Public Transport in Lisbon
Lisbon’s public transport system is modern, reliable, and easy to use, making it simple for visitors to discover the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and iconic sights. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting around Lisbon, from airport transfers to navigating the main train stations and using the city’s extensive metro, bus, tram, and ferry networks.
Lisbon’s public transport network offers several convenient ticketing and payment options for all types of travelers. Compare the main choices below to find the best fit for your needs.
Tickets & Payment Methods
Contactless Bank Card
- 🟢 Best for: Visitors, Occasional Travelers
- How it Works: Tap your contactless debit/credit card or mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) on validators in metro stations, buses, trams, and most ferries.
- Fare: €1.65 (Carris), €1.85 (Metro), Daily cap: €6.60 (buses/trams)
- Where to Buy: No purchase needed – use your own card/device
- No card fee • No registration • Works across most Lisbon transport (not valid on all suburban/regional trains)
Viva Viagem Card
- 🔵 Best for: Residents, Frequent Travelers
- Cost: €0.50 for reusable card (buy at metro, ferry, or Carris kiosks)
- Ticket Types:
- Zapping: Prepaid credit (€0.77–€1.65/trip, pay-as-you-go; valid on metro, buses, trams, some ferries, and suburban trains)
- 24h Ticket: €6.60 (unlimited metro, bus, tram, lift; does not include Sintra/Cascais trains or ferries)
- Airport Metro: €1.85 + €0.50 card fee
- Validity: 1 year • Works on metro, buses, trams, ferries, suburban trains
Lisboa Card
- 🟠 Best for: Tourists (transport + attractions)
- Includes: Unlimited public transport (metro, buses, trams, funiculars, trains to Sintra/Cascais), free entry to 39 museums/monuments, discounts at shops/restaurants/tours
- Prices: 24h: €21 (adult), €13 (child); 48h: €35 (adult), €19 (child); 72h: €44 (adult), €22 (child)
- Where to Buy: Tourist offices, online, airport
- Includes Belém, tram 28, Sintra/Cascais trains, and more
Special Tickets & Passes
- 🟢 Best for: Families, Special Trips
- Options:
- 7 Colinas/Metro Card for residents (discount fares)
- Train to Sintra/Cascais: €2.30–€2.60 one-way
- Tram 28 single ride: €3.00 (tourist fare)
- Ferry to Cacilhas: €1.30 (with Viva Viagem)
- Family Ticket: €6.60 for unlimited family travel (1 day, bus/tram)
- Validate before each journey • Different fares for trains outside city
| Option | Best For | Key Features | Includes Trains/Ferries | Attractions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contactless Bank Card | Visitors, Occasional | No registration, tap-in/out, daily cap | Most ferries, not all trains | No | €1.65 (bus/tram), €1.85 (metro), €6.60 cap |
| Viva Viagem Card | Residents, Frequent | Reusable, Zapping, 24h pass | Some suburban trains, some ferries | No | €0.50 card, €0.77–€6.60 |
| Lisboa Card | Tourists | Unlimited transport + attractions | Yes (Sintra/Cascais trains) | Yes | €21–€44 (adult, 1–3 days) |
| Special Tickets/Passes | Specific Needs | Family, trains, trams, ferries, airport | Yes (specific) | No | €1.30–€6.60 |
Note: Viva Viagem card (€0.50) required for most tickets except Lisboa Card. All prices as of June 2025.
Transport Modes in Lisbon
Metro
Lisbon’s metro has four color-coded lines (Azul, Amarela, Verde, Vermelha) connecting key areas including Baixa, Saldanha, and the Airport. Stations feature unique contemporary art installations.
🚇 Operates 6:30am-1:00am • Frequency: 6-9 min
Tram (Elétrico)
The iconic yellow trams operate on five lines, with historic Tram 28 being the most famous tourist route through Alfama, Graça, and Baixa. Modern trams serve the waterfront.
🚊 Tram 28: 7:40am-11:30pm • €3.00 tourist fare
Bus (Carris)
An extensive network of red buses covers all city areas, including night buses (207 routes total). Key routes include 758 (Alfama to Belém) and 735 (circular route).
🚌 Day buses: 5:00am-1:00am • Night buses: 1:00am-5:00am
Funiculars & Elevators
Three historic funiculars (Gloria, Bica, Lavra) and Santa Justa elevator help navigate Lisbon’s hills. Part of the transport network but popular tourist attractions.
🚞 Gloria: 7:00am-11:45pm • Included in 24h ticket
Urban Trains (CP)
Connects Lisbon with suburbs and nearby towns. Key routes include Sintra line (40 min from Rossio) and Cascais line (scenic coastal route). Different fare zones apply.
🚆 Sintra line: 5:30am-1:30am • €2.30 one-way
Ferries (Transtejo)
Cross the Tagus River to Cacilhas (10 min), Seixal (25 min) and Barreiro (30 min). Cacilhas offers great views of Lisbon and the Cristo Rei statue.
