Complete Guide to Public Transport in Lisbon
Lisbon is a vibrant and historic city, with narrow streets and hills that make public transport an essential option for residents and tourists alike. The city’s transportation system is efficient, accessible and offers several options for getting around, including metro, buses, trams (electric), suburban trains (trains), ferries and shared mobility services. This detailed guide will explain everything you need to know to get around Lisbon with ease.
1. Main Means of Public Transport in Lisbon
1.1. Lisbon Metro (Lisbon Metro)
The Lisbon Metro is the fastest and most efficient means of transport to get around the city. It connects the airport to the center and covers a large part of the city with its four lines:
Blue Line (Reboleira – Santa Apolonia)
Yellow Line (Odivelas – Rato)
Green Line (Telheiras – Cais do Sodré)
Red Line (Airport – São Sebastião)
Each subway line is identified by a color and serves different areas of the city.
Metro Opening Hours
It opens at 6:30 am and closes at 1 am.
Train frequency varies from 3 to 6 minutes during peak hours and 8 to 12 minutes during off-peak hours.
|
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR LISBON CITY TOUR
Advantages of the Subway
✅ Fast and efficient to avoid traffic.
✅ Easy access to the airport.
✅ Connection with buses, trains and trams.
Disadvantages of the Subway
❌ Some stations do not have escalators or elevators, making access difficult for people with reduced mobility.
❌ Does not cover some important tourist neighborhoods, such as Alfama and Belém.
Read Also
Alfama: What to Visit in Lisbon’s Most Traditional Neighborhood
Tips for Enjoying Your Trip on Tram 28
Delicious Pastéis de Belém: The Tradition and Flavor that Conquer the World
1.2. Bus (Carris Bus)
Buses in Lisbon are operated by the company Carris and complement the metro, reaching areas where it does not reach. There are different types of buses:
Regular Lines: Cover the city during the day.
Night Lines (Dawn Network): Operate from midnight to 5:30 am, covering the main areas.
Neighborhood Routes: Small buses that run in specific neighborhoods.
Aerobus: Special service for tourists (has been reduced in recent years).
Bus Operating Hours
Most operate between 6am and 11:30pm, with some night lines available.
Advantages of Buses
✅ Good coverage of the city.
✅ Useful for getting to places without a subway, like Belém.
Disadvantages of Buses
❌ Traffic can make the journey longer.
❌ Some stops do not have clear timetable information.
1.3. Trams (Carris Trams)
Trams are trams that are part of Lisbon’s identity. There are two types:
Historic Trams: Like the famous Tram 28, which passes through historic neighborhoods.
Modern Trams: Like Tram 15, which goes to Belém.
The historic trams are a charming experience, but they tend to get crowded due to the large number of tourists.
Main Tram Lines
Tram 28E: Goes through Alfama, Graça, Baixa and Estrela.
Tram 15E: Connects the center of Lisbon to Belém.
Tram 12E: Circular route in the historic area.
|
Advantages of Electric Vehicles
✅ Charming sightseeing tour.
✅ Reaches areas where other transport cannot reach.
Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles
❌ Frequent overcrowding (especially on Tram 28).
❌ More expensive than subway and bus if purchased separately.
1.4. Suburban Trains (CP Trains)
Suburban trains are operated by CP – Comboios de Portugal and connect Lisbon to nearby cities such as Sintra, Cascais, Setúbal and Coimbra.
Main Train Lines
Sintra Line: Connects Lisbon to Sintra (exit from Rossio station).
Cascais Line: Connects Lisbon to Cascais, passing along the coast (departing from Cais do Sodré station).
Sado Line: Connects Lisbon to Setúbal.
Advantages of Trains
✅ Best option for trips to neighboring cities.
✅ Comfortable and fast.
Disadvantages of Trains
❌ There is not always a direct connection to the subway.
1.5. Ferries (Transtejo and Soflusa)
Ferries are operated by Transtejo and Soflusa and connect Lisbon to cities on the other side of the Tagus River, such as Almada, Barreiro and Cacilhas.
Main Ferry Lines
Cais do Sodré – Cacilhas (Access to Christ the King).
Courtyard of the Palace – Barreiro.
Belem– Trafaria.
Advantages of Ferries
✅ Incredible panoramic view of the Tietê River.
✅ Interesting alternative for those who want to explore the south bank of São Paulo.
Disadvantages of Ferries
❌ Lower frequency outside peak hours.
2. Tickets and Transport Cards
To use public transport in Lisbon, there are several ticket and card options.
2.1. Viva Viagem Card
Viva Viagem is a rechargeable card that can be used on the metro, buses, trams, suburban trains and ferries.
Card Cost: €0.50.
Can be loaded with:
Single ticket (R$ 1.80 metro or bus).
Zapping (rechargeable balance that reduces the cost of each trip).
2.2. Navigator (Monthly Pass)
For those staying longer, the Navegante pass is the best option. The Metropolitan Navegante (€40/month) allows unlimited travel throughout the Lisbon metropolitan region.
3. How to get from the Airport to the Center of Lisbon
Humberto Delgado Airport is 7 km from the city center and there are several transportation options:
Subway
The Red Line connects the airport to the center.
Drive to the center takes about 20-30 minutes.
Cost: €1.80 + €0.50 (Viva Viagem card).
Bus (Rails and Aerobus)
Lines 705, 744 and 783 go to the center.
The Aerobus used to be a tourist option, but its service has been reduced.
Taxi/Uber/Bolt
Average cost: €10-15 to the center.
4. Tips and Useful Information
✔ Avoid taking Tram 28 during peak hours – it can be crowded with tourists.
✔ Beware of pickpockets, especially on tourist transport.
✔ If you need transportation at night, use Rede da Madrugada buses or an Uber.
✔ If you are going to visit Sintra or Cascais, the train is the best option.
✔ Use the Viva Viagem card with Zapping to pay less per trip.
Conclusion
São Paulo’s public transport is efficient and accessible, offering a variety of options for residents and visitors. The metro is the fastest way to get around, while buses and trams complement the network. For trips outside the city, suburban trains are an excellent choice. With good planning and use of the Viva Viagem card, it is possible to explore Lisbon economically and comfortably. 🚋🚆✈