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Overview of Lisbon’s Transport Network

My first week was all about learning the ropes. The transport network in Lisbon is easy to get. It has color-coded lines and clear signs. With Citymapper Lisbon, I can switch between transport easily.

Ways You Can Get Around

Riding the metro is a great way to get around the city. It’s the main way to get around and has four lines that connect easily. The Red Line even goes right to the airport. To get to more places, you can take a tram or bus. The 15E tram is a great option as it goes directly to Belém. And for those steep hills, you can just hop on a funicular or elevator.

If you need to go a bit further, you can catch a train. The CP Urbano trains are fast and connect popular spots like Cais do Sodré and Cascais, as well as Santa Apolónia and Oriente. You can also take a ferry across the Tagus River. Just check the maps at any station to see the different metro zones and prices.

Walking

Wandering around Baixa and Belém is a blast, and the riverfront is super flat for awesome photos. Just a heads-up, the old stone streets can get slippery when it’s raining, so watch your step! I like to mix things up by walking and taking the metro. I use an app called Citymapper Lisbon to figure out the best way to get around so I can stay on time and dodge the crowds.

Operating Hours and Peak-Times

The metro runs from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., and buses operate from 5:00 a.m. to midnight. Just a heads up, trams can get a bit stuck in traffic, so they might not be the fastest option during busy times. I try to avoid peak hours if I can, but if I need to travel during rush hour, I’ll usually take a suburban train. Having an app like Citymapper Lisbon is super helpful because I can easily switch up my plans if I run into any delays.

Tickets and Cards

As soon as I land at Humberto Delgado Airport, I grab a Viva Viagem card for €0.50. It’s a lifesaver because it works for the Metro, buses, trams, funiculars, elevators, CP trains, and even ferries. I just keep it handy and tap it before every single ride. I can load it with whatever kind of ticket I need for the day, which makes getting around super easy. This will be very helpful if you are a digital nomad in Portugal, in the long term you will be saving quite alot of money.

Where to buy and How to Load

I grab my first card from a Metro machine, which is super easy. After that, I just top it up at stations, kiosks, or ticket offices. It’s way quicker when the lines are short. You can load it with a single trip, a 24-hour pass, or even just put some money on it to “zap” your way around. Just a heads-up, the lines can get pretty long at the airport and in Baixa around midday, so I try to reload my card either early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the crowds.

Viva Viagem vs. Navegante Occasional

Just a quick tip: locals call the reloadable card a “navegante occasional,” but it’s the same one we tourists use. It’s good for a whole year and lets you hop between the Metro, Carris, CP trains, and ferries all on one card. You can load it with whatever you need, single trips, zapping balance, or even a bundle pass. That way, you’ll never have any trouble getting through the gates. Viva Viagem is the old name for the same card. Many people, including locals, still refer to it by this name. If needing a good comparison, then you should look at what the NYC pass costs, this will help with comparing prices and packages from the US.

Zapping Pay as You go Lisbon

The zapping “pay as you go” option is my favorite way to get around Lisbon. I just add some money to my card, usually somewhere between €5 and €20, and the system automatically takes out a discounted fare whenever I tap in. Just a heads-up, some lines require you to tap out as well, so keep an eye on the validators. This is perfect for those times when I just want to hop on and off without having a set plan.

24-hour Carris/Metro Bundles

A 24-hour pass for Carris and the Metro is a great deal. It covers buses, trams, elevators, funiculars, and the Metro itself, all for about the cost of three regular rides. It’s a lifesaver on days when I’m hopping all over the place, like from Alfama to Belém and back. Just remember, if you plan to also use trains or boats, make sure you choose the correct pass combination before you pay.

Lisboa Card Transport Included

If I’m planning to hit a bunch of museums and do a lot of sightseeing, I’ll definitely check if the Lisboa Card is a good deal. It gives you unlimited rides for one to three days, plus free entry or discounts at a ton of major attractions. For a jam-packed itinerary, it can be a real game-changer, saving both time and money compared to buying individual tickets as I go.

