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Lisbon Transportation Guide: Tram 28, Funiculars & More

Welcome to our Lisbon Transportation Guide where you will find all the information you need about the transportation options in Lisbon: Trams (including the iconic Tram 28), Metro, Funiculars, and more! Also, find out which transportation card suits you best.

We wrote this Lisbon Transportation Guide to help you plan your visit to Lisbon. It is important to know how to get around the city, especially according to the area you stay in Lisbon. If you haven’t chosen one yet, check out our Lisbon Neighborhoods Guide to find out the best areas to stay in Lisbon.

Lisbon, the colorful capital of Portugal, brings a handful of visitors each year, eager to see this beautiful unique city. If you are here on our Lisbon Transportation Guide, you are probably planning to visit Lisbon and already know why it is worth visiting. So we will jump straight to the matter – transportation! Lisbon offers various transportation options to help the many visitors explore the city conveniently and we will try to help you get to know each way. After we elaborate on each means of transport, we will finish this Lisbon Transportation Guide with a summary of transportation cards that you can use on your Lisbon trip.

But first, we will begin our guide with a brief information about how to get to Lisbon.

Note that all photography on this guide (and throughout our website) was shot by me (Alina) and if you wish to purchase any, some are available at my Etsy shop.

For more Itineraries and travel guides, visit our Destinations page.

How to get to Lisbon?

BY FLIGHT – This European capital of Portugal is widely connected with direct flights to the rest of Europe and other continents. Therefore, a flight to Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is the best and fastest way to get to Lisbon. The airport is just 5 km away from Lisbon’s city center, and Metro is a fast and convenient way to get there.

BY TRAIN – Another way to get to Lisbon is by train, even from big cities such as London, Paris and Madrid. However, it will take a long time, most of them are overnight trains.

BY CAR – Of course, you can always take a car if you are coming from Spain or France, but that will be an even longer journey.

Lisbon Transportation Guide: How to get around Lisbon?

Historic Trams

The traditional yellow ‘Remodelados’ trams are an attraction in itself, operating in Lisbon since the 19th century. Since then, they have been renovated with new electric engines, but the wooden interior remains original and marks a historic remnant in Lisbon. Besides being a symbol of Lisbon and a must-try experience, they are a useful way of transportation as they get you inside the higher hilly neighborhoods where the metro does not go. A single ticket for a tram ride costs around €3.00, however, they are free with the transportation tickets we elaborate on later in this guide.

However, there are some downsides. First, due to their popularity, they could be crowded, especially during rush hours. Second, there could be long waiting lines, especially at the beginning of the routes, such as the Martim Moniz station on Tram 28. And lastly, beware of pickpockets on the trams.

As routes and hours may change, you will find updated information about hours of operation and the routes here.

The Iconic Tram 28

Tram 28 in Lisbon is an iconic scenic route that goes through some of the main attractions in Lisbon’s historic center. The route begins at Martim Moniz and goes to Campo Ourique, through all the central neighborhoods: Graca, Amalfa, Baixa, Chiado, Cais do Sodre, and Bairro Alto. Tram 28 route is the most frequent of all the trams, on weekdays it begins as early as 5:40 and finishes at 23:30 (check out the exact times and stations here. It is the busiest route so be prepared to wait in lines to board the tram.

A few tips to skip the lines on Tram 28:

· Go early in the morning or late in the evening.

· Try to catch Tram 28 along the line and not at Martim Moniz.

· If you want to ride Tram 28 the whole route for the experience, start at Campo Ourique and ride it on the way back to Martim Moniz. Although, it is a bit far from the center of Lisbon.

· Tram 12 is a great alternative to Tram 28, as they share most of the scenic route.

· And finally, you can walk along its route and admire its charm from the outside.

Tram 12

The Tram 12 route goes along the historic center of Lisbon and shares part of it with Tram 28, so it is a good option to consider if Tram 28 is too busy. Just like Tram 28, Martim Moniz is the starting point of the Tram 12 route, but it is a shorter journey that finishes at Bairro Alto after traveling through Amalfa, Baixa, Cais do Sodre, and Chiado. It is less frequent than Tram 28 and operates between 8:00-20:45.

