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Home » Traveller Information » Navegante or Lisboa Card: Which Card to Buy?

Navegante or Lisboa Card: Which Card to Buy?

Unsure about which card to buy: Navegante (formerly Viva Viagem) or Lisboa Card? While both cards can be used to travel around Lisbon, they are actually two distinct types of cards.

A navegante occasional is a contactless transport card designed for non-frequent travellers and visitors. It’s the most flexible way to pay for journeys on metro, bus, tram, funicular, ferry and train services in Lisbon. It can hold pay as you go credit through the Zapping option, one day tickets, or single tickets.

A Lisboa Card is a sightseeing pass that helps visitors see Lisbon’s attractions, saving them both time and money. It includes unlimited use of Lisbon’s public transport for the duration of the card (24, 48 or 72 hours). Lisboa Card holders also enjoy a range of special offers and discounts across the city, and even outside.

Here’s information to make sure you buy the right card for exploring Lisbon.

What are the pros and cons of buying a navegante vs a Lisboa Card?

A navegante occasional card is a quick and easy way to pay for journeys on public transport in Lisbon. You can use a navegante card to get to attractions on public transport but not as a pass to actually visit attractions. For that, you will need a Lisboa Card, which also includes free public transport.

So, deciding which card to buy actually depends on your plans. If you want to visit a lot of monuments and museums each day, then you should definitely buy a Lisboa Card. But if you’re simply keen to explore the historic neighbourhoods and admire from the outside, then buy a navegante card to get around Lisbon easily on public transport.

Navegante occasional : A card costs only €0.50. For the types of tickets it can hold and fares, see our page on navegante card .

Lisboa Card : A card costs from €21 for one day to €44 for three days. It includes a free pass to 39 museums, monuments and places of interest, namely Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and free public transport. It also offers discounts on a number of museums and activities. Find out more, including how to buy online, in our article about Lisboa Card .

Where can I purchase a navegante and a Lisboa Card?

You can buy a navegante occasional card when you arrive in Lisbon from any automatic ticket machine or ticket office at metro, ferry and train stations. Unlike the Lisboa Card, you cannot buy a navegante occasional card online.

You can buy a Lisboa Card online before you travel to Lisbon. This means that when you arrive in Lisbon you can get the card and start exploring the city. You can also buy a Lisboa Card at Tourist Offices when you arrive.

Can I get a navegante and a Lisboa Card at the airport?

Yes, you can buy both cards at Lisbon Airport.

You can buy a navegante occasional card at the airport’s metro station.

You can buy a Lisboa Card at the Tourist Office desk (Ask Me Lisboa) at Lisbon Airport.

Do I need to buy cards for my children?

If your children are 4 years old or older, you will need to buy them a separate card. This is valid both for navegante and Lisboa Card; the latter has a special price for children aged 4 to 15 years old.

Can any of the cards be used outside Lisbon, say, in Sintra or Cascais?

Both navegante and Lisboa Card card are eligible for travel on public transport within the city and connecting the city to destinations in Greater Lisbon. This means that you can use both cards for travel on the trains to Sintra and Cascais.

Moreover, the Lisboa Card includes free entry to some attractions outside Lisbon, such as Tomar’s Convent of Christ , Mafra National Palace , as well discounts in a number of attractions in Sintra .

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Viva Viagem: Getting Around Lisbon Made Easy

Are you planning to visit Lisbon? If you’re planning to explore this beautiful city, you will most likely be using public transport to get around. And if you want to make your travels in Lisbon easier, you should consider getting a Viva Viagem card. This card will make your journey in Lisbon more comfortable, convenient, and less stressful.

Keep reading to know more about the Viva Viagem card, how to get it, how to use it, and how to recharge it.

Table of Contents

How to Buy Lisboa Viva Card?

You can buy a Viva Viagem card for 0.50€:

• Either from an automatic ticket machine or ticket office in Metro, ferry, and suburban train stations. (Ticket machines have an English interface as well);
• Or Several local PayShop selling points in Lisbon.
• Or you can simply buy it through the Viva Viagem website .

Ticket machines and selling points take banknotes & coins as well as debit and credit cards issued by major companies. You can also buy Viva Viagem Card at the airport. Two people traveling together need a card each, and children under the age of 4 can travel free without needing one.

Where to Use Viva Viagem Lisboa ?

On buses, trams , and funiculars operated by Carris, including Tram 15 to Belém, the popular Tram 28 , and Lisbon’s three funiculars – Ascensor da Bica, Ascensor da Glória, and Ascensor do Lavra -, the card is valid. You can also use Viva Lisboa Card on the Elevador de Santa Justa street lift.

Viva Viagem is also usable in all Lisbon metro lines ; suburban trains to and from Estoril, Cascais, and Sintra; and ferry routes from Cacilhas, Trafaria/Porto Brandao, Seixal/Barreiro/Montijo. The card cannot be used on Aerobus and tourist routes (e.g. hop-on hop-off bus).

Both variants of Viva Viagem cards, green and white, can be used in Lisbon. The only difference is that a white card, unlike a green one, is not valid on the public transport providers that operate south of the River Tejo. So, if you reach the Northern part with a white one, buy a separate return ticket from the bus driver to come back. You can choose the right Viva Viagem Card Lisbon according to your journey plans.

What Are The Ticket Rates/Load Options?

Single ticket load options including Carris/Metro lines cost €1.50 for Viagem Card Lisbon. This option is to pay for a strictly specific journey. Buy it if your trip consists of just that one journey on public transport in Lisbon. The ticket is also limited to one hour.

The 1-day ticket that allows you to travel as much as you like for 24 hours costs €6.40 for Carris/Metro. If you add Transtejo ferries to Cacilhas to these two, it costs €9.55. Alternatively, you may add suburban train routes to Carris & Metro which makes the ticket €10.60.

If you want more flexibility for sudden decisions, the zapping option allows loading any amount that costs a minimum of €3 and multiples of €5 up to a balance of €40. In that way, you can pay separately for your journeys relying on the loaded credit. Load with the amount you think you’ll need. The prices of Viva Card Lisbon vary for each journey.

Keep in mind that once you’ve chosen an option you cannot change to another type of fare while the previous one has not been used.

Viva Viagem Monthly Pass

Viva Card Lisboa monthly pass (passe) is the best card for regular transit riders. Travel vouchers or cash can be used to top it off (pay-as-you-go “zapping” credit). It is a private card that only the owner of the card may use. You may purchase the card for 7 € at several metro stations, including Colégio Militar and Marquês de Pombal. It is good for five years.

Only the municipalities of Odivelas, Amadora, or Lisbon are eligible for the Navegante Municipal. 30 Euros per month in costs. Valid for the whole Lisbon Metropolitan Area is Navegante Metropolitano. Priced at €40 per month.

Viva Viagem App

You can download the Viva Viagem app on your mobile for all of the information you want for public transportation in the Lisbon area. From your smartphone or tablet, view routes, stations, schedules, and other details.

The Lisboa Card

The Lisboa Card costs from €20 for one day to €42 for three days. It includes 26 free museums, namely Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and free public transport. It also offers discounts on several museums and activities. Crucially, it also includes unlimited use of Lisbon’s public transport for the duration of the card – 24, 48, or 72 hours. You can buy it online, or get it from the airport tourist office.

You can use both cards for travel on the trains to Sintra and Cascais. Moreover, the Lisboa Card includes free entries or discounts to some attractions outside Lisbon.

Viva Viagem or Lisboa Card: Which Card to Buy?

If you’re planning on taking public transportation during your stay in Lisbon, you may be wondering whether to buy a Viva Viagem card or a Lisboa Card. Both cards offer unlimited rides on Lisbon’s buses, trams, and metro system, but there are some important differences to keep in mind.

The Viva Viagem card is a pay-as-you-go card, which means you’ll need to load it with money before each ride. You can purchase a Viva Viagem card at any metro station for a small fee, and then reload it with money as needed. The Lisboa Card, on the other hand, is a prepaid card that must be purchased in advance. It comes in two different versions: a 1-day pass and a 3-day pass. The 1-day pass costs €20 and the 3-day pass costs €40. Both passes include unlimited rides on Lisbon’s public transportation system, as well as discounts on some museums and attractions.

So, which card should you buy? If you’re only planning on using public transportation for a day or two, the Lisboa Card is probably the better option. However, if you’re staying for an extended period of time or if you plan on using public transportation frequently, the Viva Viagem card may be more convenient and cost-effective.

What is the viva viagem card?

Viva Viagem card is a travel card that allows you to use Lisbon’s public transport system. It is valid for one day or seven days, and you can recharge it with credit. You can use the card on buses, trains, trams, and the metro.

Where you can buy a Viva Viagem card?

The Viva Viagem card is a reusable travel card that can be used for public transportation in Portugal, including buses, trains, metro, and trams. The card can be purchased at any Metro station, Loja Viva, or online. The Viva Viagem card costs 6€ and comes with 8€ of credit. Once you have used up the credit on your card, you can recharge it at any viva machine or Loja Viva. For more information about the viva Viagem card, please visit the website or call the customer service number.

Where you can use Viva Viagem?

The Viva Viagem card can be used on all forms of public transport in Lisbon, including buses, trams, metro, and funiculars. It is a top-up card, which means you can add value to it as you go. You can also buy tickets for specific journeys in advance. A Viva Viagem card is a great option for tourists who want to explore Lisbon at their own pace. It is also a convenient way for residents to get around the city.

What tickets can I top up on my Viva Viagem card?

If you have a Viva Viagem card, you can top up a variety of tickets. These include single journey tickets, daily passes, and monthly passes. You can also top up your card with funds, which can be used to pay for fares on buses, trains, and trams. To top up your card, simply go to a ticket vending machine or a customer service point. You will need to insert your card into the machine, and then follow the instructions on the screen. You can top up your card with cash or a credit/debit card.

How much does the Viva Viagem card cost?

The Viva Viagem card costs €0.50, and can be purchased at any Metro station or newsstand. Additionally, the Viva Viagem card can be loaded with funds in increments of €5, €10, or €20. Once the Viva Viagem card has been loaded with funds, it can be used to pay for transportation fares. For each ride, the fare will be automatically deducted from Viva Viagem card. When the balance on Viva Viagem reaches €0.25, it can be reloaded with additional funds.

How to recharge the Viva Viagem Card?

