable for the service you plan to take.

Can you visit Sintra and Cascais in one day?

You can, but personally I wouldn’t. Sintra’s palaces take time to get between, and Cascais deserves an afternoon of its own for the beaches, food and coast. I’d give them separate days if possible, and use my Sintra day trip guide when you do!

How much time should you spend in Cascais?

Personally, I’d spend around six to eight hours here if you want a relaxed day trip. You can see the old town and have lunch in less time, but it’s worth leaving room for the seaside too, and of course, a cheeky swim!

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