Tram 24

Tram 24 begins at Praca Luis Camoes in Bairro Alto and travels north along that vibrant neighborhood, then through Principe Real, and ends at Campolida. It is a quieter route, a nice alternative to the busy Tram 28. It can be useful for visiting Parque Eduardo VII, although there is a closer metro station, Parque. The route operates between the hours: 7:00-20:05.

Tram 25

Tram 25 begins at Corpo Santo at Cais do Sodre and travels west to Campo Ourique. This is one of the least popular routes among tourists. It operates between the hours: 6:30-20:35, except Saturdays and Sundays.

Tram 18

Tram 18 begins at Cais do Sodre and travels west to Alto de Ajuda, close to Belem neighborhood, however, the next tram, E15 is the recommended route to get to Belem. Also, it is one of the less popular routes in Lisbon. It operates between the hours: 6:20-20:15, except Sundays.

Modern Trams – E15

Route E15 is used by modern long trams, probably due to the popularity of the Belem neighborhood. On the contrary to the historic trams, riding the modern E15 tram has nothing special to it, it is merely a way to get to Belem and visit many of its attractions, such as the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, and more. For more information on Belem’s attractions, visit our 3 day Lisbon Itinerary.

Metro

This is the most efficient way to get around Lisbon, with high frequency and a good layout around the city. However, some neighborhoods in Lisbon do not have metro stations, which means you will need to consider an alternative such as the trams. Operating between the hours: 6:30-01:00. It is a fast and safe way of transportation in Lisbon, however, be mindful of pickpockets. A single ticket for a journey within one zone costs around €1.50, and it is free with the transportation card at the end of our Lisbon Transportation Guide.

There are 4 Metro lines:

· Blue Line (Linha Azul): Connects Santa Apolónia in the northeast to Amadora Este in the northwest, passing through major stations like Baixa-Chiado and Terreiro do Paco.

· Yellow Line (Linha Amarela): Runs from Rato in the south to Odivelas in the north, intersecting with other lines at stations such as Marques de Pombal and Campo Grande.

· Green Line (Linha Verde): Extends from Cais do Sodre in the southwest to Telheiras in the northwest, serving popular areas like Baixa-Chiado and Rossio.

· Red Line (Linha Vermelha): Connects Sao Sebastiao in the north to Aeroporto (Airport) in the east.

The Blue and the Green Lines have stops in central Lisbon, and the Red Line connects the Airport with them. The Metro station is located just outside the Arrivals Hall. The last station of the Red Line, Sao Sebastiao, is located north of the city center, hence, visitors staying in the center of Lisbon will have to change stations to a Blue or a Green Line.

Funiculars

There are 3 operation Funiculars in Lisbon, all began operating in the 19^th century. The traditional funiculars provide a convenient way to access the hilly neighborhoods. Besides saving you from some tough elevations to climb, it is a great experience when visiting Lisbon and a must-do in our opinion. If you have the time to visit just one, go for the most scenic one – the Bica Funicular. A ticket ticket costs €3.80, and it is free with transportation cards like the Lisboa Card or Navegante Card we explain at the end of this Lisbon Transportation Guide.

Bica Funicular (Elevador da Bica, Ascensor Bica)

The famous Bica Funicular is the most scenic Elevador in Lisbon, with an amazing view of the Tagus River. It connects the Cais do Sodre neighborhood from Rua de Sao Paulo to the Bairro Alto neighborhood on Largo do Calhariz. The Bica Funicular operates between 7:00-21:00 on weekdays and with a later start at 9:00 on weekends. (for updated hours, check here).

Gloria Funicular (Elevador da Glória)

The Gloria Funicular operates between 7:15-23:55 on weekdays and with a later start at 9:15 on weekends. It connects Avenida da Liberdade at Restauradores Square to the Bairro Alto neighborhood right at the beautiful amazing viewpoint, Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara.

Lavra Funicular (Elevador da Lavra)

The Lavra Funicular is the oldest and the steepest of the three funiculars. However, it is the least popular of the three although closely located to Gloria Funicular. It connects Avenida da Liberdade from Largo da Anunciada to the Pena neighborhood at Rua Camara Pestana. The Lavra Funicular operates between 7:00-20:30 on weekdays and 9:00-20:00 on weekends.

