The Ultimate Guide to Navigating Lisbon's Public Transport: Everything Tourists Need to Know About Tickets, Routes, and Tips

Lisbon has an extensive and well-connected public transport system that is tourist-friendly, efficient, and affordable. Whether you're exploring the historic city center, taking a trip to Belém, or venturing out to nearby towns like Sintra or Cascais, Lisbon's buses, metro, trams, and trains will get you where you need to go. Here’s a practical guide to help you navigate Lisbon’s public transport system as a tourist.

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9/18/20245 min read

1. Main Public Transport Options in Lisbon

Metro (Metropolitano de Lisboa): The metro is the fastest and easiest way to travel around Lisbon, with four color-coded lines (Blue, Yellow, Green, and Red) that connect the city’s main districts and key attractions.

Bus, Trams, and Funiculars (Carris): Carris operates the city's bus services, the iconic trams, and the funiculars that help you climb Lisbon’s steep hills. Famous routes include Tram 28 and the Santa Justa Lift.

Trains (Comboios de Portugal - CP): The train service connects Lisbon with nearby destinations like Sintra, Cascais, and Setúbal. The urban trains are especially useful for day trips.

Ferries (Transtejo & Soflusa): Ferries are available if you want to cross the river and explore Lisbon’s southern suburbs like Almada.

2. Ticketing Options: Types, Prices, and How to Buy

Lisbon's public transport system is integrated, so you can use the same ticket (Viva Viagem or Lisboa Card) for most transport modes, including metro, buses, trams, and trains.

A. Viva Viagem Card

What is it?: A reusable electronic card that you can load with different types of tickets or credit for pay-as-you-go travel.

Cost: €0.50 for the card itself, valid for one year.

Where to Buy: Available at metro stations, CP train stations, Carris kiosks, and select newsstands.

How to Top-Up: You can load it with individual tickets, day passes, or “zapping” (a preloaded balance). Top-ups can be done at ticket machines or service desks.

B. Pay-As-You-Go (Zapping)

Cost: Fares deducted based on the distance you travel.

Prices: €1.35 per metro or Carris ride, €2.00 for ferries, and €1.95 for trains within Lisbon.

Best for: Tourists staying for several days who want flexibility and convenience.

C. 24-Hour Tickets

Cost: €6.40 for unlimited travel on metro, buses, trams, and funiculars within 24 hours.

Where to Buy: Load this option on your Viva Viagem card at metro stations or ticket machines.

Best for: Tourists planning to travel frequently in a single day.

D. Lisbon Card

What is it?: A tourist pass that offers unlimited travel on all public transport, plus free or discounted entry to many museums and attractions.

Cost: €21 for 24 hours, €35 for 48 hours, or €44 for 72 hours.

Where to Buy: Lisbon Card kiosks at the airport, train stations, or online in advance.

Best for: Tourists looking to visit multiple attractions and use public transport extensively.

3. Key Transport Costs at a Glance

Single Metro/Bus/Tram Ticket: €1.50 (when using Viva Viagem card).

Single Train Ticket (to Sintra or Cascais): €2.25 (urban trains).

Ferry Tickets: €1.30-€2.60 depending on the destination.

Day Pass for Metro, Carris, and Trains: €10.55 (includes unlimited travel across all modes).

Airport to City Center (by Metro): €1.50 or included in 24-hour ticket.

4. Where to Buy Tickets

Metro Stations: All metro stations have ticket vending machines where you can buy or top-up your Viva Viagem card.

Train Stations: CP ticket offices and machines sell train tickets or allow Viva Viagem top-ups for rail travel.

Carris Points: For buses and trams, you can load tickets onto your Viva Viagem card at kiosks or use the same card after buying it from a metro or train station.

Online: Lisbon Card can be purchased online before your trip, offering added convenience for tourists.

5. How to Use Tickets

Metro: Tap your Viva Viagem card on the gate’s sensor to enter and exit the station.

Buses/Trams: Tap the card on the reader when boarding.

Trains: Tap your card on the station gates before boarding your train and again upon exit.

Ferries: Tap your card at the ferry terminal entry gates.

6. Popular Tourist Routes

Tram 28: A must for tourists, this tram winds through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods including Alfama, Baixa, and Graça.

Metro Red Line: Connects Lisbon Airport to the city center.

Trains to Sintra and Cascais: CP trains leave from Rossio station (for Sintra) or Cais do Sodré station (for Cascais), offering beautiful views and convenient day trips.

7. Operating Hours

Metro: 6:30 AM – 1:00 AM (last trains vary slightly by station).

Buses and Trams: Generally run from 5:00 AM to midnight, though some night buses operate after hours.

Trains: CP trains to Sintra and Cascais operate from around 6:00 AM to midnight.

8. Tips for Tourists

Avoid Peak Hours: The metro and buses can be crowded during rush hours (7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM), especially in central areas.

Language: Ticket machines and apps are available in multiple languages, including English.

Free Maps: Pick up free maps of metro and bus lines at stations or tourist information points.

Cash and Cards: Most ticket machines accept both cash and credit cards, but smaller kiosks may prefer cash.

9. Mobile Apps for Convenience

CP App: Check train schedules, buy tickets, and get live updates on services.

Carris App: View real-time bus and tram information.

Metro Lisboa App: Plan metro trips, check schedules, and access station information.

Google Maps: Also integrates with Lisbon’s public transport system for easy navigation.

10. Safety and Comfort

Pickpockets: Be aware of pickpockets, particularly on crowded buses, trams, and metro lines.

Accessibility: Many metro stations and buses are wheelchair accessible, though older trams may be more difficult to navigate for those with mobility issues.

Lisbon’s public transport system is reliable and budget-friendly, making it an excellent option for tourists to explore the city and its surroundings. By using the Viva Viagem card or Lisbon Card, visitors can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free experience as they travel from one iconic attraction to another.