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.
Key Sections
Lisbon’s public transport network offers several convenient ticketing and payment options. 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 and some buses/trams.
- Fare: €1.92 per journey (Metro)
- Where to Buy: No purchase needed – use your own card.
- No card fee • No registration • Currently valid mainly on Metro network
Navegante Occasional
- 🔵 Best for: Residents, Best Value
- Cost: €0.50 for reusable card (buy at metro/ferry kiosks)
- Ticket Types:
- Zapping: Prepaid credit (€1.72/trip; valid on metro, buses, trams, ferries, trains)
- 24h Ticket: €7.25 (unlimited metro, bus, tram, lifts)
- 24h Complete: €11.40 (includes Sintra/Cascais trains)
- Validity: 1 year • Works on all major transport networks
Lisboa Card
- 🟠 Best for: Tourists (Transport + Sights)
- Includes: Unlimited public transport (inc. Sintra/Cascais trains), free entry to 50+ museums, skip-the-line options.
- Prices:
24h: €31 (Adult)
48h: €51 (Adult)
72h: €62 (Adult) -
🎟️ Buy Official Lisboa Card
Instant digital delivery
- Includes Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Tram 28, and trains to Sintra.
Special Tickets
- 🟢 Best for: Specific Trips
- Options:
- Train to Sintra/Cascais: ~€2.40 (or €1.72 with Zapping)
- Tram 28 (on-board): €3.30 (Tourist fare)
- Ferry to Cacilhas: €1.50 (one-way)
- Elevator Santa Justa: €6.20 (roundtrip)
- 💡 Tip: Use Zapping (Navegante) to save ~50% on Tram 28 and Elevators.
| Option | Best For | Key Features | Includes Trains/Ferries | Attractions | Price (Adult) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contactless | Convenience | Tap-in/out, no card needed | Metro only (mostly) | No | €1.92 / trip |
| Navegante (Zapping) | Best Value | Reusable, discounted fares | Yes (All networks) | No | €0.50 card + €1.72/trip |
| Lisboa Card | Tourists | Unlimited transport + Museums | Yes (Sintra/Cascais trains) | Yes | €31 – €62 |
| 24h Ticket | Heavy Travel | Unlimited travel for 24h | Optional (Complete ticket) | No | €7.25 – €11.40 |
Note: Navegante card (€0.50) required for all passes except Lisboa Card. Prices updated January 2026.
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. Modern trams (15E) serve the waterfront to Belém.
🚊 Tram 28: 7:40am-11:30pm • €3.30 on-board (or €1.72 with card)
💡 Avoid the Crowd: Tram 28 lines can take 1+ hour. Book a guaranteed seat on the Hills Tram Tour
Bus (Carris)
An extensive network of yellow buses covers all city areas. Key routes include 758 (Cais do Sodré to Portas do Sol) and 737 (Castelo).
🚌 Day buses: 5:00am-11:00pm • Night buses: 12:00am-5:00am • €2.30 on-board
Funiculars & Elevators
Three historic funiculars (Gloria, Bica, Lavra) and Santa Justa elevator help navigate Lisbon’s hills. They are part of the transport network but are popular tourist attractions.
🚞 Gloria: 7:00am-11:45pm • Included in 24h ticket & Lisboa Card
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).
🚆 Sintra line: 5:30am-1:30am • ~€2.40 one-way
🏰 Easy Day Trip: Don’t worry about train schedules. See the top-rated Sintra, Pena Palace & Cascais Tour
Ferries (Transtejo)
Cross the Tagus River to Cacilhas (10 min) for great seafood and views of the Cristo Rei statue.
⛴ Cacilhas ferry: €1.50 (with Navegante) • 5:30am-1:30am
Zones & Fare System
Metro, Bus & Tram
Integrated fare system – Navegante card or contactless payment accepted
Lisbon Transport Tickets:
- Zapping (Navegante): €1.72 (metro/bus/tram)
- 24h Ticket: €7.25 (unlimited urban travel)
- Navegante Card: €0.50 + credit (reusable)
- Contactless: €1.92 (Metro single ride)
💡 Best Value: Use Zapping (Navegante) to save on every trip.