Santa Justa Lift (Elevador Santa Justa)

The Santa Justa Lift is a very popular and unique attraction in Lisbon offering amazing views of Lisbon. Also, just like the Trams and the Funiculars, it is a means of transportation and it is even named 54E by Carris, hence it is part of our Lisbon Transportation Guide. Santa Justa Lift is located on the corner of Rua de Santa Justa and Rua Aurea, it connects the lower streets of the Baixa neighborhood with the Chiado neighborhood at Largo do Carmo. It operates between 10:00-19:00 daily. The ticket to ride up and down the elevator is €5.30, but it is free with one of the transportation cards at the end of this Transportation Guide.

The vistas from the top are a must-see!

Pro Tip to skip the lines at the Santa Justa Lift:

· The lines at the lower station are much longer than at the upper station. You will find the entrance on the right of the Carmo Convent. See the photo below, we have marked the way with red markings.

· It is included in both of the transportation cards stated below.

Buses

Lisbon has an extensive bus network that reaches areas not covered by the metro or trams. They are an efficient and less crowded way of transport, with routes serving both central districts and suburban areas. Buses operate from early morning until late evening, with some routes offering night service. Bus fares are similar to metro fares, with prices based on the number of zones traveled. A single bus ticket typically costs around €1.50, and just like the other transportation options in Lisbon, they are free to use when purchasing one of the transportation cards stated below.

Uber or Taxi

We used Uber several times in Lisbon and found it to be the most convenient way of transport and it wasn’t that expensive. However, having a Lisboa Card (see next) will make this an unnecessary expense. We used it mostly at late hours or when we wanted to save time.

And after we’ve covered all the transportation options, there is always the option to just walk 😊

Now let’s move to the last part of our Lisbon Transportation Guide, where we will cover the recommended Transportation Cards for tourists.

Transportation Cards in Lisbon

Lisboa Card

Just buy it! It is totally worth it! First, you will get free use of all the public transportation we’ve covered in this Lisbon Transportation Guide: metro, buses, trams, funiculars, Santa Justa Lift, and even trains (yes, to Sintra as well!). In addition, the Lisboa card gets you free entrance to many of the city’s main attractions, such as Belem Tower, Castelo de Sao Jorge, Rua Augusta Arch, Jeronimos Monastery, and much more. You will also receive discounts on many others. Moreover, besides having a free entrance to Belem Tower, you are entitled for a fast track which we used and found it super helpful and it saved us valuable time. The prices of just a few of these attractions will cover the entire cost of the card, making it a great value.

You can buy a 24, 48, or 72-hour Lisboa Card, visit their website for prices and more information ( ). We purchased it online and then picked it up at the AskMe Lisboa office at the airport (more locations stated on their website). Note that the hours are calculated from the time you validate it at your first use and not by days. When taking public transport in Lisbon, just tap the contactless validation machine, and when visiting an attraction, show the card at the entrance to receive a free entrance or a discount.

Navegante Card (formerly Viva Viagem Card)

An alternative to the Lisboa Card, the Navegante Card is suited for travelers interested only in transportation in Lisbon and not planning to visit many attractions on their visit (if you are, definitely choose the Lisboa Card!). The Navegante Card, previously called the Viva Viagem Card, is valid for 1 year and costs 0.5€. You can load it with a single-trip ticket on a specific kind of transportation (valid for one hour after validation) or with a 24-hour ticket that gives you free access to all the public transportation in Lisbon for 24 hours.

You can buy a Navegante Card at the vending machines and ticket offices in the metro, train, and ferry stations. Also, there are several local shops in Lisbon where you can buy it as well, such as Payshop, CTT, and MOB stores. For tourists, opt for the Navegante Occasional Card, as there is an option for local frequent users.

With a 24-hour ticket, each time you take any kind of transport, just tap the contactless validator and you are all set. It is an easy and cheap way to travel in Lisbon without paying separately for each ride. Since the prices you pay directly at the transport are generally higher without a Navagante Card. It is valid on the metro, trains, trams (Tram 28 included), funiculars, Santa Justa Lift, buses, trains, and even on the ferry.