Viva Viagem card is a rechargeable travel card that can be used on all public transportation in Lisbon, Portugal. To recharge the card, you can either go to a Venda machine at any Metro station or purchase a recharge voucher from a participating retailer. Once you have your recharge voucher, you can then go to any Venda machine and insert the voucher into the slot. The machine will then print out a receipt with your new balance. You can also check your balance online or by calling Viva Viagem customer service line.

Can I use Viva Viagem card to Sintra?

Viva Viagem card can be used for public transportation in and around Lisbon, including the city’s metro, buses, and trams. It cannot be used for transportation to Sintra, which is a separate municipality. If you’re planning to visit Sintra, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket or pass for the Sintra train or bus. You can purchase Viva Viagem cards at metro stations, tobacco shops, and some newsstands.

Can I buy a Viva Viagem card at Lisbon Airport?

You can buy a Viva Viagem card at Lisbon airport from the designated ticket machines. The card costs €0.50, and you can load it with credit for travel on Lisbon’s public transport system. You can also top up the card with credit at any of the city’s transport hubs. To use the card, simply Touch & Go at the start and end of your journey.

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How to use public transport in Lisbon, a complete guide

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: August 22, 2022

Public transport in Lisbon is pretty easy to use, but it still always takes a while to figure this out in a foreign city. That’s why we put together this handy overview of everything you need to know.

Lisbon is a compact but hilly city. At the end of the day, you might even be glad you can take the tram to 1 of the amazing viewpoints above the city to enjoy the sunset.

The well-known and iconic yellow trams are often stuck in traffic and don’t always run as punctually as you might like, but generally speaking, Lisbon public transportation is set up pretty well.

Most tourist attractions are very accessible by both tram and metro and you can even do some beautiful day trips by train.

We also discuss a few discount cards so you can use public transport in Lisbon without spending a lot of money, while also enjoying free entry to the most famous tourist attractions.

Here is everything you need to know about getting around Lisbon by public transportation.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

In a hurry, here you can find the most important information on public transport in Lisbon

• Here you can find cheap flights to Lisbon. Here’s an  overview of other flight comparison sites .  Make sure to check the website of  TAP  to see their latest promotions, they offer direct flights to Lisbon from many countries.
• Lisbon has countless impressive monuments and palaces.  The  Lisboa Card , the official tourist pass of Lisbon, offers free access to dozens of these sites and allows you to ride Lisbon’s public transport for free.
• If you don’t like taking public transport, you can also take the hop-on hop-off bus. This is a comfortable way to explore Lisbon. More information about the different options can be found here.
• Are you looking for a nice hotel in Lisbon, then definitely search via Booking.com
• Buy your skip the line tickets for popular attractions such as the Jeronimos Monastery and the Pena Palace in Sintra in advance. With these tickets you can skip the long queues at these attractions.
• If you want to experience Lisbon from the water, we recommend that you book a sailing trip.
• You can easily visit Lisbon city and surroundings by public transport. However, if you would like to rent a car, take a look at the website of Rental cars or Discover cars. Discover cars and Rental cars are sites where you can easily compare the prices of different car rental companies.

Table of Contents

How to get from Lisbon Airport to the city center

Most people arrive in Lisbon by plane.

When traveling to Lisbon by plane, you always arrive at Portela Airport, also known as the Humberto Delgado Airport, and usually just simply as Lisbon Airport. Both the ‘normal’ and low-cost airlines fly to this airport.

Lisbon Airport  has 2 terminals.

All flights arrive at terminal 1, while terminal 2 is used only for departures of the low-cost airlines.

A free shuttle bus operates every 10 minutes between the 2 terminals.

The city center of Lisbon is approximately 7 km from the airport.

There are various options to travel to the center of Lisbon.

You can use public transport from Lisbon airport, ride the aérobus or opt for a shared or private taxi. 

We list all the different possibilities below.

Lisbon airport public transport

The least expensive way is to take public transport to the city center. If you’re planning multiple rides on the Lisbon public transport system, it’s a good idea to purchase a Viva Viagem card or 7 Colinas card.

You can use these cards in 2 ways: as a prepaid card where you pay per ride, or as a 1-day pass where you can ride unlimitedly for 1 day for a fixed amount. We will discuss both options in more detail below.

The metro  operates between 6.30 a.m. and 1 a.m. Every 6 to 9 minutes, a metro departs for the city center. The red metro line (Lina Vermelha) takes you to the Lisbon city center in about 30 minutes.

There are also various  buses (705, 722, 744, 783, and the night bus 208) between Lisbon Airport and the city center. You can use the Viva Viagem card  for this, too.

A downside is that you can only take these buses when you travel with carry-on-size luggage.

Aerobus, a private or shared taxi

Another possibility is taking the Aerobus. This bus runs daily, from 7.30 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. and large suitcases are allowed on these buses.

Line 1 goes to the city center, while line 2 goes to the financial district. All stops are announced in English so you can’t miss your stop.

Here you can find an overview of all the stops: 

Aerobus Line 1: Airport – Arrivals, Areeiro – Av. Alm. Gago Coutinho, Alameda DA Henriques, Pç. Chili – Av. Almirante Reis,  Av. Almirante Reis – R. Angola, Igreja Anjos, Martim Moniz,  Pç. Figueira,  Pç. Comércio, Cais Sodré, Pç. Comércio, Rossio, Restauradores, Avenue Liberdade, Mq. Pombal – Av. Fontes P. Melo, Picoas, Saldanha, Campo Pequeno – Av. República, Estação Entrecampos, Luchthaven – Terminal 1, Airport – Terminal 2, Airport – Arrivals.

Aerobus Line 2: Airport – Arrival, Estação Entrecampos, Campo Pequeno – Av. República,  Av. República, Saldanha, Picoas, Marquês Pombal, Avenue José Malhoa ( municipality Polícia),  Avenue José Malhoa, Sete Rios (Expressos), Airport – Terminal 1, Airport – Terminal 2.

The Aerobus  might be more expensive than a regular bus, but it has the big benefit of being  more comfortable . You can take your  suitcases on board  and the  stops are announced . Moreover, the stops are located close to many popular hotels.

This is an excellent solution when you’d like to be dropped off as close to your hotel as possible.

Check prices and availability: Aerobus Tickets

Note that the Aerobus is currently suspended. As an alternative, you can book a shared or private transfer.

If you’re traveling with large and heavy suitcases or if you simply want to be in the city as quickly as possible we recommend booking a private driver or a shared transfer from and to the airport.

Check prices and availability:

Lisbon shared transfer

Lisbon private transfer

Of course, you can also take a taxi to your hotel. Because the airport is relatively close to the city, the price isn’t too high. For about € 15 you can get a taxi from the airport to the city center.

If you have luggage, you pay € 1,60 extra. (This is a fixed price, so not per piece of luggage.)

We somewhere read that the taxis at arrivals would be cheaper than those at departures.  Not sure if this is correct as they’re all supposed to use a taximeter.  If they do not use the meter you should insist on it unless they quote a fare significantly lower than € 15.

Lisbon discount cards

The viva viagem or 7 colinas card.

This card is valid on the metro, buses, trams, and even on certain train journeys to, for example, Sintra, Cascais, etc.

Besides the view and the name, there’s no difference between the 2 cards. They both work in the same way and you can use them in the same places.

You can purchase these cards at payment terminals at the metro or at newsagents. The card costs € 0,50.

A Viva Viagem card is in your name, so you have to purchase 1 per person. Additionally, you can put 1 product at a time on the card. If there’s zapping credit on the card, you cannot charge a day pass or vice versa.

Always take the receipt when you charge the card. In case the card stops working for whatever reason, you can take your card and this receipt to a staff member to request a new card.

Using Viva Viagem as a multi-ride card (zapping)

Before you can use the card, you have to charge it at least € 3 and a maximum of € 40.

With this Viva Viagem card, you will then pay € 1,35 euro per metro ride and € 1,8 per train ride.

This is significantly less than what you would pay if you bought separate tickets. In that case, you would pay almost double that amount per ride.

This is called “zapping” credit.

Using Viva Viagem as a 1-day pass

You can also load 1-day passes on your Viva Viagem card. With these passes, you can use public transport in Lisbon unlimitedly for a whole day.

There are 3 different 1-day tickets.

• For 6,40 euros you can take unlimited rides on the metro and the bus
• For 9,55 euros you can, in addition to the metro and bus, also take the ferry to Cacilhas
• For 10,60 euros you can, in addition to the above, also take the train from Lisbon to Sintra, Cascais, Azambuja, and Sado

Here is an overview of these different ticket options on the website of the public transportation company Metro Lisboa .

Lisboa Card

The Lisboa Card is the official tourist pass of the city and is available for 1, 2, or 3 days.

With this card, you can use Lisbon public transport (the train to Sintra and Cascais, tram, metro, and bus) for free and you get free access to various museums and monuments. (Some of the most important of those are Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Torre de Belém, Elevador de Santa Justa.)

Additionally, with this card, you don’t have to queue at places to which you have free access. You can bypass the waiting line and you just need to show your Lisboa Card at the ticket booth.

There are dozens of places that offer free access and, on top of that, there are many more places in and around Lisbon where you can enjoy a discount of 10 to 50 percent thanks to this card.

You can save a lot of time and money with this card while visiting Lisbon!

Check prices and availability: Lisboa card

3-day public transport pass for tourists

This 3-day pass  is a great all-round solution for a Lisbon city break. The Aerobus that you can take from the airport to the city is also included.

During those 3 days, you have unlimited use of the trams and buses. Also, the funiculars and the Santa Justa Lift are included. (The metro is not included.)

You can also take the hop-on-hop-off buses of Yellow bus. These buses run along 3 different routes throughout Lisbon.  There is also a special tourist tram that you can ride for free.  This tram follows roughly a similar route as tram 28.

Lastly, you can also admire Lisbon from the water with the included boat ride to and from Belém.

Public transportation in Lisbon

You can explore the city in all directions with the metro.

The metro is not only able to quickly take you from the airport to the Lisbon city center but is also a great way to get to some of the attractions in Lisbon, such as Baixa and Cais do Sodré, from where you can continue your journey to Cascais. 

There are 4 different lines that all take you to a different part of the city. Each metro line has its own color.

The red line runs between the airport and the city center. With the green or blue line, you can get to the historic heart of the city (Baixa). As a tourist, you probably won’t really use the yellow line.

Everything is clearly indicated at the metro, and you’ll also see maps all over the place. If you’d like to get prepared, you can download a handy map  in PDF format.