⛴ Cacilhas ferry: €1.30 (with Viva Viagem) • 5:30am-1:30am
Zones & Fare System
Metro, Bus & Tram
Integrated fare system – Viva Viagem card or contactless payment accepted
Lisbon Transport Tickets:
- Single (Zapping): €1.65 (bus/tram), €1.50 (metro)
- 24h Ticket: €6.60 (unlimited metro/bus/tram)
- Viva Viagem Card: €0.50 + credit (reusable)
- Contactless: Same as Zapping fares
💡 Daily cap of €6.60 when using contactless on buses/trams
Airport & Regional Connections
Special fares for airport and regional travel
Airport & Regional Options:
- Metro Red Line: €1.50 + €0.50 card (20min to Saldanha)
- Aerobus: €4.00 (direct to city center, 30min)
- Urban Train: €1.90 (to Oriente station)
- Sintra/Cascais: €2.30-€2.60 (regional trains)
- Taxi/Uber: €15-€25 to city center
✈️ Airport metro operates 6:30am-1:00am
Lisbon Transport Quick Tips
Viva Viagem Card
Get the reusable Viva Viagem card (€0.50) for cheapest fares. Works on all transport including trains to Sintra/Cascais.
Contactless Payments
Tap your bank card directly on validators (€1.65 bus/tram, €1.50 metro). Daily cap of €6.60 on buses/trams.
Tram 28 Strategy
Start early (before 8am) or ride after 8pm to avoid crowds. Or take tram 12 for similar route with fewer tourists.
24h Ticket Value
At €6.60, this pays for itself with just 4 trips. Includes all trams, buses, metro, and funiculars.
Airport Transport
Metro red line is cheapest (€1.50 + €0.50 card). Aerobus (€4) has luggage space and direct routes.
Funiculars Included
Your transport ticket covers the historic Gloria, Bica and Lavra funiculars – great for hill climbing!
Night Transport
Night buses (marked with ‘N’) run after 1am when metro closes. Same tickets valid.
Ferry to Cacilhas
€1.30 ferry gives amazing Lisbon skyline views. Viva Viagem card works – no need for separate ticket.
Lisboa Card Hack
If visiting 3+ attractions, the Lisboa Card pays for itself with free transport and entries included.
Getting to Central Lisbon & Beyond
From Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
🚇 Metro Red Line (Vermelha)
💰 €1.85 + €0.50 card (Viva Viagem required)
⏱ ~25–30 min to city center (transfer at Alameda or São Sebastião for Baixa/Chiado)
📍 Direct from Terminal 1
⏰ 6:30am–1:00am
🚍 Urban Bus 744 / 783
💰 €1.85 (with Viva Viagem) or €2.10 (on board)
⏱ ~30–40 min to city center
📍 Connects to major squares and bus terminals
🕒 5:00am–midnight
🌙 Night Bus 208/210
💰 €1.85 (with Viva Viagem) or €2.10 (on board)
⏱ ~40 min to city center
📍 Runs when metro is closed
🕒 11:30pm–4:30am
🚖 Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Uber/Bolt)
💰 €10–20 (daytime, plus luggage fee)
⏱ ~20 min to Baixa
📍 Official taxis at Arrivals; ride-hailing via app
💼 Extra charge for luggage
🚗 Private Transfer
💰 €20–30 (pre-booked, fixed price)
⏱ ~20 min to city center
📍 Door-to-door, meet & greet at airport
🕒 24/7, book in advance
🚆 Train (via Oriente)
💰 €2.05 (metro to Oriente + train)
⏱ ~20 min to Oriente, then regional/national trains
📍 For onward travel to Sintra, Cascais, Porto, etc.
🕒 Frequent service, 6:30am–1:00am
💡 Lisbon Airport Transport Tips
- If arriving at Terminal 2, take the free shuttle to Terminal 1 for all public transport.
- The Viva Viagem card (€0.50) is required for metro/bus—buy at airport metro station ticket machines.
- Urban buses and metro have limited luggage space; taxis and private transfers are better for lots of bags.
- Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt) are widely available and often cheaper than taxis.
- Children under 4 travel free on most public transport.
- For late/early flights: Night buses (208, 210) run when metro is closed.
- Consider Lisboa Card if arriving early (includes airport transfer + attractions).
Lisbon Tourist Travel Passes
These passes make exploring Lisbon easier and more affordable — some include free entry to top attractions and airport transfers.
