Lisbon has one of the most characterful public transport systems in Europe: a modern metro for the backbone of most journeys, beloved vintage trams for the steep hills of Alfama and Bairro Alto, funiculars that haul passengers up gradients that would challenge a mountain goat, and a good network of buses filling the gaps. Here is how it all fits together — and which parts of the tourist lore to take with a pinch of salt.
The Metro
Lisbon's Metro (Metropolitano de Lisboa) has four lines covering much of the city from the airport to the waterfront:
- Linha Azul (Blue): runs from Santa Apolónia (near Alfama) through the Baixa (Terreiro do Paço) to Odivelas in the north. Key stops: Santa Apolónia (train station for Porto and Spain), Terreiro do Paço (riverfront), Marquês de Pombal, Pontinha.
- Linha Amarela (Yellow): runs from Rato to Odivelas, passing through Marquês de Pombal and Picoas. Useful for the Avenida da Liberdade area.
- Linha Verde (Green): runs from Cais do Sodré (train station for Belém and Cascais) through Baixa-Chiado (heart of the Baixa and Chiado shopping areas) to Telheiras. The Baixa-Chiado stop is the single most useful station for tourists.
- Linha Vermelha (Red): runs from the airport (Aeroporto station) to São Sebastião, where it connects to the Blue line. This is the airport transfer line — a direct metro to the centre in about 25–35 minutes.
The Metro runs from approximately 06:30 until 01:00. Trains come every 4–8 minutes during the day.
Tram 28 — the famous one
Lisbon's Tram 28 (Eléctrico 28) is so well-known that it appears on virtually every Lisbon postcard. The small yellow vintage tram rattles through the steep, narrow streets of Alfama, Graça, Mouraria and the Baixa, passing many of the city's most scenic corners. It is genuinely useful for getting between Martim Moniz, Alfama, the cathedral (Sé) and Estrela — but it is also extremely popular, which means long queues and crowded carriages in tourist season. Pickpocketing is common on Tram 28; keep bags closed and zipped.
The practical alternative for many tourist routes: Bus 737 covers much of the same ground as Tram 28 with more capacity and less waiting. Use the tram for the experience, but do not rely on it as your primary means of getting around Alfama.
Other tram lines
Tram 15E is a modern, air-conditioned tram running between Praça da Figueira (city centre) and Algés via Belém. This is the easiest way to reach Belém's monuments (the Tower of Belém, Jerónimos Monastery) and is considerably more comfortable than the 28. It uses the same tickets as the metro.
Funiculars and the Elevador
Lisbon's hills are served by three funiculars (ascensores) and one street elevator (elevador), all operated by Carris:
- Ascensor da Bica: connects Rua de São Paulo (near Cais do Sodré) with Calçada do Combro in Bairro Alto.
- Ascensor da Glória: links Praça dos Restauradores with the top of Bairro Alto, near the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint.
- Ascensor do Lavra: the oldest and least touristy, near Intendente.
- Elevador de Santa Justa: a Victorian iron elevator by an engineer taught by Gustave Eiffel, connecting the Baixa with the upper Chiado. The queue can be very long in summer; the staircase alternative is a 5-minute walk via the Calçada do Carmo.
All funiculars and the elevator accept the standard Viva Viagem card. They are practical as well as scenic — Lisbon's hills are steep and the lift saves a real climb.
Tickets and the Viva Viagem card
Lisbon's public transport — metro, tram, funiculars, buses and the elevador — uses an integrated ticketing system through the Viva Viagem card, a reloadable contactless smartcard available at metro station machines for a small deposit. Load it with single journeys, a 24-hour unlimited pass, or credit (zapping) for pay-as-you-go travel.
Single tickets and zapping
Single journeys on the metro cost under €2 if paid via zapping on the Viva Viagem card — considerably less than a paper ticket. Single tram and bus fares bought on board (cash, from the driver) cost around double the card price. Always use the card.
24-hour pass (Lisboa Card transport)
A 24-hour unlimited transport pass is available on the Viva Viagem card. There is also the Lisboa Card, a tourist card covering public transport plus entry to many museums and monuments — useful if your sightseeing list is long, as the included attractions can more than cover the card price.
Cascais and Sintra by train
Two popular day trips use suburban trains rather than metro or tram. The Linha de Cascais departs from Cais do Sodré station (Metro Green line) west along the coast to Cascais. The Linha de Sintra departs from Rossio station or Oriente station to Sintra. Both use CP (Comboios de Portugal) regional trains and a separate ticket from the metro.
Getting from Lisbon Airport to the city
The Metro Red line connects Aeroporto station (inside the terminal) directly to the centre. Take the Red line to Alameda (changing to the Green line for Baixa-Chiado) or to São Sebastião (changing to the Blue line). The journey to Baixa-Chiado takes about 25–30 minutes. Aerobus and taxis are also available from the terminal. A standard metro fare (loaded on the Viva Viagem card) covers the airport trip.
If you are travelling onward from Lisbon by rail — to Porto or to Madrid — departures are from Lisboa Oriente (Metro Red/Blue lines) or Santa Apolónia (Metro Blue line). See the Lisbon to Porto guide and Madrid to Lisbon guide for those journeys. For the broader Iberian rail network, the Spain by AVE guide is also useful context.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tram 28 worth it in Lisbon?
Yes — for the experience and the scenery it is genuinely enjoyable, and it does connect real neighbourhoods usefully. But expect queues and crowds in summer. Go early in the morning or late in the evening for a less packed ride, and keep a firm hold on your belongings throughout.
How do I get from Lisbon Airport to the city centre?
Take the Metro Red line from Aeroporto station. Change at Alameda to the Green line for the Baixa-Chiado (city centre). Total journey about 25–30 minutes, at a metro fare rather than an expensive taxi or bus.
What is the Viva Viagem card?
The Viva Viagem is Lisbon's reloadable public transport smartcard. Buy it at Metro station machines (small deposit, refundable), load it with credit or passes, and tap it on readers when boarding metro, tram, bus, funiculars and the elevator. It gives cheaper fares than paying cash on board.
Can I go to Sintra and Cascais on the Metro?
No. Sintra is reached by CP suburban train from Rossio or Oriente stations. Cascais is reached by CP train from Cais do Sodré. Both stations are accessible by Metro, but the onward trains to Sintra and Cascais are separate CP services with their own tickets.
Sources and further reading:
- Metro network, fares and Viva Viagem: Metropolitano de Lisboa (metrolisboa.pt).
- Trams, funiculars and buses: Carris (carris.pt).
- Sintra and Cascais trains: CP – Comboios de Portugal (cp.pt).
- Tourist card information: Lisboa Card official site.