Option	Best For	What It Includes	How I Use It	Typical Spend Strategy
Viva Viagem card 2025 / navegante occasional	Flexible visitors and first-timers	One-year validity; works on Metro, Carris, CP suburban trains, ferries	Buy once, reload often; keep one product active at a time	Start with small loads, then adjust after day one
zapping pay as you go Lisbon	Mixed short trips with no set plan	Contactless balance; discounted per-ride fares; tap in (and out if required)	Top up €5–€20; watch validators at gates and on buses/trams	Ideal for 1–2 light travel days
24-hour Carris/Metro pass	3+ rides across Metro, buses, trams in one day	Unlimited rides on Carris, elevators, funiculars, and Metro for 24 hours	Activate on the first tap; plan clusters of sights to maximize time	Great for sightseeing sprints and hill days
Lisboa Card transport included	Heavy sightseeing over 1–3 days	Unlimited public transport plus free/discounted entry at major attractions	Use on busy museum days and cross-town hops	Offsets multiple admissions and frequent rides

Lisbon Metro

I love planning my photo shoots and cafe breaks around the metro. It’s so fast, easy to figure out, and no big deal if you miss your stop. Since most of what I want to see is in the city center, I just use my Viva Viagem card or a 24-hour pass. Finding my way around is a breeze, I just follow the colored tiles and signs. Before you know it, you’ll be switching lines like a pro.

Red Line to the Airport and Connections

Getting from Humberto Delgado Airport is super easy, I just hop on the Metro’s Red Line. It takes me straight to Saldanha for the Yellow Line or Alameda for the Green Line. If I need the Blue Line, I just switch at São Sebastião. Most of the time, I’m only one quick transfer away from my hotel. If a transfer looks too crowded, I just take a second to check the boards. Following the color-coded lines is a huge help during rush hour and saves me a bunch of time.

Service Hours

Trains run from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., which is awesome for catching early flights or grabbing a late dinner. I always double-check the first and last trains if I have a super early or late plan. The platforms are a lot quieter during off-hours, but make sure you have your card ready to tap through the gates quickly. The good news is that accessibility is improving, about 31 stations now have lifts or escalators. But not every stop is step-free, so I always plan my routes to avoid a ton of stairs and give myself extra time to switch lines, especially when I’m carrying my gear.

Top Sights by Station

When I’m in the mood for some art, I just head to São Sebastião on the Blue Line to check out the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. If I have family with me, we’ll take the same line to Sete Rios for the Lisbon Zoo. For modern vibes and waterfront views, I’ll hop off at Oriente to explore the Parque das Nações area and the Oceanarium.

My go-to spot for downtown hangs and shopping is definitely Baixa Chiado station. I’ll usually grab a coffee there between meetings, and then it’s just a short walk down to the river. These spots keep my day easy to manage and my shoots right on schedule.

Route Planning with Citymapper

For those times when I need to make a quick decision, I always trust Citymapper Lisbon. It gives me real-time updates on routes, tells me which platform to go to, and even sends delay alerts. The official maps are cool, but this app is a lifesaver when I’m trying to juggle meetings and catch that perfect golden-hour light.

If you’re new to the metro, here’s a pro tip: just plan your route in the app, take a screenshot of the main transfer, and then follow the line colors in the station. It’s that simple! Once you understand the metro zones and know the Red Line goes right to the airport, you’ll be navigating the city like a local in no time.

Buses and Trams

I love to ride the metro in Lisbon because it’s so quick and reliable. I always try to plan my day around it, especially when I’m looking for the best photo ops and need to move fast. When things get busy, I just switch up my route to avoid the crowds. This is how I stay on the go, soak up the city’s vibe, and still make it to a great sunset spot with time to spare.

Useful bus Routes for Visitors

I like to hop on Lisbon’s buses for quick travel and easy photo stops. Bus 728 is a great option as it connects Oriente to Belém, which is perfect for checking out the MAAT and the waterfront. If you’re looking to snap some museum shots, the 714 bus goes from Praça da Figueira to Belém. And for a quick way to get up to the castle, the 737 bus climbs from Praça da Figueira to Castelo.

I’ve found it’s best to ride off-peak, like after 9:30 a.m., before 4:30 p.m., or later in the evening. This way you can avoid the crowds, get a better view, and have a more peaceful ride.

Historic Trams

When I want that old-school tram vibe, I skip the super-crowded 28E and go for the 12E, 18E, 24E, or 25E instead. They’ve got that classic feel with the wooden seats and rattle through the tiled streets, but without all the chaos. For times when I’m in a hurry, I’ll hop on the 15E to get to Belém. It’s a modern tram with more space, so I can get to the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower much faster, even though there are still lines during busy hours.

Tram 28 Tips Avoid Crowds

The 28E tram is a classic, but you gotta do it right. I treat it like a sunrise mission, hopping on either super early in the morning or late at night from Martim Moniz or Campo Ourique. That’s when the crowds are gone and the light is perfect. Just a heads-up, avoid the mad dash to the door. That’s when it’s easy to get distracted and pickpockets can be an issue.

My rule is simple: bag in front, phone zipped away, and my card ready to tap. The ride through Graça, Alfama, and Chiado is absolutely stunning, but I always keep one hand on the rail and my other hand on my gear.

