Lisbon Bus Guide: Tickets and Using the Bus
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 | Lisbon has over 50 bus routes in operation via Carris, covering all of the city’s major attractions. Check overview of all current routes |
Times and Frequency | Monday to Saturday: 6.30AM – 12PM, |
Tickets and Prices | Local Buses around Lisbon centre start at €1.80 for adults. Tourist Travel Cards can save you money (More Information Online). |
Lisboa Card | Consider the Lisboa Card, where you can get unlimited transport on either the tram, bus, and metro. You’ll also get access to over 38 of Lisbon’s top attractions including Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery and many more! |
Overview of Lisbon Bus
Lisbon has many options for public transport across the city centre, with the bus being one of the easiest and most affordable options for tourists.
The local city centre buses are operated by Carris, who have multiple routes around Lisbon, connecting the majority of main attractions as well all the important neighbourhoods and transport hubs.
Whether you’re heading to the airport, for a day trip to Sintra, or want to get to Belem and try the perfect Pastel de Nata, the bus is a great option.
Lisbon also have long distance buses that connect Lisbon with other cities and areas in Portugal, as well as further afield such as Spain.
If you’re looking for a longer bus journeys outside of Lisbon, or want to go on a day-trip, your best bet is Rede Expressos. The main hub for these buses is the Estación de Oriente, Lisbon’s main bus station.
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 | €1.80 |
| Navegante Card (Single Journey) | €1.61 |
| Navegante Card (24 Hour Unlimited Pass) | €6.60 (per 24 hours) |
A single one-way journey on the Lisbon bus costs €1.80 and can be purchased by scanning a contactless bank card when getting on the bus or paying with cash (exact change is often required). Each single trip is charged, with no option of a ‘return ticket’.
If you’re planning on catching the bus more than once, a more cost effective way for travel in Lisbon using the bus is to purchase a Navegante Card. The card allows you to get a discount on each single trip and pay €1.61 (a saving of €0.19).
Lisbon Bus Navegante Card
For any tourist visiting Lisbon the Lisbon Naegante card is essential. You can use the cartd across most public transportation options including buses, trams, the metro, trains, and ferries in Lisbon.
You can purchase a card from any of the main transport huibs or stations (some of the smaller stations may not have the self service machines) for an administration fee of €0.50. You then can top-up this card (again, at any station) with amounts between €3 and €40.
You can also use the Navegante to purchase a ’24 hour pass’ for just €6.80 which allows you unlimited travel across Lisbon for 24 hours.
Lisboa Card Pass
Another great option for tourists looking to get unlimited travel on the bus is to purchase a Lisboa Card. Whilst it’s more expensive than the other bus ticket options, it does include a lot extra!
For starters, you’ll get access to all other forms of public transport, including the tram and metro. You’ll also get access to some of Lisbon’s top attractions including Sao Jorge Castle, Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery.
The Lisboa Card can be purchased for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours and starts from just €27, offering you massive savings when visiting Lisbon.
Where to Buy Lisbon Bus Tickets
For local buses in Lisbon you can pay on-board as you get on. As of 2024 all of the local Carris buses have the option to pay using contactless or card, making the need for cash or small change unnecessary.
If you’re using a Navagente card (mentioned above) then you can top-up the card before travelling at one of the many self-service ticket machines across metro, tram or bus stations.
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 | Route Details | Notable Stops |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | Historic route through Baixa, Graça, and Alfama | Various historic landmarks |
| 15E | Central area to Belém, passing by Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower | Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Monument to the Discoveries |
| 783 | Lisbon Airport to city center | Lisbon Airport, City Centre |
| 727 | Central areas including Areeiro, Saldanha, and Campo de Ourique | Areeiro, Saldanha, Campo de Ourique |
| 714 | Connects Alameda with Parque das Nações, passing through Chelas and Olivais | Alameda, Parque das Nações, Chelas, Olivais |
| 735 | Travels from Cais do Sodré to Ajuda | Cais do Sodré, Ajuda |
| 746 | Links Marquês de Pombal to Estrela | Marquês de Pombal, Estrela |
| 742 | Connects Bairro Alto to Marquês de Pombal | Bairro Alto, Marquês de Pombal |
Lisbon Bus Tips for Visitors
- Have Cash: Not all buses take cards, so have some change for tickets.
- Check Times: Buses usually run from early morning to late at night, but times can vary. Check the schedule.
- Use Maps: Apps like Google Maps can help you find the best bus routes to your destination.
- Know the Stops: Stops aren’t always well-marked. Keep an eye on where you are, especially if you’re new to the city.
- Sit or Stand: Buses can get crowded. Be prepared to stand if no seats are available.
- Keep Tickets: Always keep your ticket until you leave the bus. You might be asked to show it.
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