Well, this is it. We hope you made our Lisbon Transportation Guide useful and helps you plan your Lisbon trip.

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Lisbon Neighborhoods Guide: The Best Areas to Stay in Lisbon

1 Comment / Portugal / Alina Kaplanov

Welcome to our Lisbon neighborhoods guide to the best areas to stay in Lisbon and much more!

In this Lisbon neighborhoods guide, we will cover each central neighborhood in Lisbon and suggest our recommended best areas to stay in Lisbon. Furthermore, we will review when to visit Lisbon and recommend how many days are usually sufficient for exploring its wonders. To complete all the must-know information before visiting Lisbon, we reviewed how to get around Lisbon in our Lisbon Transportation Guide. But first, let’s begin with some general information about Lisbon.

Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with contemporary charm. Set on 7 hills, Lisbon is famed for its unique hilly, winding, cobbled streets lined with pastel-colored houses. We absolutely loved Lisbon, from its picturesque neighborhoods, and the beautiful scenic viewpoints overlooking the city and Tagus River to its lively culture and divine cuisine.

The 1755 Lisbon earthquake played an important role in shaping the city it is today, as many neighborhoods were completely destroyed. The catastrophic quake led to innovative earthquake-resistant building techniques and a uniform grid street plan that you see today in many neighborhoods.

Before we dig into Lisbon’s neighborhoods and where are the best areas to stay in Lisbon, we will start our Lisbon Neighborhoods Guide with a review of the best time to visit Lisbon.

Note that all photography on this guide (and throughout our website) was shot by me (Alina) and if you wish to purchase any, some are available at my Etsy shop.

For more Itineraries and travel guides, visit our Destinations page.

When to visit Lisbon?

Well, there is no bad month for visiting Lisbon, as the weather is generally comfortable throughout the year. But the summer months of June to September are considered the best time to visit Lisbon, regarding temperature and rainfall.

TEMPERATURE – As you can see in the chart below, these summer months are the warmest months with temperatures ranging from 29°C (84°F) to 17°C (62°F). However, the winter months are quite mild with temperatures ranging from 17C (62°F) to 8°C (46°F).

RAINFALL – In the chart below, you can see the precipitation throughout the year and the summer months, June to September, are the driest months with the lowest rainfall averages.

Lisbon Neighborhoods Guide: The best areas to stay in Lisbon

You chose your dates, booked your flights, and now comes the next decision, where to stay in Lisbon? Lisbon has many neighborhoods in its historical center, each with a different charm. In this Lisbon Neighborhoods Guide, we will review each neighborhood and suggest the best area to stay in Lisbon and our chosen hotel.

We will only discuss the central neighborhoods in Lisbon as we strongly recommend you to stay in the city center. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, your time in the city is limited, so it’s best not to waste precious time on long trips to and from the hotel. Secondly, city itineraries are usually busy and involve a lot of walking, which can be tiring. Thus, having a central hotel is very convenient if you want to take a quick break in the comfort of your hotel room.

When looking for the best areas to stay in Lisbon, we considered some important factors. First, we wanted to choose a hotel close to a Metro station with a convenient connection to the Airport. Also, consider the proximity of a train station, especially if you plan on taking day trips from Lisbon. For example, the most popular, Lisbon is to Sintra day trip goes from the Rossio Train Station. It’s all about making your travels easier and efficient.

Map of Lisbon Neighborhoods

1. Baixa - our second best area to stay in Lisbon

· The most central neighborhood in Lisbon and the most linked regarding transportation.

· Big plazas, busy shopping streets, and many restaurants.

