naazare lisbon day trip

How to get from Lisbon to Nazare

One of the more unforgettable and best day trips from Lisbon is to Nazaré north of Lisbon.

Renowned for its world-class waves, Nazaré attracts 1000s of visitors who come to watch brave surfers take on the incredibly huge waves over the winter season.

If you’re staying in Lisbon and looking for trips to the rest of Portugal, Portugal’s great public transport system makes it easy to visit Nazare from Lisbon by train.

I found my tickets by searching Omio ‘Lisbon to Nazare’.

Whether you’re planning a day trip to Nazare or plan to stay there a bit longer, there are loads of fun things to do in Nazare from watching the surfers to exploring the town and nearby beaches and beautiful buildings.

Below, I’ve done all the research on how to get from Lisbon to Nazare on Portugal’s Silver Coast for my own trip to this cool beachside town.

You’ll find the various options for how to get to Nazare from Lisbon as well as how to book them.

Whether you prefer public transport, want to drive or are looking for a stress free guided tour to Nazare, I’ve got you covered.

When it comes to Nazaré and its waves, it’s important to note that the conditions can vary depending on the time of year. If you happen to visit during the summer months, you’re more likely to encounter calm waters rather than the awe-inspiring giant waves that Nazaré is famous for. The perfect wave conditions typically occur during the winter season, especially when there’s stormy weather.

Bus from Lisbon to Nazaré

parque eduardo VII sunset lisbon
The Sete Rios bus station is a little further north of Parque Eduardo VII seen above
  • The average cost of bus tickets to Nazare from Lisbon: €11+ one way
  • Time for buses from Lisbon to Nazare Just under 2 hours.
  • Where to book: Omio

If you’re looking for an affordable way to get from Lisbon to Nazaré, taking the bus is your best bet. It’s the cheapest option available, and there are regular buses running throughout the day.

The buses are operated by Rede Expressos / Renex and depart from Sete Rios bus terminal, which is easy to reach using the Blue metro line in Lisbon and getting off at the Jardim Zoológico station.

The bus journey from Lisbon to Nazaré takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes and they leave roughly every hour, so you have some flexibility in planning your trip.

The ticket prices for the Lisbon to Nazare bus start at €11 for a one-way trip, which is pretty reasonable and makes it a budget-friendly option for travelling between the two cities.

You can book your tickets online here to get the best prices and secure your place.

One great thing about travelling by bus is that it drops you off close to the main sights in Nazaré. So, once you’re off the bus, you can start exploring without worrying about finding a taxi or walking long distances.

Guided tours from Lisbon to Nazare

naazare lisbon day trip

If you prefer a more relaxed and hassle-free approach to your trip from Lisbon to Nazaré, joining a guided tour for a Lisbon to Nazare day trip is a fantastic option.

While there are no tours that solely focus on Nazaré, most tours also include stops at Fatima, Batalha, and Obidos so it’s a great way to combine visits to other Portuguese towns if you’re short on time or only have a few days in Lisbon.

All these towns included in the guided tour to Nazare from Lisbon are incredibly beautiful and offer a chance to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites while enjoying Portuguese culture and history.

It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for a packed day of sightseeing and want to witness the epic waves of Nazaré as well.

By opting for a tour, you can leave all the trip planning stresses behind and simply enjoy the ride. No need to worry about train or bus schedules; everything is taken care of for you!

While tours from Lisbon to Nazaré may not be the cheapest option, they are definitely the most convenient. It’s a stress-free and comprehensive way to enjoy a day trip to Nazare from Lisbon.

Book this top-rated guided tour to Nazare, Óbidos, Fátima and Batalha from Lisbon or just this tour which goes from Lisbon to Nazare to Porto in a day.

Private transfer from Lisbon airport to Nazare

lisbon squares

Make your journey from Lisbon to Nazaré smooth and stress-free with a private transfer which is basically like getting a Lisbon to Nazare taxi.

Whether you’re arriving at Lisbon airport and heading to your Nazaré hotel or departing from Nazaré to Lisbon airport, this private transfer service has you covered.

