Cabo da Roca from Cascais Bus Schedule & Tips (2026)

There is a specific scent to the air in Cascais in the morning, just as the sun is burning off the marine layer. It is a briny, optimistic smell—the smell of freshly baked sourdough mixed with the sharp tang of the Atlantic. Standing on the Avenida Marginal, watching the commuter traffic inch toward Lisbon, I often feel a magnetic pull westward. It’s a pull toward the edge of the world, toward the jagged cliffs and the lighthouse that stands as a sentinel over the most westerly point of mainland Europe. It is a pull toward Cabo da Roca.

For many travelers, the logistics feel daunting. But for locals who know the rhythm of this coast, the answer is always the same: the 1624 bus. It is the lifeline that stitches the civilized comforts of Cascais to the wild, untamed beauty of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. If you are planning this journey in 2026, here are the secrets—the schedules, the seats, and the hidden stops—to make it perfect.

The Magic Carpet: Understanding the 1624 Bus

The bus itself is unassuming—a standard yellow and white Portuguese bus, usually operated by Carris Metropolitana (or Mafrense). But once it leaves the outskirts of Sintra and begins its climb toward the coast, it becomes a sightseeing vehicle in its own right.

The route number you are looking for is 1624. It is the direct link between Cascais and Cabo da Roca. However, in 2026, it is important to understand that this line often operates as a hybrid. It connects Cascais to the village of Colares, and then, the buses designated for the "Cabo da Roca" extension continue to the lighthouse. If you hop on a bus that says "Colares," make sure to check with the driver if it continues to the lighthouse. Usually, the timetable for the full Cabo da Roca trip is printed on the digital display above the windshield.

The 2026 Timetable: The Heartbeat of the Coast

Bus schedules in Portugal are a living thing. They breathe with the seasons. In the summer, they expand; in the winter, they contract. Based on current trajectory and established patterns, here is the reliable framework for Cabo da Roca bus schedules in 2026.

Departure Point in Cascais

You will find the bus stop at the Casco Terminal (Terminal Rodoviário). It is located right next to the train station, near the large Pingo Doce supermarket. It is a covered, modern station. Do not wait on the street; go to the designated bay (usually Bay 6 or 7, but check the screens).

Monday to Friday (Winter/Spring 2026)

Feature	Detail
First Departure	07:35 AM (For early risers and photographers)
Frequency	Every 60 to 90 minutes
Last Departure	~6:00 PM - 6:30 PM (Check "MobiCascais" app)

Weekends & Summer 2026

Feature	Detail
First Departure	08:00 AM
Frequency	Every 30 to 45 minutes (July/August)
Last Departure	As late as 8:00 PM (Peak Summer)

    ⚠️ The Danger Zone (Return Journey): The last bus from Cabo da Roca back to Cascais is critical. If you miss it, you are stranded in an isolated place.
    
Winter: Aim for the bus by 5:30 PM.
    
Summer: You have leeway until 7:30 PM.

Travel Time: The ride is approximately 25 to 35 minutes from Cascais to Cabo da Roca. The journey from the center of Cascais to the scenic coastal section takes about 20 minutes.

The Route: A Narrative of Landscapes

I want you to pay attention to the right side of the bus as you leave Cascais. The route tells a story of geology and history.

For the first ten minutes, you pass the manicured gardens of the Cidadela de Cascais. Then, the bus begins to climb, entering the outskirts of Sintra. The air cools down here; the humidity rises because you are driving through a microclimate.

Around the 15-minute mark, you hit Colares. From here, the landscape changes dramatically. You are now on the Estrada do Cabo. The trees become stunted, twisted by the wind. The soil turns sandy.

As you approach Azóia, the views open up. You will see the monument rising out of the flat horizon. It is a breathtaking moment, even for someone who has done this ride a hundred times.

The Stops: Where to Get On and Off

While the Cascais Terminal is the main hub, you can catch the 1624 at several stops along the Avenida Marginal. However, starting at the Terminal guarantees a seat.

