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Lisbon public transport: A complete guide to getting around
Learn how to move like a local in Lisbon using public transport with tips from Rita, our local Holaflyer, and plan your trip without any worries.
If you’re visiting Lisbon soon, knowing which metro line is the right one for you or how to move by bus could save you time and avoid getting lost far from your original destination.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to use Lisbon public transport, including the metro, buses, trams, and other alternatives available for day trips and long-distance trips.
Plus, we have some tips from our local Holaflyer, Rita Sequera, who really likes using public transport rather than relying on cars, and how an eSIM for Portugal can help you plan routes and pay for transport.
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Getting around Lisbon by metro
For Rita, the metro is punctual and efficient, making it a great option for travelers to move around Lisbon easily.
There are four color-coded lines in the city: Blue, Yellow, Green, and Red, all of which operate from 6:30 AM to 1 AM.
Each line covers different areas of the city, and here’s what you should know about each:
- Red Line, or Linha Vermelha: Runs from São Sebastião to the Lisbon Airport, the most convenient way to reach the city center.
- Blue Line, or Linha Azul: Runs from Amadora Este to Baixa-Chiado, connecting the downtown core with the Lisbon residential areas.
- Yellow Line, or Linha Amarela: Runs from Odivelas to Rato, being the easiest way to move from the north to the south while still cutting through the city center.
- Green Line, or Linha Verde: Runs from Cais do Sodré to Telheiras, connecting the city’s central hubs and riverfront.
To use the metro, you’ll need a Navegante Card, which you can use to add a 24-hour pass or pay for single fares and is the best tourist card in Lisbon for travelers.
Getting around Lisbon by tram
Tram is one of the main transportation methods in Lisbon, but here’s what Rita tells us about it: “A big mistake from travelers is relying too much on Lisbon’s historic tram during peak tourist hours, especially tram 28, which is often overcrowded. I prefer exploring on foot or using less crowded transport.”
That said, using the tram is one of the things to do in Lisbon that no traveler can miss, with tram 28E covering the Alfama and Mouraria route and tram 15E being a great option for visiting Belém.
Plus, Rita told us that trams can experience delays during rush hours or in heavy traffic, so always keep a second option for getting around in mind.
Getting around Lisbon by bus
Using the bus in Lisbon is more of a complement to the tram and metro, as it covers areas they don’t reach.
Carris, the local Lisbon bus service, is widely available throughout the city, and night buses continue to run even after the tram and metro lines stop.
Here’s something to remember from our local, Rita: “Buses can experience delays during rush hours.” This means that from 7:30 to 9:30 AM and 5:30 to 7:30 PM, it’s better to consider other public transport options.
Getting around Lisbon by funicular and elevator
In Lisbon, funiculars and elevators are available in certain areas, and it’s no surprise considering it’s called the City of Seven Hills by many.
Elevador da Bica, Glória, Lavra, and Santa Justa are common options to move around Lisbon to reach the higher point of steep streets without wasting all of your energy in one go.
Plus, these are worth visiting for the experience, especially the Santa Justa elevator, a Victorian iron elevator with a beautiful viewpoint.
Getting around Lisbon by regional train (CP)
If you’re planning day trips from Lisbon, using the regional trains (Comboios de Portugal) is an ideal way to visit destinations such as Cascais and Sintra.
One tip from Rita is to keep in mind that trains to Sintra and Cascais are extremely busy during summer, especially on weekends and holidays, so go early or book in advance to ensure your tickets.
You can also download the CP app and buy tickets there, which is super helpful for booking before you get to Portugal.
Getting around Lisbon by taxi and ride-hailing app
If you’re in a rush or prefer to avoid crowds, you can opt for ride-hailing apps, with Rita’s preferred ones being Uber, Bolt, and Free Now. Rita also told us that these apps are better because they offer clear prices and are often cheaper than traditional taxis.
Traditional taxis are also widely available and metered. These are super reliable but usually more expensive than ride-hailing apps.
Lisbon public transport tickets and passes
Travelers have different options to pay for public transport, and here’s what you should know about it:
- Navigante Occasional card: A standard, reusable card that costs €0,50, which travelers can load with single tickets, 24-hour passes, or Zapping credits.
- Zapping: A preloaded credit that reduces fare prices to €1,72, making it the best value option for multi-journey travelers.
- 24-hour unlimited pass: For €7,25, travelers get unlimited access to the metro, buses, trams, and funiculars.
- 3-day passes: These are also available for €14,40 and work similarly to the 24-hour pass.
- Contactless payment: Many metro fare gates now allow travelers to pay a single fare with contactless cards or mobile wallets, but these are more expensive compared to getting zapping credits or an unlimited pass.
Lisbon public transport tips for visitors
Moving around in Lisbon isn’t complicated, and with so many options available, travelers will feel like going from Bélem to the airport is easy.
Still, here are some additional tips from Rita to really move like a local:
- Stand on the right side of the escalators and leave the left side open; people walk on the left, and it’s considered local escalator etiquette.
- On crowded trams and metros, people greatly appreciate it when passengers move rather than blocking the doors.
- Using Google Maps and Citymapper is the best way to navigate the city, with Carris Way and Navegante working as official metro, tram, and bus route information.
- Lisbon public transport is considered safe even late at night, but it’s always advisable to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded stations.
- Always pack comfy shoes. Lisbon is a very walkable city with steep hills and cobblestone streets, so pack properly.
- Having mobile internet in Portugal is essential for real-time transport updates, buying CP tickets via the app, or simply finding the best route to your destination.
- It’s better for travelers to avoid driving in the city center. Streets are narrow, parking is limited, and hills can make it challenging for newcomers.
Stay connected while getting around Lisbon with Holafly
Once you land in Lisbon, chances are you’ll need to check for delays using Citymapper or book a last-minute train to Sintra using the CP app, meaning internet is a must for travelers.
The best option is to use the Holafly eSIM for Portugal. You get unlimited data, 5G data speeds, and you only need an eSIM-compatible phone.
You also get the Always On perk at no extra cost, which includes 1 GB of backup data, and you only need to keep your eSIM installed in your cell phone to keep exploring Lisbon.
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
Make sure you have travel data that's there when you need it most.
FAQs
The Navigante Occasional is the best option for tourists. It offers unlimited passes and Zapping credits, highly reducing how much you spend on public transport during your trip.
Yes. There are many options to move around, and you can plan your route using Citymapper and Google Maps.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