The private transfer can fit up to 3 passengers and you’ll be met by your professional driver at the arrivals hall, or outside your hotel depending on which direction you’re going.

From there, you can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride to your destination in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Whether you prefer to unwind with soft music or engage in conversation, the experienced driver is available to provide useful tips, whether it’s recommending restaurants, suggesting sightseeing spots, or sharing information about other activities of interest in Nazaré.

If your group is larger than 3, you can get larger vehicles for up to 8 people.

Book your Lisbon airport to Nazare transfer

Train from Lisbon to Nazaré

rossio station lisbon
A train station in Lisbon
  • Average price: €11 for the train, and a few extra for the bus
  • Length of tour: 3+ hours

While there is no direct Lisbon to Nazaré train, you can travel most of the way by train and then change to a bus or taxi.

There is a train that goes from Lisbon’s Santa Apolonia train station to Caldas da Rainha and you can get the bus into Nazare from there.

Trains depart regularly from Lisbon, so you won’t have to wait around for too long for your departure but it’s not the quickest way to get from Lisbon to Nazare due to then having to wait for a bus.

Personally, I’d recommend choosing one of the other options when it comes to going between Nazare and Lisbon.

Driving to Nazare from Lisbon

surfing lisbon
I’m not quite ready for the surf in Nazaré!
  • Average price: Anywhere from €10-50 a day + petrol + toll fees on the highway (can be avoided but makes the journey longer)
  • Average time: 1.5 hours
  • Where to book: Discover Cars or RentalCars. I usually use both to check prices and deals and find the best one

Doing the Lisbon to Nazare drive is a great option if you want flexibility and the freedom to make stops along the way.

The journey from Lisbon to Nazaré takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes on the A8 highway, but please note that it is a toll road.

You can expect to pay around €7 in toll fees and if you’re renting a car your car hire company will either charge you per use or will offer you a flat fee for the duration of your rental.

You can avoid these fees by avoiding tolls but this will add about 45 minutes to 1 hour to your journey.

Renting a car can be more expensive than the other modes of transport on this list but it does offer the most flexibility and allows you to stop off at numerous places along the way as you so wish.

It’s important to note that most rental cars in Portugal have a manual transmission, so be prepared if you’re not used to it. If you have a non-EU or British driving license, you might need to obtain an International Driver’s Permit to rent a car.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

FAQs about travelling from Lisbon to Nazare

Is Nazare worth visiting?

azaré is a must-visit destination if you’re fascinated by the idea of seeing gigantic waves. The town is on Portugal’s Silver Coast, this coastal town is known for its impressive big wave surf competitions and the enormous waves at Praia do Norte.

Is it easy to get from Lisbon to Nazare?

Yes, it is easy to get from Lisbon to Nazaré, with options including buses, private transfers, and guided tours.

What time of year are big waves in Nazare?

Big waves in Nazaré are typically seen during the winter months from November to February, particularly with stormy weather conditions.

Is Nazare the biggest wave?

Nazaré gained its reputation for being home to some of the largest waves ever surfed. In 2011, Garrett McNamara famously rode one of the biggest documented waves, solidifying Nazaré’s status as a destination for record-breaking waves.

Can you swim in Nazare?

Yes, you can technically swim in Nazaré, but it’s not recommended due to powerful waves and strong currents. There are quieter spots and beaches that are much better for swimming.

What is the Lisbon to Nazare distance?

The distance from Lisbon to Nazaré is approximately 120 kilometres (75 miles).

Final thoughts on how to get to Nazaré from Lisbon

Nazaré is a must-visit destination in Portugal for surf enthusiasts and those looking to be wowed by nature.

Known for its massive waves, the town has gained global recognition and going Lisbon-Nazare is now a popular trip for many visitors to Portugal.

Whether you visit during the calmer summer months or witness the power of winter swells, Nazaré offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

From its charming coastal town to the thrill of watching surfers conquer colossal waves at Praia do Norte, Nazaré leaves a lasting impression.

If you’re looking for more Lisbon day trips, be sure to check out this post.

Last Updated on June 2, 2023 by Hannah

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