Tomar is a compact and walkable city, which means that once you’ve parked, you can explore most of it comfortably on foot. Here’s what you need to know before you arrive.
Two Covered Car Parks in the City Centre
Tomar has two covered underground car parks — PE1 and PE2 — both conveniently located in the city centre. In both, the first 30 minutes are free. After that, PE1 charges €0.40 for the first hour, while PE2 is slightly cheaper at €0.30 for the first hour — making them an affordable option for a few hours of exploring.
Free Parking Near the Train Station
If you’re happy with a short walk into the centre, there is free parking in the large Várzea Grande square in front of Tomar railway station. It’s a flat, easy walk from there along the river to Praça da República and the historic centre.
Parking at the Convent of Christ
The Convent of Christ has its own car park, with a mix of free and paid spaces. Parking in the official designated spots is recommended. The car park uses automatic pay machines that require payment upfront for the number of hours you plan to stay — note that the machines accept coins only, so come prepared. Three hours is generally enough to visit the full complex.
Alternatively, you can park in the city centre and walk up to the Convent on foot via the medieval Calçada de S. Tiago, behind the town hall on Praça da República, or via the Calçada de S. André from the Largo do Pelourinho. It’s a scenic uphill walk of around 15–20 minutes.
Street Parking
White-lined street parking on the periphery of the centre can offer free options, though it’s always worth carefully checking signage for any restrictions or time limits. The area around the centre has a mix of paid and free spots depending on the street.
A Few Handy Tips
- Carry small coins — not all parking meters accept cards or banknotes. Tourismattractions
- Weekday mornings tend to be quieter for parking than weekends or summer afternoons.
- During major events like the Festa Templária or the Festival de Lanternas Flutuantes, central parking fills up quickly — arriving early or using the station square is a smart move.
- Tomar is small enough to get around comfortably on foot, so parking a little further out is rarely a problem.