Airport & Regional Connections
Special fares for airport and regional travel
Airport & Regional Options:
- Metro Red Line: €1.90 + €0.50 card (25min to center)
- Sintra/Cascais: ~€2.40 (regional trains)
- 🎟️ Book Regional Trains (Omio) »
- 🚖 Book a Private Transfer (Welcome Pickups) » English-speaking drivers • Flight monitoring
- 🚗 Compare Car Rental Prices (DiscoverCars) »
✈️ Aerobus is discontinued. Use Metro or Transfers.
Lisbon Transport Quick Tips
Get the Navegante Card
The reusable card (€0.50) is essential. Load it with “Zapping” credit to pay €1.72 per ride instead of €2.30+ on board.
Contactless vs. Card
You can tap your bank card on the Metro (€1.92), but it’s cheaper to use the Navegante card (€1.72). Contactless does not always auto-cap like in London.
Tram 28 Strategy
Public trams are packed. For a guaranteed seat on the same scenic route, book the Hills Tram Tour (Viator).
24h Ticket Value
At €7.25, this pays for itself with just 4-5 trips. Includes all trams, buses, metro, and even the Santa Justa Lift (saving you €6!).
Airport Transport
Metro is cheapest (€1.90). For a stress-free arrival with luggage, Welcome Pickups offers door-to-door service.
Funiculars Included
Don’t pay the expensive onboard fare! Your 24h ticket covers the historic Gloria, Bica, and Lavra funiculars.
Lisbon is Hilly!
Walking is tough here. We recommend renting an e-bike (Bikes Booking) to conquer the 7 hills effortlessly.
Sunset on the River
The ferry is cheap, but a Tagus River Sunset Cruise (GetYourGuide) offers the best views of the bridge and Christ statue.
Lisboa Card Hack
Visiting 3+ museums? Buy the Lisboa Card online. It includes unlimited transport and entry to Belém Tower.
Regional Trains
Heading to Porto or Faro? Book trains early via Omio to compare CP (public train) schedules and prices easily.
Getting to Central Lisbon & Beyond
From Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
🚇 Metro Red Line (Vermelha)
💰 €1.90 + €0.50 card (Navegante required)
⏱ ~25–30 min to city center (transfer at Alameda or São Sebastião)
📍 Direct from Terminal 1
⏰ 6:30am–1:00am
🚗 Private Transfer
💰 €25–€35 (Fixed price)
⏱ ~20 min direct to hotel
📍 Driver meets you at Arrivals hall
🚖 Taxi or Ride-Hailing
💰 €15–€25 (Variable + luggage fees)
⏱ ~20 min to Baixa
📍 Official taxis at Arrivals; Uber/Bolt pick-up point usually at Departures level (check app).
🚍 Urban Bus 744 / 783
💰 €2.30 (on board) or €1.72 (Zapping)
⏱ ~40 min to city center
📍 Good for Marquês de Pombal area
⚠️ Limited luggage space
🚆 Train (via Oriente Station)
💰 €1.90 (Metro to Oriente)
⏱ ~10 min to Oriente Station
📍 Main hub for trains to Porto, Algarve, Sintra.
🚗 Renting a Car?
Planning to visit the Algarve or Silver Coast? Pick up your car directly at LIS Airport.
💡 Lisbon Airport Transport Tips
- If arriving at Terminal 2 (low-cost carriers), take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 1 to access the Metro.
- The Navegante card (€0.50) is required for metro/bus—buy at airport metro station ticket machines.
- Late Arrival? Night buses (208) run when the metro is closed (1am–6am).
- Need a flight deal or hotel near the airport? Check Trip.com offers here.
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 (All-in-One)
- ✅ Free Unlimited Transport: Metro, bus, tram, funicular, trains to Sintra/Cascais.
- ✅ Free Entry to 50+ Museums: Includes Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and more.
- ✅ Fast Track Entry: Skip lines at popular monuments.
- ✅ Airport Transfer: Included via Metro/Train.
