The Ultimate Guide to Using Public Transportation in Lisbon
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city full of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. While walking through its picturesque streets is a great way to explore, Lisbon’s public transportation system provides an efficient and affordable way to travel. Whether you are a visitor looking to explore or a resident commuting daily, understanding how to navigate the city’s transport network is essential.
Lisbon offers a well-developed public transport network that includes metro (subway), buses, trams, trains, ferries, and even funiculars. This guide will walk you through each mode of transport, how to buy tickets, travel tips, and recommended apps to make your experience seamless.
1. Public Transport Options in Lisbon
Lisbon’s public transport is operated mainly by four companies:
Metropolitano de Lisboa – Operates the metro (subway).
Carris – Manages buses, trams, and funiculars.
CP – Comboios de Portugal – Provides train connections to nearby cities.
Transtejo & Soflusa – Operates ferry services across the Tagus River.
Each of these services is interconnected, allowing you to travel throughout the city and beyond with ease. Let’s take a closer look at each option.
2. The Lisbon Metro 🚇
The Lisbon Metro is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to move around the city. It is ideal for avoiding traffic and reaching various neighborhoods quickly.
Lines and Hours of Operation
The metro system has four color-coded lines:
Blue Line (Reboleira – Santa Apolónia)
Yellow Line (Odivelas – Rato)
Green Line (Telheiras – Cais do Sodré)
Red Line (Aeroporto – São Sebastião)
📌 Operating Hours: 6:30 AM – 1:00 AM
How to Use the Metro
Buy a Viva Viagem card from a ticket machine or counter.
Load the card with a single ticket, daily pass, or Zapping balance.
Tap the card at the gate before entering the metro station.
Follow the signs to ensure you are taking the train in the right direction.
Ticket Prices
Single ticket: €1.80
24-hour ticket (valid for metro, buses, and trams): €6.80
Zapping (prepaid balance with reduced fares): €1.47 per metro ride
🛫 Tip: If you are traveling from Lisbon Airport, take the Red Line for the fastest connection to the city center.
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LISBON CITY TOUR3. Buses and Trams 🚌🚋
Buses and trams in Lisbon are operated by Carris. They are useful for reaching areas that the metro does not cover.
Buses
Lisbon’s buses run throughout the city and operate on different schedules:
Daytime buses: Generally operate from 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM.
Night buses: Identified by the letter “N”, operate from 12:00 AM – 5:00 AM.
Trams
Lisbon’s iconic trams are a must-try, both as transport and for sightseeing. There are both modern trams and classic yellow ones. The most famous is Tram 28, which passes through historic districts like Alfama, Graça, Baixa, and Estrela.
How to Use Buses and Trams
Enter the bus or tram and tap your Viva Viagem card on the validator.
If you don’t have a preloaded card, you can buy a ticket from the driver, but it costs more.
Ticket Prices
Prepaid ticket (Viva Viagem/Zapping): €1.80
Ticket purchased onboard:
Bus: €2.00
Tram: €3.00
🚋 Tip: Tram 28 is popular but often crowded. Try going early in the morning or in the evening for a more comfortable ride.
4. Urban and Suburban Trains 🚆
Lisbon’s train system, operated by CP – Comboios de Portugal, is the best way to travel to nearby cities and attractions.
Main Train Lines
Sintra Line (Lisbon – Sintra): Best for visiting Sintra’s palaces and castles.
Cascais Line (Lisbon – Cascais): Great for reaching the beaches in Carcavelos, Estoril, and Cascais.
Sado Line (Lisbon – Setúbal): Ideal for exploring Setúbal and Arrábida Natural Park.
Ticket Prices
Prices depend on the destination, but you can use Zapping for lower fares.
📍 Tip: To travel from Lisbon to Cascais, take the train from Cais do Sodré. To reach Sintra, board the train at Rossio Station.
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5. Ferries Across the Tagus River ⛴️
For those traveling across the Tagus River, ferries are an affordable and scenic option. They are operated by Transtejo & Soflusa.
Main Ferry Routes
Cais do Sodré → Cacilhas (Almada and Cristo Rei statue access)
Terreiro do Paço → Barreiro
Belém → Trafaria
Ticket Prices
Prices vary depending on the route, but a Zapping balance reduces costs (starting at €1.30).
⛴ Tip: Taking a ferry offers one of the best panoramic views of Lisbon’s skyline!
6. Transport Cards and Tickets 🎫
Lisbon’s transport system uses Viva Viagem and Navegante cards for payment.
Viva Viagem Card
Costs €0.50 and can be loaded with:
Single tickets
24-hour pass (€6.80 for unlimited travel on Metro, buses, and trams)
Zapping (prepaid balance with discounts)
Navegante Pass
Best for long-term stays or daily commuters.
Navegante Municipal (€30/month) – Covers transport within Lisbon.
Navegante Metropolitano (€40/month) – Covers the entire Lisbon metropolitan area.
💡 Tip: Zapping is a flexible and cost-effective way to use multiple transport options without worrying about buying individual tickets.
7. Useful Apps for Public Transport 📱
To make navigation easier, consider downloading these helpful apps:
Google Maps – Best for planning routes and checking schedules.
Moovit – Provides real-time public transport updates.
Carris App – Shows real-time bus and tram arrivals.
CP Comboios – Useful for train tickets and schedules.
8. Tips for Using Public Transport in Lisbon 🚶♂️
✅ Use Zapping for the best value and convenience.
✅ Be aware of pickpockets, especially on busy trams like Tram 28.
✅ Avoid peak hours (8:00-10:00 AM & 5:00-7:00 PM) when metros and buses are crowded.
✅ Carry some cash, as not all ticket machines accept foreign credit cards.
✅ Confirm the last train or bus time to avoid getting stranded at night.
Conclusion
Lisbon’s public transportation is efficient, affordable, and easy to use. Whether you are taking the metro for speed, trams for charm, buses for flexibility, or trains for day trips, there is always a great option. With a little planning and the right transport card, you can explore Lisbon comfortably and economically.
Enjoy your journey in Lisbon! 😊🚆🚋