Once you’ve arrived in the historic center, you can easily get around on foot to visit all tourist attractions in Lisbon. Here you can find a great Lisbon itinerary for 3 days. 

The metro is especially useful if you’d like to visit one of the attractions or museums outside of the historic center.

When you’re going to take the metro often, it’s best to do this with a Viva Viagem card. You can use this card as a prepaid card or a 1-day pass. You can find much more information about this above.

The tram network in Lisbon consists of 6 lines and is a great addition to the metro network. The historic inner city is serviced by the lines 12, 18, 24, 25 and 28.

All these lines have those famous iconic little trams.

These yellow trams have become a symbol of the city and have been thoroughly restored in the past years, but always with respect for their original appearance.

Especially the route with tram 28 is popular among tourists because it chirps and moans its way through the narrow and steep alleys of the Alfama neighborhood, passing lots of attractions and points of interest.

If you’d like to go for a ride on this tram, it’s best to do this from either one of its terminuses.

Oftentimes, it’s not possible to board the tram on the way.

If you’d like to take a ride on tram 28 in comfort and without having to wait in line, you can do that with a ride on the special hop-on hop-off tram .

This tram mainly follows the same trajectory of tram 28, from Praça Do Commercio to Portas do Sol and back.

On the way, you can listen to the commentary of the audio guide, which is also available in English.

The hop-on-hop-off description is, however, fairly misleading. It is always possible to get off, but there’s only 1 official stop and that’s at Portas do Sol, not far from the São Jorge castle.

Check prices and availability: 24H Hop-on-hop-off Tram ticket

Tram 15 is the only line in the city that has a modern tram. 

This route takes you from Praça do Comércio to Belém. Tram 15 lacks the charm of the other trams, but it is a handy way to get to the Belém neighborhood.

In those classic trams, you need to board using the front entrance, which is also where you’ll find the box to validate your Viva Viagem card. Whether you’re riding with zapping credit or a day pass, you have to validate your card at the device either way.

You can use all doors to board the modern trams riding on line 15. Each door has a device to validate your card.

You can buy tickets from the driver in the front of the classic trams, while tram 15 has a ticket machine onboard. Since these tickets are twice as expensive as the Viva Viagem, we don’t recommend this. Additionally, the machine also doesn’t return any change.

Many cities boast that they’ve been built on several different hills, but there are few cities where you’re confronted with that fact as often as in Lisbon.

The city has numerous public elevators as well as the cable cars that are pictured above.

Although these cable cars, called funicular or ascensor in Lisbon, are not unique, there are only a few cities where you can ride a cable car through the streets. Therefore, this is definitely something you should do if you’re tired of exploring the city on foot.

The funicular connects Baixa and Bairro Alto. There are three different cable cars that run across this elevation: the Ascensor da Bica, the Ascensor da Glória and the Ascensor da Lavra.

These aerial trams run every 15 minutes from the bottom to the top or vice versa.

A ride lasts about one minute and costs 3 euros. These aerial trams are included in your Viva Viagem card, either as part of your day pass or by payment of the usual price of € 1,35 with zapping credit.

The hop-on-hop-off bus

The hop-on-hop-off bus is a comfortable way to discover Lisbon and Cascais.

Several companies exploit hop-on-hop-off tours in Lisbon. 

Below is an overview of the tours offered by Gray Line and Yellow Bus.

Gray Line busses are red, and you probably have no problem guessing the color of the busses operated by Yellow Bus, the latter of which is managed by Carris, the company that also operates the trams and buses in Lisbon.

Note that they’re 2 competing companies, so you can’t get on one bus with a ticket for the other.

We describe both options below.

Gray Line hop-on hop-off bus in Lisbon

With 1 ticket, you can use 55 stops distributed across 4 different routes.

• The ‘Castle Line’ takes you to the tourist attractions in Alfama and Castelo, including stops at the cathedral, Avenida Liberdade and Marquês de Pombal.
• The ‘Belém Line’ goes from the historic center to Belém, passing Jeronimo’s Monastery and the Torre de Belém on the way.
• The ‘Oriente Line’ runs along the Tagus River to the modern city center where you can visit the zoo, the Oceanarium or 1 of the other attractions. You pass the expo park on the way.
• The ‘Cascais’ route runs, as its name suggests, to this beautiful coastal town and stops in Estoril on the way.

You can buy a ticket for 24 or 48 hours to discover the city at your own pace. The bus is equipped with Wi-Fi and has an audio guide in 14 languages, including English.

Read reviews and book your tickets: Lisbon hop-on-hoff-bus

Yellow bus hop-on hop-off bus in Lisbon

Yellow bus operates 3 different bus tours in Lisbon. The tickets are valid for 24-48 hours.

A major benefit of these tours is that, during those 2 days, you can also use the trams, cable cars, the Santa Justa Lift and the Aerobus for free.

An audio guide in 12 languages, including English, is available on the bus and the tram.

Here are the different routes:

• The ‘Modern Bus tour’ goes from Lisbon to Parque das Nações, the previous expo park. You can visit the Oceanarium, the Azuleo Museum or one of the other top attractions.
• The ‘Belém bus tour’ takes you past many beautiful buildings and monuments in this neighborhood. There are stops at Jerónimos Monastery, the Torre de Belém and Padrão dos Descobrimentos, among other popular highlights.
• The ‘Monumental bus tour’ is an extension of the Belém tour. It departs from the Jerónimos Monastery and takes you to a few other points of interest in this neighborhood, where you can’t get with the Belém tour.

Read reviews and book:

Hop-on-hop-off 24hours

Hop-on-hop-off 48hours

We mainly used public transportation in Lisbon or explored the city on foot. However, taxis are actually fairly affordable in Lisbon.

You can recognize the official taxis by their black-green colors. The cars are black and have a green roof. All taxis are equipped with a meter and the drivers usually speak basic English.

The starting price is € 3,25 and is increased by € 0,47 per kilometer. At night (from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.), the starting price is € 3.90 and the price per kilometer € 0,56.

There’s a supplement of € 0,80 for a telephone booking and a supplement of € 1,60 if you have luggage. This luggage supplement is a fixed rate, it is not per piece of luggage.

Some taxis accept debit and credit cards by now, but definitely not all of them. If you’d like to pay by card, you should verify with the driver whether this is possible before getting in.

Here is a  complete overview of the prices .

If you’re traveling with a group of more than 4 people, you can also take a larger taxi.

Those prices are higher, though, and it’s best to reserve these taxis in advance.

Never get into a larger taxi with just 2 people if you don’t have to because you’ll end up paying more.

You can simply flag down the taxis on the street or you can use one of the following apps: MyTaxi/FreeNow  (Android & Apple) or  TaxiLisboa/izzymove  (Android & Apple).

Uber is also available in Lisbon and the price of an Uber ride is comparable to that of a regular taxi.

Because of the huge availability and presence of taxis in Lisbon, using an app to call a taxi is redundant. Often, it’s much easier to just flag down a taxi on the street.

Sailboat or ferry

From a sailboat on the Taag you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city.

The boats depart at Cais Do Sodré or Padrão dos Descobrimentos and on the way you’ll pass the monumental square Praça do Comércio, the Belém Tower, Padrão dos Descobrimentos and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.

This is a relaxed way to see Lisbon from a different angle. A ride by sailboat on the Taag takes about 2 hours on average.

Check prices and availability: Guided Sightseeing Cruise

For a wonderfully romantic experience, you can do this at sunset.

Read reviews and book: Lisbon sunset cruise

If you’d like to make it the ultimate romantic experience, you can book an exclusive 2-hour private sailing with sparkling wine. This is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience!

Check prices and availability: Lisbon Private Romantic cruise

The classic ferries are a good alternative to the touristic sailboats.

Crossings take only a fraction of the time of a sailing with a sailing boat but still offer you the chance to catch a view of the city from the water.

There are 5 public ferry crossings that depart from 3 locations: Praça do Comércio, the train station of Belém and the station of Cais do Sodré. 

Of these 5 crossings, the  one from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas  is the most attractive for tourists. On the way, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Ponte 25 de Abril, while Cacilhas gives you the opportunity to have a delicious dinner at 1 of the many excellent seafood restaurants.

For the greatest view of the city, you can take bus 101 to the Cristo Rei statue atop the mountain. You can also walk and use the Boca do Vento elevator.

You can buy ferry tickets at the ticket booth where the boats depart. The tickets aren’t expensive. It’s between € 1,25 and € 2,80 for a one-way trip.

The crossing from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas costs € 1,30 one way and is also included in 2 of the 3 day-pass options.

The tuk-tuk

Nowadays, tuk-tuks are common presence in many places around Lisbon.

You can use them for a tour of the city.

The tuk-tuk drivers speak English, French or Spanish and are able to tell you about their city and the attractions on the way.

A tuk-tuk ride is, of course, mainly a tourist activity and is a bit more expensive because of that. It is, however, a fun way to explore the city and a lot less exhausting than getting around Lisbon and its hills on foot.

There are various different tours you can take. Some take you past the attractions in the city center and also stop at the many amazing viewpoints. This saves you a lot of effort climbing up!

From other travelers, we’ve heard that the drivers don’t stick strictly to their fixed routes and are pretty flexible when you ask them to take you to other places.

Below, you can see an overview of the different tours you can choose from.

2h guided tuk-tuk tour

3h guided tuk-tuk tour

Additionally, there are also tours that take you to the most beautiful street art in Lisbon, which is spread across the new and old parts of the city.

So, if you’re a fan of street art, we encourage you to check out the tours below.

There’s plenty to do in Lisbon to keep you occupied for a few days.

If, however, you have some time to spare or want to leave the city for a while, you can do a couple of great day trips using Portugal’s rail service.

Fairy tale-like Sintra lies about 25 kilometers from Lisbon. This village with its famous colorful palace can easily be visited by train as a day trip from Lisbon. In fact, trains are the best option for public transport from Lisbon to Sintra.

The ride takes approximately 30 minutes, departs from the historic Rossio station in the city center, and costs only € 2,25 euro one way and € 4,50 for a round trip.

The palace of Sintra is one of the most visited tourist attractions. If you’re heading to Sintra you shouldn’t miss this architectural masterpiece but there’re often rather long lines to get in.

To avoid those waiting lines, we recommend buying  skip-the-line tickets . These tickets allow you to skip the queue at the ticket booth. Moreover, you don’t necessarily have to print your tickets, but can just show them on your smartphone.

Another amazing day trip from Lisbon takes you to the enjoyable coastal resort of Cascais. This is definitely recommended on a sunny day in summer if you’d like to wind down on the beach.

