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Day trips · 8-11 hours

Setúbal and the Arrábida hills

A riverside city with a lively market and fish on the Sado, and limestone hills above the sea with some of the clearest beaches near Lisbon.

Duration
8-11 hours, including travel
Distance from Lisbon
about 50 km
Transport
Train, Bus, Car
Interest
Nature, Beach, Family-friendly
Accessibility
Partial accessibility
Budget
Low budget. Mostly public transport and free sights.
Best time of year
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Booking
No booking needed

Making the most of it

Start with the Livramento market and Setúbal's centre, on foot from the station. The Arrábida hills, a natural park, are best explored by car along the coastal road, stopping at the viewpoints. In summer, car access to the Arrábida beaches is usually restricted and alternative transport may run: check the current year's rules on the Setúbal municipality website. Paths down to the beaches are steep and have steps.

For a shorter outing, try Costa da Caparica. For a fuller day, you could choose Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais. For the following day in the city, the Lisbon in 1 day itinerary is a good start. Pair it with a stroll through Graça. See other trips that go to Setúbal.

Independent itineraries to do on your own. We do not sell tours, recommend tour operators or use affiliate links. Check timetables, tickets and access with official sources before you set off.

Getting there

Fertagus train from Roma-Areeiro, Entrecampos or Sete Rios to Setúbal. For the hills, car or local bus from Setúbal. Check timetables and journey times with the operator before you go.

Getting around

Official sources

Last checked: 2 November 2026

Map

Getting there without a car

Best day trips without a car

Fertagus

Departure in Lisbon
Roma-Areeiro / Entrecampos / Sete-Rios
Arrival
Setúbal
Recommended line
Fertagus (Fertagus)
Transfers
Direct, no transfers
Usual journey (one way)
about 58 min (median of the scheduled timetable)
From the stop to the sight
about 750 m in a straight line (the walk is longer)

Fertagus trains leave from Roma-Areeiro, Entrecampos and Sete Rios and cross the 25 de Abril Bridge. Not all of them go as far as Setúbal (some end at Coina): we only show those that reach Setúbal.

Source: fertagus.pt · checked on 3 November 2026

Half day or full day?

Better as a full day: 1 h 56 of travel there and back and about 6 h 04 at the destination.

Official timetable - Fertagus

Timetables: official open data from Fertagus (published 14 September 2026 at 17:43), imported 3 November 2026 at 16:08, valid until 14 March 2027. No live delay data.

At the destination, now

Can I go now?

Beach day?

History nearby

Places on this trip

Places to see on this trip

More trips to Setúbal

There are several ways to visit this destination: compare length, stops and transport.

Nature · Beach · Heritage

Arrábida, Sesimbra and Setúbal

Start at Mercado do Livramento, cross Arrábida’s landscape on the N379-1 where permitted and finish in Sesimbra’s town centre and beach.

  • 9-11 hours
  • about 50 km
  • Car
  • Partial accessibility
  • No booking needed

Adjust to your time

If you have less time

Beach · Nature

Costa da Caparica

Swap Lisbon for the Atlantic on an outing to Costa da Caparica’s urban beaches, with a seafront walk and access by bus or ferry plus bus.

  • 4-6 hours
  • about 18 km
  • Bus, Ferry, Car
  • Partial accessibility
  • No booking needed

If you have one more day

Nature · Heritage · Beach

Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais

Make an independent train-and-bus loop through Sintra’s centre, Atlantic scenery at Cabo da Roca and Cascais before returning to Lisbon.

  • 9-12 hours
  • about 30 km
  • Train, Bus
  • Partial accessibility
  • No booking needed

Other ways to spend this day

Longer option

See the extra-day suggestion above.

Without a car

This trip works without a car: Fertagus train from Roma-Areeiro, Entrecampos or Sete Rios to Setúbal.

The next day, in Lisbon

Similar trips

Heritage · Beach · Nature

Mafra and Ericeira

An independent day linking Mafra’s palace and library with Cerco Garden and the Ericeira coast, without relying on the closed basilica.

  • 8-11 hours
  • about 40 km
  • Bus, Car
  • Partial accessibility
  • Booking recommended

Pair it with this Lisbon neighbourhood

Graça

A good neighbourhood to end the day once you are back in Lisbon.

A hilltop neighbourhood of viewpoints and local life.

Back in Lisbon: ideas for the end of the day

Viewpoints · Graça

Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen

On Largo da Graça, this viewpoint bears Sophia’s name and offers a view stretching from the castle to the river.

Viewpoints · Graça

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Graça's highest point, facing the castle and the river.

Viewpoints · Alfama

Miradouro das Portas do Sol

A terrace in Alfama on Largo das Portas do Sol, facing Palácio Azurara and overlooking the São Vicente hillside.

Check each place's opening hours on its page before you go.

Continue exploring