Sintra (Portela): If coming from Lisbon, catch the 1624 near the Portela de Sintra train station.
Colares: A great place to break the journey to see the local church.
Azóia: A tiny hamlet. Getting off here allows you to walk the final 2km to the lighthouse along the cliff edge—a highly recommended activity.
Cabo da Roca (Lighthouse): The final stop, right in the parking lot.

The Logistics: Payment, Fares, and Comfort (2026 Updates)

In 2026, the digital ecosystem is fully integrated. Fumbling for exact change is a thing of the past, though drivers still accept cash.

Payment Methods

The "MobiCascais" App: The holy grail. Download it before you go. You can buy a "Zapping" card (digital wallet) and tap your phone. It is cheaper than buying a paper ticket on board.
Carris Metropolitana Card: The physical green and white card is still valid. You can top it up at kiosks in the Cascais Terminal.
Cash: Accepted, but have smaller bills (5€, 10€).

The Fare (Est. 2026)

Prices usually increase slightly with the new year.
Cash Ticket: ~2.50€ - 3.00€
Zapping (Digital/Card): ~1.70€ - 2.00€ (Significant savings for couples/families).

Comfort

The buses are modern, air-conditioned (vital in summer), and usually have free Wi-Fi, though the signal can drop in the remote areas near the cliffs.

The Destination: What Happens When You Arrive?

You step off the bus, and the wind hits you. It is almost always windy at Cabo da Roca. It smells of salt and wild thyme.

The Monument

You are standing at 140 meters above sea level. The monument is a chaotic pile of rocks topped with a crucifix and a navigation beacon. It bears the coordinates: 9° 30' W, 38° 47' N. It is a place of pilgrimage. You can see the waves crashing against the cliffs below, sending plumes of white spray into the air.

The Lighthouse

The lighthouse is still operational. Walking around the perimeter gives you a view of the "Cave of the Liones" below—a legendary spot where, according to myth, the roar of lions can be heard in the waves.

Facilities

There is a café/restaurante right at the lighthouse parking lot (O Cantinho do Roque). It’s not haute cuisine, but the bifana (pork sandwich) and a cold Super Bock beer while overlooking the Atlantic is a sublime experience. There are also public restrooms.

My Personal Itinerary: The Perfect Round Trip (2026)

If you are asking me for the blueprint of a perfect day, here it is:

09:00 AM: Depart Cascais Terminal on the 1624. Sit on the right side.
09:35 AM: Arrive at Azóia. Don't go all the way to the lighthouse yet.
09:35 - 11:00 AM: Walk from Azóia to Cabo da Roca along the coastal trail (Vereda do Cabo). It is a flat, easy, and incredibly scenic 20-minute walk.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore the lighthouse, take the obligatory photo, and buy some travesseiros (pillow pastries) from the café.
1:30 PM: Take the bus back toward Cascais, but get off at Praia da Rainha or Praia da Poça.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: A picnic on the beach or a dip in the ocean.
4:30 PM: Catch the bus back to Cascais town center for a well-deserved glass of Vinho Verde.

Troubleshooting: The "What Ifs"

"What if the bus is full?"

This happens on sunny Saturdays in May and June. If the bus is full at Cascais, wait for the next one. Do not try to squeeze on.
Pro Tip: If you are staying near the train station, walk to the Cais do Sodré end of the station (the last stop before the bus heads to Sintra). You might get a seat there.

"What if I miss the last bus?"

This is the biggest fear for travelers. If you are stranded at Cabo da Roca, your options are an Uber (expensive and scarce) or walking 12km back (dangerous).
Solution: Set an alarm on your phone for one hour before the estimated last departure.

"Is there a Hop-On Hop-Off bus?"

Yes, but they are significantly more expensive (20€+) and run less frequently than the local 1624. For an authentic experience, stick to the local bus.