Cascais is 30 kilometers from Lisbon.

The train to Cascais departs from the Cais Do Sodré station.

The easiest way to get there is by taking the green metro line.

The train ride to Cascais lasts 40 minutes and costs only € 2,25 one way and € 4,50 for a round trip.

Both rides are also included in the extensive day pass and  the Lisboa card.

If you’d rather join an organized tour, you should check out the tour below.

This popular day tour  takes you to beautiful Sintra and the wonderful coastal resort of Cascais in one day. Additionally, you’ll also visit Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point on the European mainland.

Check prices and availability: Dat tour Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais

By car 

A car is honestly a bit redundant for a city break in Lisbon. You can easily get everywhere on foot and by using the extensive Lisbon public transportation options.

Only if you’re spending more time in Portugal and are planning to visit other destinations as well, we’d recommend renting a car.

From Lisbon, it’s only 2,5 hours to the spectacular coast of the Algarve and 3 hours to Porto by car. The charming town of Obidos is 86 km from Lisbon.

Here is an overview of the  most charming towns in Portugal  or read our overview of the most  beautiful places in Portugal.

If you’re planning to rent a car, it’s best to do this before you leave for your trip to Lisbon.

Online prices are always lower than the price they’ll charge at the counter.

We wrote a complete post on driving and renting a car in Portugal.

Take into account that Portugal has a lot of toll roads. Therefore, we recommend getting a via verde toll device for your rental car. You can still pay in cash on some highways, but the highways in the Algarve only have electronic toll gates nowadays.

Most people visit the Algarve in summer, but the  Algarve is amazing and visit-worthy in winter , too.

Conclusion 

Public transport in Lisbon is extensive and works smoothly and you’ll quickly get your bearings.

Once you’ve arrived in the city center, getting around in Lisbon can easily be done on foot.

For day trips, taking the train is often a great option, but outside the city center, rental cars are also a convenient way of getting around. Those usually aren’t too expensive either. If you’d like to visit Cascais in summer, it’s probably best to do this by train, since it can be difficult to find a parking spot.

We recommend that you definitely get 1 of the discount cards.

If you’re not planning to visit any museums or monuments, the 7 Colinas card is the one you need.

However, if you’d like to visit one of the beautiful palaces, monasteries, and monuments—and it actually would be a shame not to do this—you can save a decent amount of money with the Lisboa Card.

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New Lisbon transport card launched

By TPN/Lusa, in News , Lisbon · 09 Sep 2021, 19:00 · 0 Comments

The Navegante brand has been launched with the aim of simplification, digitisation, integration and interoperability between various carries in the city, according to a statement from TML.

TML is a public management entity dependent on the inter-municipal entity Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML) in charge of coordinating and planning all inter-municipal collective public transport of the associated municipalities and the municipal collective public transport of the municipalities that have delegated their municipal powers of Transport Authority in the AML.

Navegante replaces the previous Lisboa Viva card and comes with a new image. The card will now be for “everything and everyone, simplifying the language and communication of those who want to travel”, states TML, which does not add if Lisboa Viva cards remain in force until the expiration date stated on tickets.

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Lisboa Card, discount card to visit Lisbon

• Victor | Essencial Portugal

Book your holidays in 3 clicks all over Portugal using the button below. I have created for you a page that gathers the best rated and most recommended English speaking tours and activities throughout Portugal as well as the luxury hotels or villas classified by the most sought after and appreciated criteria.

The Lisboa Card is a tourist map that will help you discover Lisbon and its surroundings, such as Sintra or Cascais. With your Lisboa Card, you can enjoy free or reduced price access to certain sites and monuments. This Lisbon Card offers a very wide range of discounts on various services and free access to public transport. This can be interesting if you plan to use it. You will need to prepare your visit to Lisbon, the monuments you wish to visit and the Portuguese public transport routes you will take.

What is the price of a Lisboa card, for how many days can it be bought, where can you buy it, what exactly does it cover and is it useful for visiting Lisbon? These are all questions for which you will find different answers below. In this guide to the Lisboa Card you will find detailed information on the discounts and rebates offered by the card, its price and its conditions of validity.

To buy the card, click on the image below and order it directly online :

• Choose the duration of your Lisboa Card: 24, 48 or 72 hours.
• Choose the number of people who will benefit from the Lisboa Card: number of children and adults
• Choose the date on which you want the Lisboa Card to be valid (this allows you to order it in advance).

The Discount Card for Lisbon will be available as soon as you order with an explanatory brochure in English and can be cancelled 24 hours before it becomes valid.

Lisboa card: what is it?

Lisbon, like other cities, has its own dedicated tourist map, here called the Lisboa Card. It is a blue card that was pink and yellow before 2016, delivered (even when ordering the Lisboa Card online) with a brochure with discounts and rebates. The Lisboa Card offers free entrance to more than 25 monuments or museums in Lisbon and discounts for tourist attractions and monuments in Lisbon and its surroundings: the Lisboa Card gives discounts for for example visiting Sintra , Tomar, Batalha and Alcobaca.

You will also be able to use some public transport in Lisbon for free and get discounts on several types of excursions, services and activities. The card is not free and is available in different versions depending on the duration, number of users or age:

• Lisboa Card 24 hours: €13 per child and €20 per adult
• Lisboa Card valid for 48 hours: 19 € per child and 34 € adult
• Lisboa Card with a validity of 72 hours: 22,5 € per child and 42 € per adult.
• Users between the ages of 4 and 15 are considered children.
• Children under the age of 4 accompanied by an adult holder of a valid Lisboa Card will be entitled to the card and its discounts free of charge.

Lisbon Card (Lisboa Card): discounts on public transport in Lisbon

The Lisboa card allows you to travel free of charge by the following means of transport throughout its period of validity:

• Lisbon Metro: all lines, including between Lisbon airport and the city centre.
• Trains on the Sintra – Sete Rios – Oriente line, to Sintra (You will not be able to use it to Cabo da Roca from Sintra or Cascais)
• Trains on the Cais – Sodré – Cascais line, to visit the different beaches of Lisbon
• 25% discount to take the trains across the Tagus and the bridge on April 25th.
• Lifts, trams and buses Carris: tramway 28 from Lisbon , tramway 15 to Belem, Santa Justa lift.

Reduced visits to Lisbon with the Lisboa Card

This tourist card of Lisbon will allow you to enjoy discounts in many museums or monuments of the capital of Portugal. You will find below the complete list that will allow you to prepare your visit to Lisbon as it should be!

• Archaeological Museum of the Carmelites (Museu Arqueológico do Carmo): 20% discount
• Lisbon Zoo (Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa): 15% discount
• Lisbon Aquarium (Oceanário de Lisboa): 15% discount
• Benfica Stadium Lisbon and Cosme Damião Museum (Museu Benfica – Cosme Damião): 15% discount
• Monument to the Discoveries in Belem (Padrão dos Descobrimentos): 30% discount
• Sintra National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra): 10% discount
• National Palace of Queluz (Palácio Nacional de Queluz): 15% discount
• Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra: 20% discount
• Moorish Castle of Sintra (Castelo dos Mouros) 15% discount
• Pena Palace in Sintra (Palácio Da Pena) 2 € discount
• Science Museum: 50% discount
• Museum of Oriente (Museu do Oriente): 20% discount
• Pharmacy Museum (Museu da Farmacia): 20% discount
• Arpad Szenes-Vieira da Silva Foundation (Fundação Arpad Szenes-Vieira da Silva): 50% discount
• Museum of the Berardo Collection (Museu Coleção Berardo): 40% discount
• Casa Fernando Pessoa: 40% discount
• Belem Cultural Centre (Centro Cultural de Belém): 10% discount
• Capuchin Convent in Sintra (Convento dos Capuchos em Sintra): 15% discount
• Culturgest: 10% discount
• Medeiros e Almeida Foundation (Casa-Museu Medeiros e Almeida): 40% discount
• Calouste Gulbenkian Museum (Museu Calouste Gulbenkian): 20% discount
• Water Museum (Museu da Água): 50% discount
• Carris Museum (Museu da Carris): 30% discount
• Puppet Museum (Museu da Marioneta): 30% discount
• Maritime Museum of Belem (Museu de Marinha): 25% discount
• St. Roch Museum (Museu de São Roque): 40% discount
• Macau Scientific and Cultural Museum (Centro Científico e Cultural de Macau): 50% discount
• Centro de Arte Moderna “José de Azeredo Perdigão” (Centre of Modern Art José de Azeredo Perdigão): 20% discount
• Fado Museum in Lisbon’s Alfama district (Museu do Fado): 30% discount
• Planetário Calouste Gulbenkian (Planetário Calouste Gulbenkian): 50% off
• Knowledge Pavilion in the Park of Nations (Pavilhão do Conhecimento): 20% discount
• Lisbon Labyrinth (Labirinto Lisboa): 20% discount
• Museum of the Sporting World (Museu Mundo Sporting): 40% discount
• Museum of the Portuguese School of Decorative Arts (Museu Escola de Artes Decorativas Portuguesa): 20% discount
• José Saramago Foundation (Fundação José Saramago): 1 € reduction on the entrance fee
• Aquarium Vasco da Gama (Aquário Vasco da Gama): 20% discount
• Evoa Bird Observatory – 30% discount
• Discounts on various operators for visiting Lisbon by bus
• Sant’Anna Factory (Fábrica de Sant’Anna): 5% discount
• Freeport Outlet Shopping: 10% discount

Free tours of Lisbon with the Lisboa Card

Find below all the free tours of Lisbon that you can do with the Lisboa Card. Of course you won’t be able to visit everything and you will have to make a choice. But it will allow you to know if the purchase of the Lisboa Card is interesting for your visit to Libsonne.

