Lisbon Bus Guide: Tickets and Using the Bus

Lisbon Bus – Stations and Ticket Guide

The Lisbon bus is an easy and cheap option for transport in the city of Lisbon, with multiple routes covering all of the top Lisbon attractions.

This guide aims to help tourists understand how to use Lisbon’s bus network, from how to buy tickets, to understanding the best routes to use.

Lisbon Bus – General Information
Routes	As of 2025, Carris operates 99 regular bus routes throughout Lisbon, connecting all major neighbourhoods, attractions, and transport hubs. See all Lisbon bus routes on the Carris website
Times and Frequency	Most buses run daily from around 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Frequencies depend on the route and time of day, but buses on tourist routes typically run every 10–20 minutes during peak hours. View Carris timetables by route
Tickets and Prices	A single bus ticket costs €2.20 if purchased on board. Using a rechargeable Navegante card (formerly Viva Viagem) reduces the fare to €1.66 per ride, although the card itself costs €0.50. You can also top up your Navegante card with a 24-hour ticket for €6.80. If you’re planning to do some sightseeing as well, we recommend booking the Lisboa Card instead. It includes unlimited travel and access to many top attractions. For longer trips to other cities (e.g. Porto, Faro), book online via: Compare intercity bus tickets with Busbud

Overview of Lisbon Bus

Lisbon has many options for public transport across the city centre, and the bus is one of the easiest and most affordable ways for tourists to get around.

The local city buses are operated by Carris, which runs dozens of routes throughout Lisbon, connecting most major attractions as well as all the important neighbourhoods and transport hubs.

Whether you’re heading to the Lisbon airport, planning a day trip to Sintra, or making your way to Belém to try a perfect Pastel de Nata, buses are a convenient and budget-friendly choice.

Lisbon also has long distance buses, operated by Rede Expressos, that connect the capital with other Portuguese cities, as well as destinations further afield, including Spain. The main hub for these buses is the Estação do Oriente, Lisbon’s primary long distance bus terminal.

There are also a large number of buses departing from Lisboa Santa Apolonia, the main train station in Lisbon.

Lisbon Buses Tickets and Fares

Ticket Type	Price per Journey
Single Journey Ticket	€2.20
Navegante Card (Single Journey)	€1.66
Navegante Card (24 Hour Unlimited Pass)	€6.80 (per 24 hours)
Lisboa Card	Free

A single one-way journey on the Lisbon bus costs €2.20 when paid onboard using cash or a contactless bank card. Each single trip is charged, with no option of a ‘return ticket’. If you’re using cash, try to have the exact amount ready as change isn’t always guaranteed.

Lisbon Bus Navegante Card

If you’re planning to take the bus more than once, it’s worth picking up a Navegante card. This rechargeable card brings the fare down to just €1.66 per trip. You’ll need to pay a one-time €0.50 fee for the card itself, which you can buy at most metro stations, train stations, or Carris customer service points like Santo Amaro and Cais do Sodré.

The Navegante card can be topped up with credit or loaded with a 24 hour pass for €6.80, giving you unlimited travel for a day across buses, trams, metro, trains, and even ferries. The pass is valid from the moment you first tap in, not from the time of purchase.

Don’t forget to always validate the card by tapping it on the reader when you get on the bus. Failing to do so can lead to fines during random inspections.

The card also offers child discounts, with kids under 4 travelling for free.

Lisboa Card Pass – Why It Is Better for Tourists

For visitors planning to combine public transport with sightseeing, the Lisboa Card is an even better deal.

This pass includes unlimited travel on all Lisbon public transport (buses, trams, metro, and trains), plus free entry to over 50 attractions like:

• Jerónimos Monastery
• São Jorge Castle

You’ll also get discounts at museums, restaurants, and shops, which adds even more value. The card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours and starts from €31, meaning it quickly pays for itself if you’re using transport and visiting even a few sights.

Where to Buy Lisbon Bus Tickets

You can pay for local Carris buses in Lisbon directly on board. As of 2025, all buses accept contactless payment by bank card, so there’s no need to carry cash or exact change.

If you’re using a Navegante card (mentioned above) make sure to top it up before boarding. You can do this at any of the self-service machines found in metro, tram or bus stations.

For buses that travel outside of Lisbon, such as to Porto, Faro, or even Spain, it’s best to book tickets in advance online. We recommend using Busbud, a reliable platform that compares prices and schedules from major bus companies across Portugal and beyond.

Lisbon Bus Routes

Lisbon’s bus system is pretty extensive, making it easy to get around the city and see the sights. Here’s a an overview of some of the key local routes. For full information visit the Official Carris Bus Website.

Bus Route	Where it goes	Why it’s useful
728	Restelo to Parque das Nações	Follows the Tagus river, passes major sights like the MAAT, Cais do Sodré, and Oriente.
783	Lisbon Airport to Amoreiras	Direct and cheap airport-to-city connection.
735	Cais do Sodré to Ajuda	Great for reaching the National Palace of Ajuda and western Lisbon.
714	Praça da Figueira to Outurela	Passes through Belém, making it a good alternative to the tram.
746	Marquês de Pombal to Estrela	Connects central Lisbon with Estrela Basilica and Jardim da Estrela.

Lisbon Bus Tips for Visitors

• Have some cash: Most buses now accept contactless cards, but it’s still a good idea to carry a few coins, especially if you’re catching an older route.
  
• Check the timetable: Lisbon buses generally run from early morning until late evening, but exact times vary by line and day. Check the official Carris timetable or Google Maps before heading out.
  
• Use Navigation Apps like Google Maps: They are great for planning your route and seeing live bus times in Lisbon.
  
• Know your stop: Not all buses announce the stops, and signs can be easy to miss. It’s a good idea to follow your journey on your phone so you don’t miss where you’re going.
  
• Expect crowds: Buses can get packed during rush hours or in popular areas. Be ready to stand, especially during busy times.
  
• Keep tickets: Whether you’ve tapped in with contactless or bought a paper ticket, make sure to keep proof of payment until you get off. Inspectors sometimes do random checks, and if you can’t show a valid ticket, you could get fined.

Lisbon Bus: Frequently Asked Questions

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