{"id":631,"slug":"lisbon-to-costa-da-caparica","title":"How to Get from Lisbon to Costa da Caparica: Best Beach Route","excerpt":"Lisbon to Costa da Caparica: buses, the ferry route, and best beach tips.","content":"When the city gets hot, locals head south across the river to a long ribbon of Atlantic sand. Getting from Lisbon to Costa da Caparica takes under an hour and costs a few euros, by direct bus or the far nicer ferry route. Here are both, where to get off, and how to reach the quieter beaches.\n \n## What is the easiest way to reach Costa da Caparica?\n>The simplest option is the direct 3710 bus from Areeiro, about 55 minutes, running every 10 to 30 minutes. The nicer route is the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas, ten minutes across the Tagus, then bus 3011 or 3022 for 35 to 45 minutes. Buses cost around 2.60 euros.\n \n## Option One: The Direct Bus\nCarris Metropolitana runs bus 3710 from Avenida Padre Manuel da Nóbrega in Areeiro, by the green line metro station, taking about 55 minutes. It is frequent, every 10 to 30 minutes depending on season, and drops you at the town terminal near Praça Padre Manuel Bernardes, a ten-minute walk from the sand. Its less useful sibling, the 3709, leaves from Parque Eduardo VII near Marquês de Pombal but runs only a few times on weekdays. If buses are new to you, our [public transport guide](https://lisboacitypass.tripnly.com/blog/how-to-use-public-transport-lisbon-like-local/) explains tickets and cards.\n \n## Option Two: The Ferry Route\nThis is the route worth taking. Catch a Transtejo ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas, a ten-minute crossing with superb views of the city and the 25 de Abril bridge, roughly every 20 minutes. From Cacilhas terminal, bus 3011 is the express, about 35 to 40 minutes but hourly, while the 3022 takes nearer 45 minutes every half hour. Both cost around 2.60 euros. Total time is similar to the direct bus, but you get a boat ride, and Cacilhas is worth a stop for its seafood restaurants.\n \n## Reaching the Quieter Beaches\nThe beaches by the town terminal are busiest, packed with families and surf schools. Head south and the crowds thin, with long, wild stretches of dune-backed sand. Bus 3012 runs hourly from Cacilhas to Fonte da Telha at the southern end in about 50 minutes, and from there you can walk to almost deserted sand. A seasonal tourist train has run along the coast in past summers, though on and off, so check locally rather than counting on it. Some southern stretches are naturist or LGBTQ+ beaches, all clearly signposted.\n \n## Practical Tips for a Beach Day\nGo early on summer weekends, when buses and sand fill fast. The Atlantic here is cold and the surf strong, so swim near lifeguards and respect the flags. Bring cash for beach bars and a windbreak, since afternoon wind is common. A taxi or rideshare takes 15 to 20 minutes over the bridge for around 25 to 35 euros, which suits groups, as our [Uber vs Bolt vs taxi guide](https://lisboacitypass.tripnly.com/blog/uber-vs-bolt-vs-taxi-lisbon-guide/) explains. For a completely different beach day, compare it with [Cascais](https://lisboacitypass.tripnly.com/blog/lisbon-to-cascais-how-to-get-there-what-to-do/).\n \n## People Also Ask About Costa da Caparica\n### How far is Costa da Caparica from Lisbon?\nIt is about 15 kilometres south across the Tagus, roughly 20 minutes by car over the 25 de Abril bridge, or under an hour by public transport.\n \n### How much does the bus cost?\nCarris Metropolitana buses to Costa da Caparica cost around 2.60 euros a single. The ferry to Cacilhas is a separate ticket of a couple of euros, and a Navegante card makes both simpler.\n \n### Is Costa da Caparica better than Cascais?\nFor surf, space, and a laid-back vibe, yes. Cascais is prettier as a town with calmer bay swimming, while Caparica has wilder Atlantic beaches and more room.\n \n### Can you swim safely there?\nYes, at guarded beaches. The Atlantic is cold with strong currents and shore break, so stay between the flags and take care with children.\n \n### Which beach should I choose?\nBeaches near the town terminal are convenient and lively, while those south toward Fonte da Telha are quieter and wilder. The further you go, the fewer people.\n \n## Your Easy Escape to the Atlantic\nThe trip from Lisbon to Costa da Caparica is one of the city's best-value days out: a ferry, a short bus ride, and suddenly you are on open Atlantic sand. Take the boat if you can, head south for space, and pack a layer for the wind. Pair it with our [best day trips from Lisbon](https://lisboacitypass.tripnly.com/blog/best-day-trips-from-lisbon/) for more ideas.","author":"Yağmur Dudu","authorInfo":{"name":"Yağmur Dudu","bio":"Tripnly Global Ambassador · Travel Writer","avatarUrl":"https://ethical-car-b690d7e735.media.strapiapp.com/Yagmur_Dudu_rounded_b0517b520f.png","role":"","socials":{"twitter":"","x":"","instagram":"https://www.instagram.com/yagmurdudu/","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/ya%C4%9Fmurdudu/","facebook":"","website":""}},"date":"2026-07-23T10:05:35.107Z","category":"Local Guides","imageUrl":"https://ethical-car-b690d7e735.media.strapiapp.com/Strapi_Article_Cover_Photo_54_c706ff42ea.png","imageCaption":"","readTime":6,"views":0,"isPopular":false,"quote":"","quoteAuthor":""}