• Monastery of Jerónimos  in Belem (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)
• Tower of Belem ( Torre de Belém )
• The Lisbon City Museum at the Palacio Pimenta (Museu de Lisboa)
• Chiado Museum of Contemporary Art in Lisbon (Chiado Museum)
• National Museum of the Azulejos (Museu do Azulejos)
• Convent of Christ in Tomar (Covento de Cristo) to discover if you visit Tomar
• Monastery of Alcobaça
• Batalha MonasteryMafra Palace (Palácio Nacional de Mafra) close to Ericeira
• National Museum of carriages in Belém (Museu Nacional dos Coches)
• Montserrat Park (Parque de Monserrat)
• Palácio Nacional da Ajuda (National Palace of Ajuda)
• Lisboa Story Centre – Memórias da Cidade
• Casa-Museu Anastácio Gonçalves (Casa-Museu Anastácio Gonçalves)
• Viewpoint on the arch of the Rua Augusta (Arco Da Rua Augusta)
• Music Museum (Museu da Musica)
• Museum of Communication (Museu das Comunicações)
• Lisbon Museum “Santo António” (Museu António)
• Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia)
• Lisbon Museum “Teatro Romano”
• Sintra Air Museum (Museu do Ar in Sintra)
• National Museum of Archaeology of Belém (Museu Nacional de Arqueologia)
• National Museum of Ancient Arts (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga)
• National Museum of Ethnology (Museu Nacional de Etnologia)
• Estufa fria in Edward VII Park
• Museum of Electricity (Museu da Eletricidade de Lisboa)
• National Pantheon (Panteao Nacional)
• National Museum of Theatre and Dance (Museu Nacional do Teatro)
• National Museum of Costume (Museu Nacional do Traje)
• Museu Bordalo Pinheiro (Bordalo Pinheiro Museum)
• Sintra Mitos e Lendas de Sintra

Lisbon Card: useful or not ?

The Lisboa Card is a very practical tourist card, which allows you to take advantage of discounted public transport and a number of discounts or free entries to It’s interesting because it offers discounts for tickets to monuments and museums in Lisbon that are not very well known but also some that are really worth seeing such as the Monastery of Jerónimos, the Tower of Belem, Tramway 28, Elevador Santa Justa in Lisbon , the Zoo, the Oceanarium, etc…

In the same way, access to public transport is not limited to routes that you will never use, but to some that are very busy and that you will certainly use during your visits, such as to get to Sintra and the beach.

So I would say that the Lisboa Card can be very useful, but it depends on what you want to visit. The two major drawbacks to this Lisbon discount card for me are the following:

• It gives many discounts and free entries but if you only come to Lisbon for a few days, you won’t use more than half of them.
• It allows you to visit Lisbon but in complete autonomy and I think that for the first time it may be more interesting to plan a guided tour of Lisbon with english-speaking professionals who will allow you to understand everything and not miss anything.

However, it should be noted that if you are one of those who want to visit Lisbon on your own and want to visit the Belem district and its monuments, for example, then it will still allow you to save a lot of money. This is not a scam, far from it!

• Public transport in Lisbon: free with the Lisboa Card VS card 3.5€ without but with the Viva Viagem transport card
• Carriage Museum: free with the Lisboa Card VS card 8€ without
• Monastery of Jerónimos: free with the Lisboa Card VS card 10€ without
• Maritime Museum: 5€ with the Lisboa Card VS card 6,5€ without
• Monument to Discovery: 3,5€ with the Lisboa Card VS card 5€ without
• Tour of Belem: free with the Lisboa Card VS card 6€ without

In total for all these visits, you will have paid 20€ for the Lisboa Card for 24 hours + 8,5€ for the visits of the monuments against 39€ if you didn’t have the card: a saving of 10,5€. For a group of 4 or a family with two children, this is not negligible over a day.

Another example if you visit the centre of Lisbon and the main districts with or without the Lisbon Card :

• Public transport: free with the Lisboa Card VS card 6.9€ without but with the Viva Viagem transport card
• Azulejos Museum: free with the Lisboa Card VS card 5€ without
• National Pantheon: free with the Lisboa Card VS card 4€ without
• Lisboa Story Center: free with the Lisboa Card VS card 7€ without
• Fado Museum: 3,5€ with the Lisboa Card VS card 5€ without
• Viewpoint on the Rua Arc in August: free with the Lisboa Card VS card 2,5€ without
• Archaeological Museum of the Carmelites: 2,8€ with the Lisboa Card VS card 4€ without the card.

In total for all these visits, you will have paid 20€ the Lisboa Card for 24 hours + 6,3€ for the visits of the monuments against 34,4€ if you didn’t have the card: a saving of 8,1€. Once again, multiplying by the number of people in the group and therefore the number of tickets to be paid is not negligible.

You should also take into account that the queues are sometimes very long for some of these monuments and that you may not have time to visit everything as planned in 24 hours. Buying a 48-hour Lisboa Card may be the solution. In any case, when you see the number of positive reviews that there can be on the card, I think that booking it will be a good option for many!

Click on the Lisboa Card to order it online

Careful, now: The card must be signed by the cardholders, who must also have identification when using it. You will not be able to pass it on to other people.

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Prepare your holydays in a few clicks: guided tours, transfers, hotels, villas, ticket purchase and information. A concentrate of the best services about Lisbon and its region.

Guided tours of Lisbon

Lisboa Card - Discounts

Guided tours of the region

Hotels in Lisbon

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Transfers and transportation

Lisbon informations, monuments to visit.

• Lisbon Aquarium
• Castle of St. George
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• Public Transportation
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• Articles on Lisbon
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Due to the complexity of this process, I have found only one serious english speaking service provider to assist you with the registration of your vehicle in Portugal. This is a law firm based near Lisbon that will take care of the registration application + the ISV exemption application to the customs . The price of this firm is 2000€ per vehicle and does not include the costs of the technical inspection, the registration and the registration fee.

Please only fill in this form if you are ok with this price to avoid unnecessary exchanges with this provider. If you wish to do this yourself, you will find a lot of information below on the dedicated page.

Once this form has been completed, it will immediately be forwarded to the english-speaking service provider who will contact you.

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By validating this form, you authorise me to forward your request to an English-speaking company in Lisbon who will contact you to discuss your project. Nothing is automated, these are people I know personally, who are serious and qualified to help you with your project.

The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for death insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best death insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new death insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

You can indicate in your message when you would like to be contacted to discuss this.

The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for boat insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best boat insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new boat insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

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Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best dental insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new dental insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

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Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best life insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new life insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for car insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best car insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new car insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for home insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best home insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new home insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for a mutual insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best health cover at the best price for you and your family. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new health insurance. This is a precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

The form below will be forwarded to an English-speaking architect based in Lisbon who specialises in the study and support of construction or renovation projects in Portugal.

He will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and discuss with you its feasibility and the best way to accompany you. Study of the file, analysis of the feasibility with the town hall, constitution of the best team or coordination of the building site are all steps that will allow you to carry out your project. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * First Last E-mail * Phone number * Subject * Your project * Name Send

The form below will be forwarded to an English speaking company based in the Algarve and specialised in the purchase of new vehicles in Portugal.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and will accompany you through the whole process of buying a vehicle in Portugal: proposal of the best prices found in Europe, import of the vehicle, registration and delivery. A precious help to make your car purchase project in Portugal a reality.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * First Last Email * Phone Number * Project and needs * Submit

The form below will be sent to an English speaking company based in Lisbon and specialised in company buy-outs in Portugal. A company takeover is a meticulous operation for which it is essential to be accompanied in the research, selection, visits, financial analysis, negotiations or even the signature to make sure that everything is done correctly and in accordance with the legislation in force in Portugal.

Experts in business acquisition in Portugal will contact you directly to discuss your project, your needs and the best way to accompany you to make it happen. Valuable help from English-speaking experts to make your plans for setting up in Portugal a reality.

You can indicate in your message when you would like to be contacted to discuss it.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * First Last E-mail * Phone * Subject * Your project / Your needs * Website Send

The form below will be forwarded to an English-speaking company based in Lisbon that specialises in assisting with administrative procedures in Portugal.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and accompany you through the process of obtaining your Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status in Portugal. They will accompany you to the authorities and will take care of the preparation and submission of your application. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

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The form below will be forwarded to a firm of English speaking accountants based in Lisbon who specialise in all accounting activities for companies based in Portugal.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and how best to assist you with your personal or business accounting: bookkeeping, declarations, human resources, balance sheets, VAT recovery and other tasks essential to the smooth running of your Portuguese business.

Valuable English-speaking support for the development of your business in Portugal. You can indicate in your message when you wish to be contacted to discuss this.

The form below will be forwarded to an English-speaking company based in Lisbon that specialises in property searches throughout Portugal. These property hunters can assist you in your search for a property, but also in the search for building land, agricultural land or even the search for a business to buy.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and will accompany you throughout the process of research, negotiation, signing, translation of documents, installation and administrative procedures. A turnkey search and a precious help to concretize your project of personal or professional installation in Portugal.

Please provide as much information as possible about your project and your search. You can also indicate in your message when you would like to be contacted to discuss it.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and accompany you through the process of obtaining your NIF in Portugal. They will make an appointment at Finanças and accompany you to obtain your Portuguese tax number. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

You can indicate in your message when you wish to be contacted to discuss this.

The form below will be forwarded to a firm of English-speaking accountants based in Lisbon who specialise in business creation and accounting throughout Portugal.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project and will accompany you throughout the entire process of setting up your business in Portugal: administrative procedures, assistance with financing, opening your bank account, declarations, drafting the articles of association and accounting. A precious help to make your business project in Portugal a reality.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * First Last E-mail * Phone * Where do you want to set up your business * What type of company would you like to create * Your project / Your needs * Comment Send

The form below will be forwarded to an English-speaking company based in Lisbon that specialises in property projects throughout Portugal.

Rui will contact you to find out more about your project and will accompany you throughout the entire property purchase process, from research to negotiation, translation of documents, installation, administrative procedures and even accompaniment to the notary’s office for the signature. A precious help to make your real estate project in Portugal a reality.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * First Last E-mail * Phone * Type of property required * House Villa Apartment Location * Approximate date of real estate purchase Period of presence in Portugal Budget * Interior area in m2 * Outside surface area in m2 Number of bedrooms * Number of bathrooms Small works possible Yes No Major work possible Yes No Your project / Your needs * Comment Send

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Lisbon Public Transport explained – 5+ tips to help you get around the city

Lisbon has an extensive public transport network, and it is easy to explore the city by bus, tram and metro. When visiting Lisbon, it’s the easiest way to get around. But how does the public transportation system in Lisbon work? And when does it make sense to buy a Lisboa Card instead or separate tickets? Let’s dive in so you’ll travel like a local in no time!

Thanks for sharing!

A quick overview: Lisbon Public Transport

• What you ‘ ll  discover?  Learn how the public transport system in Lisbon works.
• Costs?  Tickets are from € 1,80 and up.
• Where?  In Lisbon, the Portuguese capital.
• Worth it?  Yes! Travel like a pro at a fraction of the price of a taxi.