Funiculars and Santa Justa Elevator

To handle those steep Lisbon hills, I switch between the funiculars like Glória, Bica, and Lavra, or just use the Santa Justa Elevator in Baixa. I always make sure to tap my Viva Viagem or Navegante card at the gate, which is way cheaper and faster than trying to pay with cash.

If I’m just taking a single ride for a quick photo, paying on board is fine, but the lines for tickets at Santa Justa and the funiculars can get pretty long. Using my transit card lets me skip the queues and save a few euros that I’d much rather spend on a few extra pastéis de nata.

How to use Lisbon Public Transport in 2025

I like to keep my transit routine super simple so I can focus on enjoying the city. Here’s how I easily get around using the metro, buses, and trams. With this plan, I feel totally confident navigating Lisbon’s public transport, even on the busiest days.

Step-by-Step

1. Get Your Card First, you’ll need a Viva Viagem or “navegante occasional” card. It only costs €0.50 and you can get one at any Metro station from the machines or ticket offices, and also at some kiosks.
2. Load It Up You have a couple of options for what to put on it. I usually go with “zapping,” which is a pay-as-you-go credit. I’ll load it with about €5 to €20, and then a discounted fare gets deducted every time I tap. Or, if I know I’m going to be all over the place, I’ll get the 24-hour pass. It’s great because it covers the Metro, buses, and trams for the whole day.
3. Just Tap and Go Whenever I ride, I just tap my card on the reader before I get on or at the Metro gates. If it doesn’t beep or light up green, I just tap it again to make sure it’s good to go.
4. Easy Transfers The best part is that you can switch between buses, trams, and the Metro without any extra fuss, as long as you’re within the valid transfer time. Just make sure you always have your card ready because inspectors sometimes do spot checks, especially on the main routes!

What’s the Best to Choose?

If I’m planning to take three or more trips in a day, the 24-hour pass is my go-to. It lets me hop between the Green Line and a tram without a second thought. But if my plans are more flexible, I’ll load up my card with “zapping” credit. It’s way cheaper than buying single tickets and I only pay for what I use. I save single fares for those rare, one-off rides.

No matter how you travel, it’s always good to keep these tips in mind:

Avoid Fines: Getting caught without a validated ticket can be expensive! I always try to top up my card the night before so I don’t get caught in the morning rush or make a silly mistake.

Be a Good Passenger: I always let people get off before I get on, and I’m sure to offer my seat to those who need it. Just a little common courtesy makes the ride better for everyone.

Always Tap: I make sure to validate my card every single time I get on, even if it’s a quick transfer. If you don’t tap, it’s like you don’t have a ticket, and inspectors can pop up at any time.

Stay Safe: I’m extra careful on crowded trams, especially the 28E, and at busy stations like Baixa-Chiado. I always keep my bag zipped up and in front of me.

Boats and Trains

When I need to get somewhere fast, I either take a ferry or a train. The ferries that cross the Tagus River offer some amazing views, and the trains are super quick because they don’t have to deal with any traffic. I always make sure my Viva Viagem card is ready to go, and I remember to validate it and check the screens for my ride. The CP Urbano trains are so clean and easy to follow, which is a huge plus when I’m feeling tired.

Ferry Terminals

To zip over to the south bank, I just hop on the ferry from Cais do Sodré. It’s awesome for grabbing lunch with a view. The ferry from Terreiro do Paço is another great option, it’s fast and super affordable for trips heading south. The ferries are really steady, even on windy days. I like to get there a little early, tap my card, and snag a window seat. The ride over to Cacilhas is beautiful, with great river views and tons of seafood restaurants right there.

Suburban Trains

The train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais runs all the time, even during off-peak hours, and it gets me to Belém super fast without dealing with traffic. I like to use the middle doors because it’s easier to get on with my backpack. For the east side of the city, I’ll hop on the Azambuja Line from Santa Apolónia to Oriente. It’s a quick trip and drops me right near the Oceanarium. It’s definitely a better option than a bus for meetings near the station.

When Trains Beat Trams and Buses

When things get crazy busy, I always choose the train over a tram or bus to get to Belém. They’re way more reliable and help me stay on schedule. The same goes for Parque das Nações, i just hop on the train because it’s so much faster than trying to drive on Avenida Infante Dom Henrique. Seriously, trains are a lifesaver when it’s raining or when the city is packed. They save the day!

From the Airport and Across the City

To start my trip off right, I consider how much time I have, what my budget is, and how much stuff I’m lugging around. Then, I pick the best way to get into the city. Most of the time, the metro is my go-to. But if I’ve got a lot of bags or get in late, I’ll just grab a rideshare or a taxi. It’s super easy and gets me to my hotel quickly.