Price (2026):
24h: €31.00 | 48h: €51.00 | 72h: €62.00
Instant digital delivery • Free cancellation
Navegante 24h Ticket
- ✅ Unlimited travel on metro, buses, trams, funiculars, and Santa Justa Elevator.
- ✅ Valid for 24 hours from first validation.
- ⚠️ Does not include: Ferries or trains (unless you buy the “Complete” version for €11.40).
- ℹ️ Requires reusable Navegante card (€0.50).
Price: €7.25 + €0.50 card
Buy at Metro StationsZapping (Prepaid Credit)
- ✅ Load credit onto Navegante card (€0.50) for discounted fares.
- ✅ €1.72 per ride (vs €2.30+ on board).
- ✅ Valid on metro, buses, trams, funiculars, ferries, and suburban trains.
- ✅ Credit never expires.
Price: Min. load €3.00 + €0.50 card
Buy at Metro/Kiosks💡 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 | Price (Adult) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisboa Card | Metro, bus, tram, funicular, trains to Sintra/Cascais | ✅ Free entry & discounts | €31–€62 |
| 24h Ticket | Metro, bus, tram, funicular | ❌ No | €7.25 + €0.50 card |
| Zapping | Metro, bus, tram, funicular, some ferries, trains | ❌ No | Pay-as-you-go |
Note: Navegante card (€0.50) required for all passes except Lisboa Card.
Alternative Transport: Bikes, Scooters & Boats 🚲🛴⛴
GIRA & Bike Rentals
- 🚲 GIRA (Public): €2.10/day (via App). Best for short trips in flat areas (Parque das Nações).
- ⚡ Electric is Key: Lisbon has 7 hills. Do not rent a manual bike unless you are an athlete!
- 📍 Rent for a Day: For a full day of exploring, a private rental is better than 45-min GIRA slots.
Lime, Bolt & Bird: E-Scooters
- 🛴 Cost: ~€1.00 unlock + €0.20–0.29/min.
- 📍 App Required: Use Uber, Bolt, or Lime apps.
- ⚠️ Cobblestone Warning: Lisbon’s “Calçada” pavement is slippery and bumpy. Ride carefully!
- 🅿️ Parking: Strictly in designated zones only. Fines apply.
River Cruises & Ferries
- ⛴ Public Ferry: €1.50 to Cacilhas (great view, cheap ride).
- 🚢 Sunset Cruises: The #1 rated activity in Lisbon. See the 25 de Abril Bridge from the water.
- 📍 Departures: Cais do Sodré (Ferry) or Doca de Belém (Tours).
💡 Pro Tip: For the best experience, rent an electric bike to handle the hills, or take a sunset boat tour to relax after a long day of walking.
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 Panoramas
Ride the legendary yellow tram through Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, winding past tiled facades and cathedrals.
Elevador de Santa Justa
Ascend Lisbon’s iconic iron elevator for sweeping views over Baixa. An Art Nouveau marvel since 1902.
Linha de Cascais (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
Hop on the modern tram to visit the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower along the waterfront.
Elevador da Glória
Climb Lisbon’s steepest hill, linking downtown Restauradores with the bohemian nightlife of Bairro Alto.
Accessible Public Transport in Lisbon
Metro Accessibility
Over 75% of Lisbon Metro stations are step-free, with elevators, ramps, and wide gates. All new stations (e.g., Reboleira, Aeroporto) are fully accessible. Check the metro map for the wheelchair symbol.
Bus Network
Nearly all Carris city buses are “kneeling” buses with extendable ramps and designated wheelchair spaces. Drivers are generally helpful, but rush hour crowds can make boarding difficult.
Trams & Funiculars
Warning: The historic Tram 28 and funiculars (Bica, Gloria) are not accessible (high steps, narrow doors). Use the modern Tram 15E (to Belém) which is fully wheelchair-friendly.
Ferries & Trains
All Transtejo ferries to Cacilhas are accessible. CP suburban trains to Sintra and Cascais have level boarding and accessible toilets, though some older stations may lack elevators.
Assistance & Information
For personalized help, visit the Lisbon Metro Accessibility page.