Discover Portugal is fully reader-supported. For that reason, this article contains some affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you purchase through links on this page at no additional cost to you. All revenue is used to keep this website free and updated. I only recommend products or services that I would use myself. You’ll be able to read the full disclaimer here . Thanks for your support!

The public transportation system in Lisbon

You bet public transportation comes in handy in  a city with seven hills ! Lisbon is famous for its colourful trams and funiculars, but there are many other easy ways to get around the city.

The transport system in Lisbon includes  buses, trains, metro, trams, funiculars and ferries ! The stations are overall very well connected, and it’s pretty easy to get around.

The Lisbon metro

The  metro network in Lisbon has four lines : blue, yellow, green and red. The Lisbon metro system comprises 55 metro stations, and the track length is 46 kilometres long. You never have to wait long as the following metro  usually departs within 6 or 7 minutes . It makes it one of the easiest ways to discover Lisbon!

Metro services, including weekends and public holidays,  start at 6:30 AM and run until 1 AM . Just be aware that sometimes the metro operates with shorter trains at night, so it’s recommended to wait at the platform’s lefthand side (in the direction the metro travels). The  metro runs north, south, and east  of the city. You can buy metro tickets at the ticket machines at the station.

The Lisbon metro lines are:

• Blue line: between Reboleira and Santa Apolónia
• Yellow line: between Odivelas and Rato
• Green line: between Telheiras and Cais de Sodré
• Red line: between Aeroporto and São Sebastião (this is extended to the west towards Alcântara)

Travelling from the airport to the city centre by metro

Lisbon Airport Humberto Delgado  is very well connected to the city centre. Aside from a taxi or  private transport , you can travel to the centre by bus or metro. The  metro station is located at Terminal 1 , and once you’ve taken the escalators downstairs, you’ll see the ticket machines where you can purchase your Navegante occasional ticket. To read the complete guide about Lisbon Airport,  please click here .

The  red line connects the airport with the city centre , as the metro map shows. Taking the metro to your hotel is a good alternative to the more expensive taxis.

Suburban trains, buses, trams, and taxis in Lisbon

Getting around Lisbon is super easy, but you might be a bit confused when you first arrive. With these  tips about transport in Lisbon , you´ll travel like a local in no time! Let´s learn more about the city’s trains, ferries, buses, trams and taxis.

Lisbon urban trains to Sintra, Cascais, Azambuja and Sado

There are 67 stations divided over four lines:

• Cascais lin e
• Sintra line
• Azambuja line

The train to Cascais

If you want to travel towards the west, to places like  Cascais and Belém , it’s recommended to take the Cascais line. From  Cais do Sodré  train station, you can take a fast train that stops only at particular stations or a train that stops at every single station. Please be aware that your ticket might only be  valid within specific parameters  in the city center.

After Belém, you’ll need an  extended ticket  to travel to Algés, Oeiras or Cascais.  Zone 1 is within the Lisboa district  only, which you can see on the map below. Train tickets can be purchased at the train station at Cais do Sodré. If you bought the  Navegante occasional reusable card  for € 0.50, a single trip to Cascais will cost € 2.30. There are no round-trip tickets, but you can simply swipe your card again. It’s  a 40-minute journey , and trains depart every 20 to 30 minutes.

The train to Sintra

From Rossio station or Oriente , you can make your way to the famous sights in Sintra. The Sintra line stops at multiple train stations, but most people will head straight to Sintra. The train journey  takes around 40 minutes from Rossio  station. Rossio is the most accessible place to board if you stay in Baixa, Alfama, or Bairro Alto.

From Oriente to Sintra, the trip takes just under 50 minutes. If you come straight from the airport, this line is super easy to use. A  single journey costs € 2.40, and a return ticket costs € 4.80 (you can buy return tickets in Sintra; these are 2024 prices). They depart every 20 to 30 minutes.

Travelling to Azambuja

The Azambuja line runs  between Santa Apolónia station and Azambuja . It will stop at Oriente Station, but otherwise, tourists don’t often use this line. The total trip takes around 1 hour.

The Sado line

The Sado line  crosses the river Tejo . When you take the ferry from Terreiro do Paço to Barreiro, you can travel from the ferry port to Praca do Quebedo in Setúbal. You can buy tickets at all major train stations. This line is also much used by commuters, but  Setúbal is a fantastic city  to visit. There are also trains from Sete-Rios.

The bus in Lisbon

Carris is the bus company  that will take you from A to B in Lisbons city centre. There are many different Lisbon buses, and the city is well-connected. For real-time information, you can  use the Carris App . It will advise of waiting times and the nearest stops. Most buses run from 6 AM until 9 PM, and the  busiest routes operate until midnight . There are also night buses between specific locations. You can find the bus routes  here .

When entering the bus, you  need to validate your ticket . Swipe your ticket in front of the machine until the light turns green. When you leave the bus, there is no need to swipe your card again. If you don’t have a prepaid ticket, you can  buy a travel pass from the driver . You can use the bus with the Lisboa Card for free, but you’ll have to swipe it to validate your journey. 

The bus to and from the airport

Aerobus  is the bus that will take you from Lisbon Airport to the centre. It  stops at many major stations , hotels and key parts of the city center. It´s the easiest way to travel by bus to your hotel. The buses will  depart from the Arrivals Hall in Terminal 1 .

Besides Aerobus, you can also take the Carris bus to town. Line 744, for example, will pass by bus stops like Marquês Pombal, and there are many buses to the nearby Oriente Station. Click  here  to read more about Lisbon Airport.

Lisbon Trams

The  tramway network consists of six lines  with a total length   of 31 kilometres. The famous yellow trams in Lisbon  started operating in 1873 , and some trams are very historical, but modern trams run in the city as well. The cable tram is perfect for conquering the steep slopes, and Tram 28 has become an actual phenomenon to ride!  The current network  is as follows:

• 12: Praça da Figueira → Miradouro de Santa Luzia
• 15: Praça da Figueira ↔ Belém ↔ Algés
• 18: Cais do Sodré ↔ Cemitério da Ajuda
• 24: Praça Luís de Camões ↔ Campolide
• 25: Praça da Figueira ↔ Campo de Ourique (Prazeres)
• 28: Praça Martim Moniz ↔ Graça ↔ Estrela ↔ Campo de Ourique (Prazeres)

The ferry in Lisbon

A  fun way of discovering Lisbon  is to take a ferry! Lisbon lies on the banks of  the river Tagus , and you have a magnificent view of the bridge  Ponte 25 de Abril  from the water. There are several ferry stations in Lisbon. From Cais do Sodré, you can take a ferry to  Cacilhas  to enjoy a romantic dinner at the river.

From  Terreiro do Paço , there are ferries to Seixal and Barreiro. Or take the ferry from Belém to  Porto Brandão  and Trafaria to enjoy the river views over the city centre! This public transport service offers some of the most scenic routes in Lisbon!

Taxis in Lisbon

Lisbon taxis are widely available for those who want to skip public transportation altogether. There are ‘regular’ taxis covering every part of the city centre.  Bolt and Uber are great alternatives  and can often be a bit cheaper than the regular taxis in Lisbon. Download both apps before you travel and take advantage of the discounts they offer. 

How to get tickets for public transport in Lisbon

Most metro stations have  ticketing machines  where you can purchase tickets to use public transport in Lisbon. You can pay either cash or with your debit/credit card, and the devices will clearly state if it is one or the other. On buses and trams, you can buy your tickets when entering, but you can  save a few bucks  by getting your ticket beforehand. More on that later!

If you need help  buying your ticket , Metropolitano de Lisboa created  a helpful PDF  showing you how to buy a ticket at a vending machine.

Pay for single tickets with your debit/credit card

Since 2023, you can  swipe your debit or credit card when entering the Lisbon metro station. You swipe your bank card at the fare gates and swipe again when leaving the station. Do you have your payment details on your smartwatch or phone ? You can swipe those, too! So, you no longer need disposable tickets if you’re running to catch the metro. Single tickets for  contactless transportation cost € 1,80 . Visa, Mastercard, and V Pay are all accepted. 

Lisbon Public Transport ticket price

Single tickets.

A ticket from the ticket machines costs  € 1,80 for a single journey . This ticket is valid within Zone 1 (Lisbon) for 60 minutes following the first validation. You can make  unlimited journeys  on the Carris and Metro networks within that hour. Please be aware that it  can’t be used for consecutive trips  on the Metro!

Day tickets

Buying a day ticket makes sense if you use the public transportation system  more than a few times daily . This pass is  € 6,80 within Zone 1 for 24 hours . The time starts at  first validation  and can be used for unlimited journeys on Carris and Metro networks. For example, this is valid on all Lisbon buses and the metro line. What an easy way to see the entire city!

Extended tickets

When you also travel to  Cascais, Sintra or, for example, Cacilhas  on the same day, the  extended day pass for € 9,80  is the best value. This pass is also valid for  public transportation in Sintra , which is perfect if you want to see Palacio da Pena! The commuter trains are within the CP Urban Services (Comboios de Portugal) network. The  price of this day pass is € 10,80  (all tickets are Lisbon Public Transport prices 2024).

Zapping with the Navegante occasional card (formerly Viva Viagem)

When you  travel regularly but on different days , Zapping is your friend! You can top up your pre-paid Navegante occasional card with €3, €5, €10, €15, €20, €25, €30, €35 or €40. The price of a single journey  drops from €1.80 to €1,61 , and the cost is automatically deducted from your card balance. When you change transport operators, you’ll need to zap again! For example, you take the metro to Cais do Sodré and change onto the train to Belém. You then check out from the metro station and swipe again to enter the train.

The  Navegante occasional  is the perfect Zapping card for  occasional public transportation users,  and you can buy the Navegante occasional cards at the Ticket Vending Machines and Ticket Offices. The Navegante occasional card  costs only €0.50  and is perfect for your holiday in Lisbon as it can be reloaded unlimitedly! Everyone needs their own Navegante occasional card, as it  can’t be shared .

When you enter the metro station, you can  swipe your card once . When you exit the station, you’ll  swipe your card again . Please note that some stations don’t have barriers, but you’ll still need to check in with your card. You can find check-in poles at the train station or on the platform.

Funiculars and the famous Tram 28​

Many visitors in Lisbon want to make a fantastic trip on the city trams or cable car, and some  tickets are a bit different . There are a few exemptions to the rules as these means of public transportation can come with a higher price. The good news is that they will  help you climb steep hills ! The not-so-good news is that the price is  €4,10 for a single journey ! When you have the Navegante occasional card, you can use zapping tickets to lower the cost. With the Lisboa Card, you enjoy free unlimited travel for 24, 28, or 72 hours.

