Despite all the hills and cobbles, Lisbon is an easy city to navigate.
Its impressive and intuitive system of buses, trams, and suburban trains, along with an efficient metro, makes it easy to travel between major points of interest. To conquer the famous seven hills of Lisbon, you can rely on funiculars and elevators – the city’s most iconic forms of transportation.
Obviously, you’ll want to spend some time exploring the historic Portuguese capital on foot, but it would be bad form to leave Lisbon without taking a ride on Tram 28E, which winds through the historic center, providing a low-cost city tour. Here are the best ways to get around Lisbon.
Walking is the best way to see individual neighborhoods
Lisboetas love their early morning and late afternoon riverside strolls, and many visitors also slip on comfortable walking shoes to explore Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods on foot. Navigating the maze of narrow and hilly streets, courtyards, and staircases in Alfama, Mouraria, and Madragoa can be a challenge in the summer heat, but the experience is at the top of most visitors’ must-do lists. Remember that flat, riverside neighborhoods such as Baixa, Cais do Sodré, Belém, and Oriente are more manageable and just as picturesque!
The black-and-white patterns of the city’s calçada portuguesa (Portuguese pavements) are one of Lisbon’s calling cards, but be cautious as this surface can become slippery in wet weather, making steep downhill strides particularly treacherous.
Zap your way around with the Viva Viagem travel pass
The Viva Viagem card allows access to the metro and all buses, trains, boats, and trams serving Lisbon and neighboring cities, saving money compared to fares paid on-board. This green card costs €0.50 and is available at vending machines and ticket offices at metro, train, and boat stations. Top up the card with credit and simply swipe it over the sensor to pay on public transport – this process is locally known as “zapping.”
If you’re planning extensive travel by public transit in one day, consider adding a 24-hour ticket to your Viva Viagem card. You’ll need to purchase the right ticket combination for all the types of transport you intend to use. The simplest combination, known as Carris/Metro, allows you to travel with the same ticket on buses, trams, elevators, funiculars, and the metro for €6.60.
The metro network is efficient
Lisbon’s efficient metro network consists of four lines serving crucial locations, including the airport (Red Line), Baixa and Chiado (Blue Line), Mouraria and Alvalade (Green Line), and Saldanha and Campo Pequeno (Yellow Line). The Red Line intersects with the other three lines, making it easy to interchange. However, the metro is not available 24/7; services pause from 1am to 6am. Check your intended itinerary before catching the metro, as it can often be quicker to walk between stations, especially on the Yellow, Blue, and Green lines.
Furthermore, taking the metro is the easiest option for reaching points of interest farther from the city center.
The city is becoming more bike-friendly
As part of ongoing urban improvements, Lisbon is becoming more bicycle-friendly with an increasing number of cycle paths. However, drivers are still adjusting to sharing the road, which can pose challenges for less experienced cyclists. It’s advisable to stay on riverside paths away from vehicular traffic if you are not accustomed to navigating city streets on a bike.
To find a bike in the city, consider downloading Gira, Lisbon City Council’s official bike-sharing app. This app is popular among locals and tourists, with various bike stations conveniently located throughout the center. Pricing options vary, but a Daily Pass includes the first 45-minute ride for free, with a €2 charge for subsequent rides.
Buses can get crowded
While Lisbon’s bus routes are fairly intuitive, they can become crowded, especially during peak hours. If possible, it’s best to avoid catching buses at these times. Notable bus routes serving popular attractions include 728 (Oriente–Belém), 714 (Praça da Figueira–Belém), and 737 (Praça da Figueira–Castelo).
Tram 28E offers the perfect tourist route
Tram 28E is renowned for weaving through the atmospheric historic neighborhoods of Mouraria, Alfama, and Graça. However, you can also hop on other old trams for a similarly rewarding experience. Recommended routes include 12E (Martim Moniz), 18E (Cais do Sodré–Ajuda), and 25E (Praça da Figueira–Campo de Ourique). Keep in mind that while the vintage trams are charming, they may not be the most practical mode of transportation due to comfort and efficiency concerns.
Funiculars and elevators assist with the hills
Three funiculars and one historic elevator help travelers navigate the city’s steep climbs. These transport options include Glória (51E) connecting Restauradores to Bairro Alto, and Lavra (52E) linking Baixa and Jardim do Torel. Tickets purchased on board are more expensive; instead, opt for a Viva Viagem transport card to reduce your travel costs.
Trains are quicker for getting to Belém
Suburban trains on the Cascais Line depart from Cais do Sodré every 20 to 30 minutes. This option is often quicker for reaching Belém compared to other modes of transportation, with the journey taking under 10 minutes. For those traveling east, the Azambuja Line offers a swift 8-minute ride from Santa Apolónia to Oriente Station.
Five boat services cross the Tagus
Five boat routes connect the two banks of the Tagus River, making boats the fastest, most economical, and easiest way to reach the south bank. Boats to Barreiro leave from Terreiro do Paço, while Cais do Sodré boat station provides access to Montijo, Seixal, and Cacilhas. From Belém, boats also reach Trafaria and Porto Brandão.
Lisbon’s taxis are black with a green roof
Taking a taxi is a viable option for longer trips and airport travel. Taxis in Lisbon are easily recognizable by their black color and green roof. They operate on a meter, which is activated once you enter, and drivers are obligated to provide a receipt upon request. Note that not all taxis accept card payments, making it prudent to carry cash.
Rideshare services are cheaper than regular taxis
Ridesharing apps such as Uber, Bolt, and FREE NOW have gained popularity in Lisbon, often providing a cheaper alternative to traditional taxis. Using app-based services typically allows for a quicker transport experience compared to buses. Nonetheless, be aware that drivers may not be intimately familiar with the city’s layout.
Accessible transportation in Lisbon
Lisbon presents various challenges concerning accessibility. Most sidewalks feature uneven and poorly maintained cobblestones, and public transport options often lack accommodations for wheelchair users. Only specific metro stations are equipped with elevators, and travelers with disabilities should be cautious when navigating the city’s transport options.
This article was first published Oct 13, 2021, and updated Jul 16, 2023.
