Train, bus, car or guided tour — here’s every option, with current prices, honest timings, and tips that the booking sites don’t tell you.
The good news: getting from Lisbon to Tomar is straightforward. The slightly annoying news: there are enough options — train, express bus, FlixBus, rental car, organised tour — that choosing the right one actually matters, depending on whether you’re doing a day trip or a longer stay, travelling solo or with a family, on a tight budget or not.
This guide covers every option honestly, including the ones we’d skip.
Option 1 — Train (Comboios de Portugal)
Train — the recommended option
1h 50m
€8 – €15
The train is the easiest and most flexible way to get from Lisbon to Tomar. CP (Comboios de Portugal) runs direct regional services throughout the day — no changes, no connections. Trains run roughly every hour from early morning until nearly midnight.
You can depart from Lisboa Oriente (the main intercity hub, connected to the airport by metro) or Lisboa Santa Apolónia (central, near Alfama). Most travellers coming from central Lisbon will find Oriente more convenient.
Buy your ticket online at cp.pt or at the station on the day. For regional trains like this one, there’s no real need to book days in advance — the off-peak price (roughly €8) is available right up until departure. Book a morning train for a day trip and aim to return by the 6:30 PM or 8:00 PM service.
INSIDER TIP: Sit on the right side of the train for views of the Tagus and the rolling central Portuguese countryside. The last stretch into Tomar winds through olive groves and is genuinely lovely.
Option 2 — Express Bus (Rede Expressos)
Comfortable coaches, fewer departures
1h 45m
10-15€
Rede Expressos runs four daily coach services between Lisbon and Tomar. Coaches depart from Sete Rios bus station in Lisbon (connected to the metro’s blue line at Jardim Zoológico). The ride is comfortable — air-conditioned coaches with luggage storage underneath — and marginally faster than the train.
The limitation is frequency. With only four daily departures and no early-morning services from Lisbon, this option is less flexible for day-trippers. Both Rede Expressos and FlixBus use dynamic pricing, so fares rise as the departure date approaches and as seats fill up.
FLIXBUS ALTERNATIVE: FlixBus also serves the Lisbon–Tomar route seasonally, departing from Oriente station. Fares can be as low as €3 booked well in advance, but services are limited and don’t run in winter. Worth checking if you’re flexible on timing.
Option 3 — By Car
Best for multi-stop road trips
Driving is the fastest option and gives you the freedom to stop along the way — Santarém, the Castelo de Almourol, or the Zêzere valley are all natural detours. The route follows the A1 motorway north out of Lisbon, then the A23 toward Tomar. The road is straightforward and well-signed.
The A1 has electronic tolls — if you’re in a rental car, check whether your hire agreement includes a toll transponder (Via Verde). If not, you can use the manual toll lanes or arrange payment through your rental company before you travel. Toll costs are around €8 each way for a standard car.
Parking in Tomar is easy and largely free. There are large car parks near the train station and the Mercado Municipal, both within a short walk of the town centre. Arriving by car also makes visiting Castelo de Almourol on the same day genuinely practical.
IS IT WORTH RENTING A CAR JUST FOR TOMAR?
Probably not. Between car hire, fuel, and tolls (€16 return), a rental for a single day costs more than the train and adds the stress of city driving in Lisbon. If Tomar is one stop on a longer road trip through central Portugal, a car makes excellent sense. For a standalone day trip, take the train.
Option 4 — Organised Tour
Convenient, guided, all-in-one
Several Lisbon-based operators run day tours to Tomar, often combined with Fátima, Batalha, or Almourol. Group tours typically cost around €80 per person and include transport and a guided visit to the Convento de Cristo. Private tours — just your group and a driver-guide — start around €300 for up to four people.
The main advantage is the guide: the Convento de Cristo is layered and complex, and having someone explain the history as you move through the space makes a real difference. The main disadvantage is the loss of flexibility — you move on the tour’s schedule, not yours.
WHO IS THIS BEST FOR?
First-time visitors who want context, families with children, and anyone who prefers not to navigate public transport in a foreign country. If you already feel confident travelling independently in Europe, the train is better value and more flexible.
Quick comparison
| OPTION | TIME | PRICE (ONE WAY) | BEST FOR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (CP) | ~1h 50m | €8 – €15 | Most travellers |
| Bus (Rede Expressos) | ~1h 45m | €10 – €15 | Flexible on timing |
| FlixBus | ~2h | €3 – €10 | Budget travellers, summer only |
| Car (own/rental) | ~1h 30m | €8 tolls + fuel | Road trips, families with luggage |
| Organised group tour | Full day | ~€80/person | Guided experience |
| Private tour | Full day | ~€300 for 1–4 | Comfort, flexibility, small groups |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book train tickets in advance?
Not really. Regional CP trains don’t require advance reservations and the cheapest off-peak fare is usually available right up until departure. If you’re travelling on a summer weekend or bank holiday, booking the day before gives you peace of mind, but it’s rarely necessary.
Is Tomar doable as a day trip from Lisbon?
Yes, but comfortably only if you leave early (aim for the 8:00–9:00 AM train) and return on the 6:30 or 8:00 PM service. That gives you 7–8 hours in Tomar — enough for the Convento de Cristo, the old town, the river, and a proper lunch. Staying overnight is always better, but a day trip is genuinely worthwhile.
Which Lisbon station should I depart from?
Both Lisboa Oriente and Lisboa Santa Apolónia serve Tomar. Oriente is easier for most visitors — it’s a major hub with metro connections (red and green lines), is adjacent to the airport metro line, and has the most frequent services. Santa Apolónia is better if you’re staying in Alfama or Baixa.
Is there a direct bus from Lisbon airport to Tomar?
Rede Expressos and Citi Express both operate services departing from Lisbon Airport directly to Tomar, usually in the late afternoon. Check the current timetable on the Rede Expressos website. For flexibility, the metro to Oriente (one stop on the red line) and then the train is usually more convenient.
Where is the train station in Tomar?
Tomar’s train and bus stations are right next to each other, about a 15-minute walk south of the town centre and the main square. It’s a flat, easy walk along the river. There are also taxis available outside the station if you prefer.