Airport to Lisbon by Metro via The Red Line

When I land at Humberto Delgado Airport, I just walk over to the Metro station and hop on the Red Line. It’s definitely the quickest and cheapest way to get into the city. Plus, the Red Line connects with all the other lines, so it’s super easy to transfer. I just tap my Viva Viagem card, find a seat, and watch the map to figure out my next move.

The metro is a total breeze, especially when I don’t have a lot of luggage. The trains run all the time, and the signs are in both English and Portuguese, which is a huge help. I can get to spots like Baixa or Chiado with just one quick change. It’s my go-to choice because it’s so fast and simple.

When to Choose a Taxi

If I have a lot of gear or luggage, I’ll definitely use a rideshare app like Uber, Bolt, or FREE NOW. You’ll know it’s an official car because it’s legally required to have a “TVDE” sticker. I like using these apps because the price is usually better than a regular taxi, and you get to see the fare and how long the car will take to arrive right away. It makes planning so much easier.

If I’m taking a taxi, I’ll head to the official taxi stand. The fare starts on the meter with a base rate, but just remember that the prices are a bit higher at night and on weekends. Some of the taxis accept cards, but I always make sure to have some cash on me just in case. They’re required to give you a receipt, and to avoid any confusion, I like to have my destination’s address written down to show the driver. Basically, my rule is to quickly compare the price and wait time on an app versus the taxi line, and then just pick what works best for my schedule.

Late-Night Options

From 1:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., the metro takes a break. So for late-night transportation, I usually just grab an Uber, Bolt, FREE NOW, or a taxi from the official stand right outside the airport. There are some night buses, but they don’t go everywhere.

To stay safe, I always share my trip with a friend. If I’m alone, I sit right behind the driver. I also make sure I have my address ready on my phone, and I’ll even try to have it in Portuguese if I can. If I’ve had a long night, I’ll even book a rideshare in advance as I’m getting ready to leave. It just makes the ride home so much smoother.

Accessibility, Micromobility, and Walking

Before I even go to Lisbon, I like to find out the easiest ways to get around. I’ve learned that the flat paths along the riverfront are perfect for walking and save a lot of energy. My go-to strategy is to use the right tools to make sure I’m moving easily and staying safe the whole time.

Accessibility Limits

Heads-up: even though the public transport in Lisbon is great, not all Metro stations have elevators, but 31 of them do. I always check that before I drag my heavy gear around. Low-floor buses are super helpful, but watch out for the older ones because they can be a pain. Trams can be tough to get on, but the 15E tram is a lot easier. The funiculars and elevators are a blast, but they’re not great for strollers or wheelchairs. If I’m taking the train, I make sure to book some help through CP’s Integrated Mobility Service. It just makes changing trains a whole lot smoother.

Gira Bikes, Scooters, and Cycle Paths

I use the Gira bike app for getting around quickly. The first 45 minutes of a ride are free, which is awesome. After that, it’s just €2 for every 45 minutes. My favorite spots to ride are the paths along the river from Cais do Sodré to Belém, they’re wide, flat, and not too crowded. But I always keep an eye out for cars, especially on busy streets. To be safe, I just avoid riding during rush hour. The paths around Parque das Nações are also a lot safer and a great alternative.

Safety

Walking in Baixa and Cais do Sodré is easy with the flat routes. But when I’m in Alfama, those narrow, steep streets can be a real workout, especially in the summer! This is where public transport in Lisbon really saves the day. Instead of a tough climb, I can just hop on a tram or a funicular. This not only saves my energy but also helps me avoid those cobblestone streets that get super slippery when it rains.

I always wear good shoes, but using the city’s transport is a much smarter move. I also try to avoid steep paths when I have my camera with me. At night, I do a lot less walking and just use the Metro. And for getting to Belém in the evening, the 15E tram is a great choice because it’s so easy to get on. Always make sure you grab some travel insurance before arriving, this will be helpful with theft or accidents while using public transport in Lisbon.

Conclusion

Getting around Lisbon is a breeze if you know the tricks. From the airport, just hop on the Red Line of the metro. For real-time directions, Citymapper is your best friend. Grab a Viva Viagem card for just €0.50, it’s good for a whole year and works on the metro, buses, and trams.

When it comes to paying, keep it simple. If you’re flexible, “zapping” is perfect. For a packed day, a 24-hour pass is the best deal. If you’re hitting all the sights, the Lisboa Card is the way to go. To get to Belém, take the train, and for a quick trip to the south bank, catch a ferry from Cais do Sodré. Be sure to ride the trams when they’re not too busy and always keep your bag close. And to save your legs on those steep hills, don’t forget about the funiculars!

Public Transport in Lisbon FAQ