Lisboa Card
- Free unlimited travel on all public transport (metro, buses, trams, funiculars, trains to Sintra/Cascais)
- Free entry to 39+ museums and monuments (e.g., Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower)
- Discounts at shops, restaurants, and tours
- Available for 24, 48, or 72 hours
- Includes airport transfer by metro or train
Price: €21 (24h adult), €35 (48h), €44 (72h) – Official site
Buy PassViva Viagem 24h Ticket
- Unlimited travel on metro, buses, trams, funiculars, and Santa Justa Elevator
- Valid for 24 hours from first validation
- Does not include trains to Sintra/Cascais or ferries
- Load onto reusable Viva Viagem card (€0.50, required)
Price: €6.60 + €0.50 card – Available at metro stations
More InfoZapping (Prepaid Credit)
- Load credit onto Viva Viagem card (€0.50, required) for discounted fares
- €1.50 metro rides (vs €1.85 single ticket)
- €1.65 bus/tram rides (vs €2.10 on board)
- Valid on metro, buses, trams, funiculars, some ferries, and suburban trains
- No expiration—credit remains until used
Price: Minimum €3.00 load + €0.50 card – Available at metro stations
More Info💡 Which Pass Should You Choose?
Choose Lisboa Card if:
- Visiting 3+ paid attractions
- Want airport transfer included
- Planning day trips to Sintra/Cascais
Choose 24h Ticket if:
- Only using public transport
- Staying within Lisbon city center
- Making 4+ trips in one day
Choose Zapping if:
- Making fewer trips per day
- Want flexibility without time limits
- Staying longer than 3 days
| Pass | Transport Included | Attractions | Airport Transfer | Price (Adult) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisboa Card | Metro, bus, tram, funicular, trains to Sintra/Cascais | Free entry & discounts | Yes | €21 (24h), €35 (48h), €44 (72h) |
| 24h Ticket | Metro, bus, tram, funicular | No | No | €6.60 + €0.50 card |
| Zapping | Metro, bus, tram, funicular, some ferries, suburban trains | No | No | Pay-as-you-go (€0.50 card) |
Note: Viva Viagem card (€0.50) required for all passes except Lisboa Card. All prices as of June 2025.
Alternative Transport in Lisbon: Bikes, Scooters & Boats 🚲🛴⛴
GIRA: City Bike Sharing
- 🚲 €2/day (tourist pass) or €25/month (resident)
- ⚡ Electric bikes available and mostly recommended due to challenging hilly areas
- 📍 140+ stations across Lisbon
- 📱 App required to unlock bikes
- ⚠️ Helmets not included, ride at your own risk
Lime, Bolt & TIER: E-Scooters
- 🛴 ~€1 unlock + €0.18–0.25/min ride (varies by provider)
- 📍 Available across central Lisbon
- 📱 Use Lime, Bolt, or TIER app
- 🪪 Minimum age 18 with ID
- 🪖 Helmet recommended but not mandatory
- 🚳 No riding on sidewalks; use bike lanes/road only.
- ⚠️ Caution on Lisbon’s steep hills and cobbles
- 🅿️ Park only in designated zones
- ⚡ Speed limit: 25 km/h (city regulations)
River Cruises & Ferries
- ⛴ Public ferry to Cacilhas (€1.30 with Viva Viagem card)
- 🚢 Scenic river cruises and sunset tours available and highly recommended!
- 📍 Departures from Cais do Sodré and Belém
- 🎟️ Cruise tickets from €15–€30
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly, accessible options
For bikes/scooters, stick to flat areas like Parque das Nações or along the river. The ferry to Cacilhas offers Lisbon’s best cheap view – go at sunset! Electric scooters can handle hills better than mechanical bikes.
Lisbon’s Most Scenic Public Transport Routes
From vintage trams to riverside trains, discover Lisbon’s iconic hills, viewpoints, and waterfronts by public transport.
Tram 28 – Alfama & Graça Panoramas
Ride the legendary yellow tram through Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, winding past tiled facades, cathedrals, and stunning hilltop viewpoints.
Elevador de Santa Justa – City Views
Ascend Lisbon’s iconic iron elevator for sweeping views over Baixa, the castle, and the river—an Art Nouveau marvel since 1902.
Linha de Cascais – Atlantic Coast by Train
Take the suburban train from Cais do Sodré along the Tagus River and Atlantic beaches to the elegant town of Cascais.
Tram 15 – Belém Riverside Ride
Hop on the modern tram or vintage Remodelado for a scenic ride along the waterfront to Belém’s monuments and gardens.
Elevador da Glória – Bairro Alto Ascent
Climb Lisbon’s steepest hill on this classic funicular, linking downtown Restauradores with the bohemian Bairro Alto and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.
Accessible Public Transport in Lisbon
Metro Accessibility
Over 75% of Lisbon Metro stations are step-free, with elevators, ramps, tactile paving, and priority seating. All new stations are fully accessible.
Bus Network
Nearly all Carris city buses are low-floor and wheelchair-accessible, with kneeling function, ramps, and dedicated spaces. Audio-visual stop announcements are available on most lines.
Trams & Funiculars
Modern trams (Tram 15E) are accessible, but most vintage trams (like Tram 28) and funiculars are not wheelchair-friendly due to steps and narrow doors.
Ferries & Trains
All Transtejo ferries and most CP suburban trains (Sintra, Cascais lines) are accessible, with level boarding and accessible toilets at major stations.
Assistance & Information
For personalized help or to plan an accessible journey, visit the Lisbon Metro Accessibility or Carris Accessibility pages.