The tram services (especially Tram 28) and the funiculars are public transportation but are  so popular  that it looks more like a tourist attraction. You’ll see  endless queues of passengers  at the tram stops to get a seat on the crowded trams. The line can be well over one hour, and the chances of sitting down might be small! There is some standing room in the middle and the end of the tram.

Tips for riding Tram 28

When you decide to take the tram,  please also be careful of pickpockets , as this is their hunting ground! Lastly, please  be considerate to commuters  as the local Lisboetas rely on public transportation to go to work and travel home. If you don’t want to wait at the tram stops but still enjoy a ride on a historic tram, booking  a tour with a guide  or buying a ticket for the  Hills Tramcar Tour  might be more suitable. Or  follow the tramline of Tram 28  on foot instead! You’ll have plenty of time to take images, and it’s a beautiful route in the city. 

The Santa Justa Lift

The same goes for the  Santa Justa Elevator . The line to enter Elevador de Santa Justa is usually long, as it´s one of the main tourist attractions in the city. You even pay a higher fee if you purchase your ticket on the spot. A  round-trip ticket with the elevator costs €6,00 , but a single ticket is also available.

The good news is that  a day pass will circumvent the higher fees , and for only €6.80, you’ll see the whole city on a budget! Do you have the  Lisboa Card ? Then, you can  ride to the top for free . You also have the option to walk around the elevator and reach the Santa Justa Elevator for free from Largo de Carmo (uphill!).

One more secret:

 Many elevators and escalators in the city are 100% free!  Click here  to read more and easily travel uphill in Lisbon at no extra cost.

Hop-on-hop-off bus in Lisbon

If you’re short on time and like to see as  many sights in a day  as possible, the hop-on-hop-off buses might be ideal for you. Prices start at  €22 for 24 hours , and different combi-tickets are available. Find out more about the  hop-on-hop-off tour buses  in this article.

The Lisboa Card

Last but not least, the  Lisboa Card . This is  THE travel card for Lisbon . Aside from unlimited rides on the Lisbon public transportation network, you have free  entrance to 35 museums, top monuments and attractions ! This way, you can enjoy the main tourist attractions in Lisbon for a great price.

There are three options:  24, 48 and 72-hour passes . The price for 24 hours is € 22,00. A ticket for 48 hours costs €37,00, and 72 hours costs €46,00. So you can use public transportation in Lisbon and visit places like  Jerónimos Monastery, the Belem Tower and Ajuda National Palace for free !

Did you get a little tired after visiting the sites? The Lisboa Card also  offers discounts to restaurants  and shops!

Buying the Lisboa Card

You can order your Lisboa Card below online before your trip. When you arrive in Lisbon, you simply pick up your Lisboa Card at a ticket office . There is one at the airport, and there are many within the city centre also. The card will only be activated when you swipe it the first time. So you can pick up your Lisboa Card today and start using it tomorrow, for example.

Frequent use of public transportation in Lisbon

There is one last tip for people who  stay in Lisbon longer . The N avegante Card  is perfect for frequent public transportation users and can be used for Zapping, and you can top the card up with  travel passes .

It takes about  ten days  to get your card, but there is an  express service if needed . The standard delivery is available from the stations Colégio Militar/Luz and Jardim Zoológico (blue line), Marquês de Pombal and Campo Grande (yellow line), Baixa-Chiado and Cais do Sodré (green line) and Oriente and Aeroporto (Red line). At Marquês de Pombal and Campo Grande, there is  a 1-day turnaround service  for express tickets.

You’ll need to fill out an  application form  and provide an Identity Card, Passport or Residence Permit. You’ll also need an  original passport photo  in colour, as the navegante will have your picture on it! Once you have the card, you can  top it up with travel credit  and use it as a prepaid card! Standard delivery costs are €7, and express services are €12.

Navegante Lisboa  will let you travel within Zone 1, and for one month, you pay €30.  Navegante Metropolitano gives access to  Lisbon’s Metropolitan Area and costs €40 per month. Children, families and senior citizens pay a discounted price. You will be able to take unlimited rides for the month. They are currently working on a phone app to make charging the card easier.

Travelling to other cities

From Lisbon, it´s straightforward to travel to other cities. The  cheapest way to discover Portugal  is by bus. You can make a reservation with Flixbus or Busbud , which generally speaking offers the cheapest tickets.  Comboios de Portugal manages trains  in Portugal. You can pre-book tickets on their site or easily compare and book tickets with Omio . You can even  travel to other European cities  such as Madrid and Sevilla.

Favourite Places to sleep in Lisbon

• Modern Lisbon Apartments by SoulPlaces – loved by families
• 54 Santa Catarina Apartments or 54 São Paulo – Exclusive Apartment Hotel – for those who like to sleep in style
• TURIM Terreiro do Paço Hotel – central location downtown
• Torel Palace – luxury stay with pool

Overall the transportation in Lisbon is well organised and on time—Metro’s especially, run very often. Buses and trams might have more irregular times and might run late. Further west is no metro, but the city is well connected by bus and train.

You can pay cash (sometimes) with a debit/credit card or a prepaid card. With the Viva Viagem Card, you’ll save money.

Yes, you can!

No, but it is very affordable. Single tickets start from € 1,80, and a day pass is only € 6,80 (2024 prices).

Hopefully, this article was helpful and set you up for your long or short trip to Lisbon! Getting around is pretty straightforward, and you’ll find the map of the stops on your line on the buses and trams. Of course, there are also other means of transport, such as  taxis and bikes . Uber and Bolt are widely used, as well as regular taxis. Or book a fun bike  tour with Baja Bikes , for example! Besides that, Lisbon is a great city to explore on foot! Do  you have any tips to add ? Reply in the comments!

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Hi! I'm the founder and writer behind Discover Portugal. After travelling the world for over 25 years, I settled in Portugal in 2021. I work as a professional photographer and writer with over 10 years of experience. I write local guides about Lisbon (where I'm based) and the rest of Portugal to inspire you for your Portugal vacation.

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This is incredibly helpful. Public transportation is usually a little intimidating in a new place so it’s awesome to be prepared ahead of time. Saving this for later. Thanks!

Wow! This guide is incredibly helpful. I’m hoping to plan a trip to Lisbon next year. Saving this for then!

This is so helpful! I always want to take advantage of public transport when I travel (especially in Europe) but hesitate because I don’t know what it looks like beforehand. So this is perfect for when we get to Portugal!

Thank you for such a comprehensive guide. It would have come in handy when I visited Lisbon 12 years ago. But until next time! Planning on going there next year 😀

Wow this is a great guide! I’ll definitely save this for later as I’m planning a trip to Portugal soon =)

I didn’t quite make it to Lisbon, so I had no idea how complete their transit system was. I definitely would park the car and take transit while visiting.

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Is the Lisboa Card Worth It?

May 2, 2023 | Posted in: Portugal

Lisbon is one of Europe's oldest and most charming cities. The capital of Portugal is a traveler's paradise featuring dozens of sights and attractions to explore. If you're planning to visit a lot of paid attractions when visiting Lisbon, your trip can get expensive quite quickly.

Luckily, there's a solution that will not only simplify your itinerary but also save you money – the Lisboa Card.

The Lisboa Card is a tourist pass that offers a convenient and cost-effective way to explore a lot of Lisbon's most important sights. You get free admission to many of the city's museums, monuments, and historical landmarks, as well as free public transport and discounts on tours, and other activities.

But is the Lisboa Card worth it if you're not a museum buff? This post looks at what's included and whether or not it makes sense to get the card.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s included and how you can make the most of this pass during your travels.  

• free admission to more than 30 museums and other popular attractions
• discounts at museums and on activities
• free public transportation around the city, including to and from the airport, as well as on the CP trains between Cais do Sodre and Cascais, and between Oriente, Rossio, and Sintra

What is the Lisboa Card?

You’ll get access to free, unlimited travel on public transport. That’s not just buses. It’s trams, the Metro, elevators such as the famous Santa Justa elevator, and funiculars. It even includes free trips on the CP train lines to Cascais and Sintra.

But this is just the beginning of the benefits. There are many others we’ll explore throughout this Lisboa Card review.  

Lisboa Card Price

You’ve got options when it comes to buying a Lisboa City Card . Each one includes the same benefits. You only need to decide if you want to use the card for just one day, two days, or three.

• 24-hour Card: 22 USD / 21 EUR per adult and 14 USD / 13.50 EUR per child.
• 48-hour Card: 37 USD / 35 EUR per adult and 21 USD / 19.50 EUR per child.
• 72-hour Card: 46 USD / 44 EUR per adult and 24 USD / 23 EUR per child.

An adult is considered anyone over the age of 15. It’s important to note that the clock starts once you start using it and not from the purchase date. For example, if you begin using the Lisboa Card discounts at midday on a Saturday, your 24 hours will end at noon on Sunday.  

How to Buy the Lisboa Card?

You can buy the Lisboa Card online from Lisbon’s official website. However, I recommend ordering it on GetYourGuide as with them, you have the option to cancel it up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund in case you change your mind or need to postpone your trip.

Once you’ve arrived in the city, you can collect it from one of these locations:

• Lisboa Welcome Centre – the main tourist office located at the Comércio Plaza in Baixa.
• Foz Palace – tourist office next to the Rossio train station, which takes you to Sintra
• St. Apolónia International Railway Station – the main station for arrivals from international destinations and northern cities like Porto (also close to the cruise terminal).
• Designated kiosks at Rua Augusta in Baixa and Bélem.

What Does the Lisboa Card Include?

You get free transportation on the Lisbon Metro subway. It also includes free access to 39 museums, monuments, and places of interest as well as discounts ranging from 10% to 50% on local services and cultural and tourist activities. You even score 5% to 10% discounts on a wide range of Portuguese souvenirs and products at participating stores. 

Whether you're interested in exploring Lisbon's museums and landmarks or simply want to save money on transportation and shopping, the Lisboa Card is an excellent choice for any visitor to this beautiful city. Here’s a complete list of everything included in the Lisbon pass.  

