Travel Tips for Golegã Horse Fair 2025

Luckily, Golegã is just 120 km (about 1.5 hours) north of Lisbon. And whether you’re the kind of traveler who loves scenic road trips, prefers the rhythm of a train, or likes to kick back on a guided bus tour, getting to this horse-lovers paradise is totally doable.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to get to Golegã from Lisbon—without getting lost in translation.

How to get to Golega

By Car: Road trip time!

Get behind the wheel as driving is your best bet. Hop on the A1 motorway heading north out of Lisbon and follow the signs toward Santarém or Torres Novas. From there, it’s a short scenic cruise to Golegã.

During the travel, you’ll pass rolling vineyards, medieval hill towns, and wide-open Ribatejo landscapes that make the drive feel like a mini Portuguese postcard.

Parking during the fair:
It gets busy, so be prepared to walk a bit from the designated lots. Many visitors park on the outskirts and stroll in—it’s all part of the slow-sip Golegã experience.

By Train: Scenic and Stress-Free

You can take trains from Lisbon’s well-scheduled station metropolitans.

• Santa Apolónia or Oriente station
  Take a train to Entroncamento—the nearest major railway hub to Golegã. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. From Entroncamento, it’s a 15-minute taxi ride into town. Taxis are usually available at the station, but during the fair, they can get busy—so consider booking ahead if you're arriving during peak hours. 
• Torres Novas or Riachos
  If not Entroncamento, hop off at Torres Novas or Riachos. They are a little closer but may have fewer connections. Either way, the combo of train + short ride makes for an easy, eco-friendlier trip.
  
  Pro tip: Trains can fill up fast during the fair, so book early and try to travel during off-peak hours if you want a seat with a view.
  

By Bus or Tour Group: Sit Back, Soak It In

If you’re more of a sit-back-and-let-someone-else-handle-it traveler, you’re in luck. Several tour companies offer day trips from Lisbon directly to the fair. Some are geared toward general tourists, but others—like Cavago—craft their trips with horse lovers in mind.

Rede Expressos, one of Portugal’s major bus lines, runs regular buses from Lisbon (Sete Rios Station) to Torres Novas, the closest major hub to Golegã. From there, it’s a short taxi or rideshare to the fairgrounds.

Note: Download Google Maps or consult local guides too that help you skip the stress and dive straight into the action.

When it comes to the Golegã experience, you need to ensure true holiday planning with all the bookings being taken care of, and if you still haven't discovered a way for it, check out Cavago's own Golegã Horse Fair Packages curated just for you to enjoy the equestrian festival with a seamless and effortless process. Book today and get to experience Golegã with us!

Watch out Our Travel Vlog For In-depth Information

Getting Around Once You’re There

Once you’ve arrived in Golegã, ditch the wheels. The fair is built for walking, riding, and people-watching—usually all at once. The town center turns into a pedestrian paradise (horses included), and most of the action is within strolling distance. Expect cobbled streets, a lot of “wait, was that a horse inside that bar?” moments, and zero need for anything motorized. Pack walking shoes, a scarf, and your best wandering mindset.

Golegã isn’t about rushing—it’s about soaking in every step.