Lisbon Public Transport Guide

Comprehensive Guide to Getting Around Lisbon with Transport Tips and Options

Lisbon’s public transport system is a well-developed and efficient network that offers a variety of options for getting around the city and visiting the many attractions.

The most common modes of public transportation in Lisbon include the metro, trams, buses, funiculars, and ferries.

Lisbon Navegante Card

The Lisbon Navegante card is the best way to purchase public transportation in the city. The card can be used across a variety of public transportation including buses, trams, the metro, trains, and ferries in Lisbon.

The card is rechargeable, allowing users to top up their balance as needed. This feature eliminates the need to purchase individual tickets for each trip, saving time and reducing the hassle of managing multiple paper tickets. It also allows you to get a discount on most trips, saving money on single fares.

This re-usable card can be purchased from any station for an admin fee of €0.50, and reloaded (again, at any station) with amounts between €3 and €40 and is highly recommended when travelling around Lisbon.

The Navegante card can also be used to purchase a ’24 hour pass’ for just €6.60 which allows you unlimited travel across Lisbon for 24 hours. This offers incredible value for tourists exploring the city and even includes a ride on the famous Tram 28. Please note that trains to Sintra are not included in this pass.

For more information check out the official website.

Lisbon Metro

Lisbon’s metro system is known for its cleanliness and modernity. It consists of four color-coded lines (blue, green, red, and yellow) that connect the majority of the city, including over 50 stations across Lisbon.

One-way tickets cost €1.65 and can be purchased by scanning a contactless bank card at the barriers of each station. There are no ‘return’ tickets, and each single trip is charged.

However, a more cost effective way for travel in Lisbon using the metro is to purchase a Navegante Card. The card allows you to get a discount on each single trip and pay €1.47 (a saving of €0.18).

The Lisbon metro is also the most convenient and cost-effective way to get to and from Lisbon airport with a metro station inside the airport, and included in zone one.

Lisbon Tram

Lisbon’s trams, especially Tram 28, are more than just a means of getting from one place to another; they are effectively a tourist attraction themselves. These historic yellow trams rattle along the cobbled streets, passing by colorful buildings adorned with intricate tiles and through the city’s oldest neighborhoods, such as Alfama and Graça.

Riding the trams is a quintessential Lisbon experience, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the city’s authentic atmosphere. As these trams traverse steep hills and navigate narrow turns, passengers are treated to panoramic views of Lisbon’s iconic landmarks, such as São Jorge Castle and Sé Cathedral. The slow pace and nostalgic ambiance create an unforgettable adventure that captures the essence of this enchanting European capital.

A single ride on the tram will cost €3 or just €1.35 if you have a Navegante Card. For the best value we recommend purchasing the 24 hour pass for €6.60 and combining it with the metro, bus and funicular fora full day of tourist activities.

Lisbon Bus

Lisbon has an extensive bus network that covers areas not served by the metro. Buses are a reliable means of transportation, and they provide access to various neighborhoods and attractions within the city.

From a tourist perspective the Lisbon bus routes aren’t as well used as the metro or trams, and the majority of attractions don’t require the use of a bus.

Tickets cost €3 for a single journey, or with the Navegante Card €1.35. Again, the 24 hour Lisbon pass includes all buses and routes.

Lisbon Funiculars and Elevators

Given Lisbon’s hilly terrain, funiculars and elevators are essential for navigating the steep slopes. Funiculars such as Elevador da Bica and Elevador da Glória transport passengers up and down, making it easier to access neighborhoods like Bairro Alto and Baixa. As you ride, you’ll not only reach your destination efficiently but also enjoy breathtaking picturesque views.

Elevators like the Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa) offer a different perspective, connecting lower and higher parts of the city with their intricate ironwork and scenic viewpoints. These structures provide not only convenient transportation but also an opportunity to admire the architecture on offer.

Funiculars and Elevators are included in the 24 hour pass with your Lisbon Navegante card, or costs €3.90 for a return journey.

Lisbon Ferries

Lisbon’s ferry system is an essential part of the city’s public transportation network, serving both commuters and tourists. These ferries primarily operate on the Tagus River, providing convenient access between Lisbon and its southern suburbs, including Almada and Cacilhas.

The ferry experience in Lisbon offers a unique blend of practicality and leisure. For residents, these boats are a daily mode of commuting, offering an alternative to congested roadways. Tourists, on the other hand, can enjoy a scenic journey that provides captivating views of Lisbon’s iconic landmarks, such as the 25 de Abril Bridge and the city’s picturesque waterfront.

Among the five ferry routes available, the most recommended for tourists seeking scenic views is the journey from Cais do Sodré in Lisbon to Cacilhas, which crosses the Tagus River (although it’s advisable to avoid this route during rush hour). The fare for a one-way ticket is €1.40 (but also included in the 24 hour pass, purchased with Navegante card).

Lisbon Taxis

Taxis in Lisbon are operated by licensed drivers and regulated by local authorities. They are easily recognizable by their distinctive colors and taxi signs, which can be found at taxi ranks across the city.

Lisbon’s taxis operate using a metered fare system, overseen by local authorities. The meter starts counting when you enter the taxi.

The initial fare for a taxi ride in Lisbon typically ranges from 3.25 to 3.90 euros. The per-kilometer fare in Lisbon is approximately 0.55 to 0.80 euros. These rates may vary during evening and nighttime hours.

In addition to traditional taxi hailing, there are also taxi apps available in Lisbon, allowing passengers to book taxis and track their arrivals. Popular apps include MyTaxi and Uber.