· Metro Stations: Baixa-Chiado (Blue & Green lines), Rossio (Green line) and Terreiro do Paco (Blue line)

· Train Station: Rossio

· Points of interest:

o Praca Dom Pedro IV (Rossio Square) – big plaza surrounded by shops and restaurants

o Praca do Comercio & Arco da Rua Augusta – the main plaza facing Tejo River

o Santa Justa Lift – great views of the city from the top

o Rua Augusta – the most famous shopping street

· Downsides:

o Might be too busy and noisy.

o Not the best choice for nightlife enthusiasts

Now that we established that June until September are the best months to visit Lisbon, we would also suggest considering the shoulder months of May and October, and even April. As the temperatures are mild and the precipitation is in the lower range. Furthermore, during those months you might enjoy fewer crowds and lower hotel prices. Baixa lies in the heart of Lisbons’ historic center, between the hills of Amalfa and Bairro Alto. It is characterized by grand neoclassical buildings, wide boulevards, and cobblestone grid-like streets that imply the new reconstruction after being destroyed by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

With this central location in the heart of Lisbon, you will have all the public transportation right at your doorstep. However, you might not even need to rely on public transport, as many of Lisbon’s top
attractions are within walking distance. The dining options in Baixa are wide and diverse. Moreover, Baixa is the best neighborhood for shopping lovers with countless shops and boutiques especially on the main shopping street Rua Augusta.

Overall, you might just have everything you need near your hotel.

On the whole, Baixa is a great choice for where to stay in Lisbon and it is our second best area to stay in Lisbon. Especially for first-time visitors due to its central location and proximity to major attractions. Even more so, if you like the vibrant atmosphere that this lively district has to offer.

2. Avenida da Liberdade – the best area to stay in Lisbon

· Lisbon’s main boulevard, adjacent to the historic center

· Luxury hotels, designer boutique shops, and upscale restaurants

· Metro Stations: Rossio (Green line), Restauradores (Blue line), and Avenida (Blue line)

· Train Station: Rossio

· Points of interest:

o Parque Eduardo VII & Marques De Pombal Square – a big park with panoramic views of the city, located at the end of the avenue

o Praca dos Restauradores – plaza at the beginning of the avenue

o Gloria Funicular – a unique tram that takes you up to the Barrio Alto neighborhood

· Downsides:

o More pricey as most of the hotels on the avenue are luxury hotels

o Does not have the main attractions within its limits, although they are easily reached by metro

Avenida da Liberdade was constructed after the area was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, as the Baixa neighborhood. The avenue starts up the hill at the Marques de Pombal Square, right under the Eduardo VII Park, and goes towards downtown until you reach Praca dos Restauradores. The tree-lined sidewalks along the avenue are beautifully decorated with black and white stones with a mosaic pattern.

Staying on Avenida da Liberdade provides easy access to Lisbon’s major attractions while staying in a more upscale, less busy neighborhood. This is our choice for the best area to stay in Lisbon, continue reading to check out our recommended hotel.

3. Amalfa

· The most charming and beautiful neighborhood in Lisbon In the heart of most of the historic attractions

· The classic Trams 28 & 12 are the main public transportation throughout the neighborhood

· Metro Stations: Terreiro do Paco (Blue line)

· Points of interest:

o Castelo de Sao Jorge – beautiful castle uphill that offers stunning views

o Se de Lisboa – Lisbon’s Cathedral

o Miradouro das Portas do Sol & Miradouro de Santa Luzia – are among the most beautiful viewpoints in Lisbon

· Downsides:

o Hilly neighborhood that could be difficult physically to get around

o No direct metro stop and the trams could be crowded

Amalfa is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon, it is famous for its narrow winding cobbled streets, colorful houses, historic landmarks, and stunning views from several picturesque miradouros (viewpoints) on the city thanks to the uphill location. It was not destroyed during the 1755 earthquake and its elevation helped it escape the followed tsunami. Therefore, it reserved its original historic structure.

The iconic traditional No. 28 tram goes through the neighborhood and this is the main but charming way of transportation in Amalfa, as there is no metro station directly in the district. Mind that the trams can be very crowded so it is not the best neighborhood in terms of transportation.

Amalfa is home to Lisbon’s most iconic historic attractions, such as Se de Lisboa and Castelo de Sao Jorge. Furthermore, this neighborhood is synonymous with Fado, Portugal’s soulful melancholic musical genre. Visitors can experience authentic Fado performances in local taverns and restaurants throughout Alfama.

Amalfa neighborhood is a charming and vibrant area to stay in if you want to immerse yourself in Lisbon’s rich history and enjoy traditional Fado music in local taverns. But be ready for a lot of uphill walking as it lacks a good means of transportation.

