Getting Around in Lisbon

Lisbon has an excellent public transport network that surprisingly well covers the city of seven hills — and some of the most charming means of transport in Europe. Metro, trams, buses, historic elevators, and ferries form a network that offers sightseeing and transport in one.

🚇 Metro

Lisbon's metro has 4 lines (blue, yellow, green, red) and is fast, clean, and cheap. It covers the main areas — Baixa, Marquês de Pombal, Saldanha, Oriente, airport — but leaves out Alfama and Belém (there, bus and tram are better). Many stations are decorated with impressive Azulejo artworks, especially Oriente (by international artists) and Olaias. Operating hours: 06:30–01:00. Single ride: 1.65 € (with rechargeable Viva Viagem card, which itself costs 0.50 €).

🚋 Tram 28 — Lisbon's Legend

The Eléctrico 28 is much more than a means of transport — it is a sight in itself. The yellow trams from the 1930s (Remodelado model!) rattle and squeak their way along one of the steepest and most winding routes in Europe through Lisbon's narrowest streets: from Martim Moniz through Alfama up to the Castelo, over Graça and Estrela to Campo de Ourique. The tram turns corners where you can almost touch the house walls, climbs gradients of up to 13.5%, and the driver honks continuously to warn pedestrians and parked cars.

The problem: The Tram 28 is the most photographed means of transport in Europe, and the queues at the terminus Martim Moniz are absurdly long in summer (45–90 minutes waiting time). It is also a hotspot for pickpockets — in the crowded trams, they like to help themselves.

The solution: Do not board at the terminus, but at one of the less frequented stops (e.g., Largo da Graça or R. da Conceição). Ride before 9 am or after 7 pm — then you almost have the tram to yourself. Or use the Tram 12E as an alternative: It runs a shorter, less known route through similarly narrow streets and is much less crowded. Single ride: 3.00 € cash with the driver, or 1.65 € with Viva Viagem card.

🛗 Historic Elevators & Funiculars

Lisbon's famous hills are served by three historic funiculars and an elevator — all listed and over 100 years old:

• Elevador de Santa Justa: The iconic, 45-meter-high wrought-iron elevator in the Baixa, designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel. More of a viewing platform than a means of transport — the view from above over the Baixa, the Castelo, and the Tejo is fantastic. Round trip: 5.30 € (or 1.65 € with Viva Viagem as a one-way ride). Tip: Walk to the Convento do Carmo and only use the viewing platform at the top — this saves the queue at the elevator below.
• Elevador da Glória: The most used funicular, which runs from Praça dos Restauradores up to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara and into Bairro Alto. 3.80 € round trip or 1.65 € with Viva Viagem.
• Elevador da Bica: The most photogenic of the three, which climbs a steep alley between Rua de São Paulo and Bairro Alto — with Tejo view in the background, the postcard format of Lisbon.

🚌 Buses

The bus network of Carris perfectly complements Metro and Tram and also goes where the Metro does not reach: Belém (Bus 714 or 728 from Cais do Sodré), Alfama, Parque das Nações. Same fares: 1.65 € with Viva Viagem.

💳 The Viva Viagem Card

The must for every Lisbon visitor. This rechargeable card (0.50 € deposit) is valid on Metro, buses, trams, and funiculars and costs 1.65 € per ride instead of 3.00 € cash with the driver. For intensive users, there is a 24-hour ticket for 6.85 € (unlimited Metro, bus, tram, funiculars — pays off from 5 rides). Available at Metro machines or newspaper kiosks.

⛴️ Ferries across the Tejo

The ferries from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas (south bank) are not only practical but offer one of the most beautiful views of Lisbon — the entire skyline with the seven hills and the Ponte 25 de Abril unfolds before you. The crossing takes only 10 minutes, costs 1.65 € (Viva Viagem), and runs every 10–20 minutes. In Cacilhas, there are excellent fish restaurants and the Cristo Rei — Lisbon's Christ statue with a panoramic view.

🚕 Uber & Bolt

Both services work excellently in Lisbon and are significantly cheaper than taxis. A ride across the city costs 5–8 €, to the airport 8–12 €. Fixed taxi prices to the airport: about 15 € from the city center. Taxis are always beige/cream-colored and operate by meter — make sure it is turned on.