4. Chiado

· Chic and elegant central neighborhood with many cafes and restaurants, boutique shops, and bookstores.

· Cultural center with theaters and museums

· The classic Trams 12, 24 & 28 goes throughout the neighborhood

· Metro Stations: Baixa-Chiado (Blue & Green lines)

· Points of interest:

o Santa Justa Lift – connects Chiado to Baixa

o Carmo Convent – a medieval gothic convent and church with a collapsed roof, a reminder of the 1755 quake

o Cafe A Brasileira – a historic art deco cafe

o Praça Luis de Camoes – central plaza lies between Chiado and Bairro Alto

Chiado is dotted with historic landmarks such as the iconic Cafe A Brasileira, a popular historic cafe frequented by intellectuals and artists, and the ruins of the Carmo Convent, a hauntingly beautiful gothic convent and church destroyed partially in the 1755 earthquake.

Chiado is heaven for fashion enthusiasts, as it offers a mix of upscale boutiques, designer stores, and trendy fashion labels. Don’t miss the shopping mall, Armazéns do Chiado, and the main street Rua Do Carmo.

Chiado is an excellent choice for those who enjoy high-class shopping, dining in trendy restaurants, and exploring Lisbon’s cultural scene, while conveniently staying close to the main attractions.

5. Bairro Alto

· The best neighborhood for nightlife, it’s famous for its lively bars and street parties

· The classic Tram 24 & 28 are the main public transportation throughout the neighborhood

· Metro Stations: none

· Points of interest:

o Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara – a terrace with a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the city

o Gloria Funicular – historical tram that goes from Avenida da Liberdade to Bairro Alto

o Bica Funicular – another iconic tram that goes from Cais do Sodre to Bairro Alto

· Downsides:

o No metro lines and the trams could be crowded

o A noisy neighborhood

Bairro Alto is Lisbon’s bohemian quarter, known for its steep and narrow cobbled streets, colorful graffiti, and eclectic atmosphere. It is famous for its vibrant nightlife as it comes alive at night with countless bars and live music venues. The neighborhood exudes a laid-back and alternative vibe, with quirky boutiques, vintage stores, and independent art galleries lining its streets. You will find lots of street art in Bairro Alto, showcasing Lisbon’s thriving urban art scene.

Bairro Alto means uptown, referring to its location based on a hill. Two classic funiculars can take you up to the neighborhood, which is a back-in-time experience in itself. One is Gloria Funicular (Elevador da Gloria) which goes from Avenida da Liberdade to an amazing viewpoint called Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara. The other is the famous Bica Funicular, which goes from Cais do Sodre and is considered Lisbon’s most picturesque funicular in Lisbon, going over a steep slope with the Tagus River in the background.

If you’re looking for a lively and energetic atmosphere, Bairro Alto is the place to be. However, if you are a light sleeper, you might need to consider another neighborhood to stay in. Also, consider the lack of metro stations within the district.

Our recommended Hotel in the best area to stay in Lisbon

Now that we’ve covered each central neighborhood and hopefully helped you narrow down to a specific district in search of the best area to stay in Lisbon, we will suggest the hotel we chose.

We chose BessaHotel Liberdade on Avenida da Liberdade and absolutely loved it! It is a 4-star hotel, modern and luxurious with a big bonus of an indoor pool. We took the Executive Double, a beautifully designed, spacious room with a Juliette balcony and a view of Avenida da Liberdade. The location was perfect, conveniently close to Restauradores and Rossio metro stations and to Rossio train station.

You can see in the video on the right the view of Avenida da Liberdade from our room’s balcony.

How many days in Lisbon do you need?

We will finish this Lisbon Neighborhoods Guide with a recommendation on how many days you need in Lisbon. We believe that you need at least 3 days in Lisbon to see most of the attractions including a Sintra day trip. If you have more than 3 days, you can dive deeper into its neighborhoods, take another day trip, or simply relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this charming city.

Well, this is it. We hope this Lisbon Neighborhoods Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Lisbon gives you all the information you need before your visit and helps you choose where to stay in Lisbon.

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