Monuments & Museums

Free entry: Panteão Nacional / National Pantheon Palácio Nacional da Ajuda / Ajuda Palace Museu do Tesouro Real Museo do Chiado – Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea Museu Nacional de Etnologia Museu Nacional do Traje Museu Nacional do Teatro e da Dança Museu Nacional de Arqueologia Museu Nacional da Música Casa Museu Dr. Anastácio Gonçalves Museu da Guarda Nacional Republicana Museu da Cerâmica de Sacavém Museu do Ar Mosteiro da Batalha Mosteiro de Alcobaça Convento de Cristo em Tomar Museu do Neo Realismo – Vila Franca de Xira Museu do Trabalho Michel Giacometti Casa da Cerca – Museu de Arte Contemporânea – Almada Capela do Espírito Santo dos Mareantes de Sesimbra Galeria Municipal de Setúbal Museu Marítimo de Sesimbra Convento de Jesus/Museu de Setúbal Moinho de Maré da Mourisca – Herdade da Mourisca NewsMuseum Mosteiro dos Jerónimos / Jerónimos Monastery (fast-track access!) Torre de Belém / Belém Tower

Deals: Fundação Arpad Szenes – Vieira da Silva – 50% discount Museu da Água – 50% discount Museu do Centro Científico e Cultural de Macau – 50% discount Fundação Portuguesa das Comunicações – 50% discount Museu de São Roque – 40% discount Fundação Medeiros e Almeida – 40% discount Museu Mundo Sporting – Estádio José Alvalade – 40% discount Museu da Carris – Tram Museum – 30% discount Futuro Museu de Arte Contemporânea MAC/CCB – 20% discount Fragata D. Fernando II e Glória – 20% discount Museu Calouste Gulbenkian – Coleção Moderna – 20% discount Ruinas da Igreja do Carmo – Museu Arqueológico – 20% discount Museu Arqueológico do Carmo – 20% discount Quinta da Regaleira – 20% discount Museu do Fado – 20% discount Casa Museu Amália Rodrigues – 20% discount Museu Nacional da Música Mecânica – Palmela – 20% discount Atelier-Museu Júlio Pomar – 20% discount Museu do Oriente – 20% discount Museu do Aljube – 20% discount Museu da Farmácia – 20% discount Museu Escola de Artes Decorativas Portuguesas – 20% discount Sé de Lisboa – 20% discount Torre da Igreja do Castelo de São Jorge – 20% discount Museu de Marinha – 20% discount Palácio Nacional de Queluz – 20% discount Museu Benfica Cosme Damião – 15% discount MAAT – Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia – 15% discount Palácio Nacional de Sintra – 10% discount Palácio Nacional da Pena/Parque da Pena – 10% discount Palácio Biester – 10% discount Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência – 10% discount Museu Coleção Berardo – 30% discount

Lisboa Card Attractions List

  Free entry: Arco da Rua Augusta Cold Green House (Estufa Fria) Centro Interpretativo da História do Bacalhau Centro Interpretativo do Roaz do Estuário do Sado – Dolphins Centre (CIRES)

Deals: EVOA – Tagus Estuary Bird Observatory – 30% discount Planetário da Marinha – 20% discount Padrão dos Descobrimentos – 20% discount Centro Cultural de Belém – 20% discount for the exhibition, 10% discount for performances Aquário Vasco da Gama – 20% discount Fundação José Saramago – 1 USD / 1 EUR discount Oceanário de Lisboa – 15% discount Pavilhão do Conhecimento – 15% discount Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa – 15% discount Parques de Sintra – 15% discount O Cubo – Immersivus Gallery Lisboa – 15% discount Teleférico do Parque das Nações – 10% discount Culturgest – 10% discount  

Tours and Activities

  Lisbon Walker – 33% discount Barco Varino Liberdade – 25% discount Tuk Guide Portugal – 25% discount City Sightseeing Portugal – 25% discount VR Tours Lisboa – 25% discount Naturway – Circuitos em Jeep – 20% discount Estrela d’Alva Tours – 20% discount Selection Tours – 20% discount SadoArrábida – 20% discount Nosso Tejo – Lisbon Traditional Boat Tours – 20% discount BOOST Portugal: Lisbon by Segway / GoCar Tours – 20% discount BOOST Portugal: Scooter Solution / Bikes & Company – 20% discount BOOST Portugal: Vox City Walks / Lisbon Escape Hunt – 20% discount BOOST Portugal: Arrábida Boat / Eco Tuk Tour – 20% discount SeaEO Tours – 15% discount HIPPOtrip Turismo Anfíbio – 15% discount Cityrama / Gray Line Portuga – 15% discount PalmaYachts – 15% discount Sailing Lovers – 15% discount Lisbon Destination Tours – 15% discount Lisbon by Boat – 15% discount Cooltour Lisbon – 15% discount Vertigem Azul – 10% discount Yellow Boat River Tour – 10% discount Yellow Bus – Hop on – off – 10% discount Yellow Bus – Tramcar Tour – 10% discount Belém Lisbon Bus Tour / Monumental Belém Bus Tour – 10% discount Hills Tramcar Tour – 10% discount Lisboat – 10% discount Inside Lisbon Tours – 10% discount FRS Portugal – 10% discount Vertente Natural – 10% discount Blue Cruises – 10% discount Setúbal Alive – 10% discount  

Transportation

Metro – Free to use Carris trams, buses, and lifts – Free to use CP – Comboios de Portuga – Free to use within Lisbon limits Fertagus Trains – Free to use AEROBUS – 25% discount  

Also read: 15 Fun Day Trips From Lisbon .  

Other benefits

Viniportugal –  One voucher for 20% wine-themed tasting and merchandise Amoreiras Shopping Center – One voucher for a 5 USD / 5 EUR discount at participating stores and one voucher for 1 USD / 1 EUR discount to the viewing platform Casa da Baía Setúbal – 15% discount in the Regional Products store Mercearia Confiança de Troino – Setúba – 15% discount in the Regional Products store Casa do Turismo – 15% discount El Corte Inglés – 10% discount plus Welcome Pack Lisboa Shop – 10% discount Freeport Lisboa Fashion Outlet – 10% discount Fado in Chiado – 10% discount Fábrica de Faianças e Azulejos Sant'Anna – 5% discount  

24-Hour Itinerary Example

• Museo Nacional de Arquelogia
• Museu Colecao Berardo

Without Lisboa Card: 20 USD / 19 EUR With Lisboa Card discounts: 4 USD / 3.5 EUR

You’ll also save approximately an extra 3 USD / 3 EUR for transportation around the city to visit these popular attractions.  

48-Hour Itinerary Example

• Museu Nacional do Traje
• Arco da Rua Augusta
• Centro Interpretativo da História do Bacalhau

Without Lisboa Card: 33 USD / 31 EUR With Lisboa Card discounts: 4 USD / 3.5 EUR

You’ll also save approximately an extra 7 USD / 7 EUR for transportation around the city to visit these attractions.   

72-Hour Itinerary Example

• Museu do Ar
• Quinta da Regaleira

Without Lisboa Card: 55 USD / 52 EUR With Lisboa Card discounts: 18 USD / 17 EUR

You’ll also save approximately an extra 10 USD / 11 EUR for transportation around the city to visit these attractions.

As you can see, even after three days of visiting some of Lisbon’s most popular attractions, the savings on tickets and transport can be significant. You'll get your money's worth if you are interested in the sites and activities the Lisboa Card offers, and have some budget left to try out the city's delicious pasteis de nata .  

When is the Lisboa Card Not Worth It?

One factor to consider is how many attractions you plan on visiting. If you want to visit several of the museums, galleries, and historic sites the card gives access to, it might be worth it. But, if you only want to go to one or two of the cheaper attractions, it may make more sense to pay for admission instead of investing in the card.

Something else to consider is your eligibility for discounts or concessions at attractions. If you are, the savings from the Lisboa Card may not be significant. For example, many places offer discounted rates for visitors aged 65 or above and students with valid IDs. As the Lisboa Card does not provide concession pricing, it may not be the best option if you qualify for these rates.

When you’re visiting Lisbon is also a factor. Many museums and attractions are closed on Mondays. So your options might be limited if you visit the city on this day.

However, there are still plenty of sights to see on Mondays, particularly in nearby Sintra, where many top attractions are open. If you plan it right, you can still make the most of your Lisboa Card on this day.

Lastly, if you plan to visit all the sights on your list on foot, or just once or twice use public transport, you'll have to see if the money you save on entrance fees alone makes the Lisboa card worth it.  

Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Lisboa Card

There are many ways to maximize the benefits of the Lisboa Card. Consider implementing these tips to help you protect your budget while visiting the city.  

Before you arrive in Lisbon, research the attractions eligible for free entry and discounts via the Lisboa Card. Next, work out how to get there. It will help you avoid wasting time and money on the day. You should also check to see if some attractions require reservations. You’ll want to book in advance if needed.  

Use Public Transportation

One of the best benefits of the Lisbon city pass is unlimited access to public transport, including buses, trams, and the Metro. Take advantage of this offering to save money and time getting around the city. It is efficient and easy to use, and it can take you to most of the major attractions in the city.    

Visit Multiple Attractions

The Lisboa Card offers free or discounted entry to dozens of museums, monuments, and other attractions in the city and surrounding areas. To get the most out of your card, try to visit at least three attractions daily.  

Take Advantage of the Deals

In addition to free or discounted entry to attractions, the Lisboa Card also offers special rates on various kinds of experiences and services. Review the guidebook or website for a complete list of deals and take advantage of them to protect your budget while visiting Lisbon.  

Stop by Sintra

You’ll find Sintra located a little outside of the city of Lisbon. Use your free transportation benefits for a day trip to this beautiful town. The Lisboa Card even gets you free entrance tickets to and deals on many of the top attractions, including the stunning palaces, gardens, and castles that make this area so unique.

Take a Shopping Break

You can use the Lisboa Card for more than just attractions. It also includes vouchers at some of Lisbon’s shopping centers. Don’t forget to claim these when you need a break from all the city's stunning sights and to pick up that souvenir you promised to get that one friend.  

How to choose the best Lisboa Card for you?

Luckily, there aren't many decisions to make when it comes to buying the card . You just have to choose between a card for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours.

The Lisboa Card can be an excellent way to save money and see more of Lisbon's top attractions. By following the practical tips in this post, you can make the most of it and have an enjoyable and memorable time in this beautiful city.  

Where to stay in Lisbon

Looking for a place to sleep hotel in the Portuguese capital? Check out these accommodation options in the city center:

Flora Chiado Apartments : centrally located and well equipped.

Lisbon Woods House : great if you’re on a budget.

Palacio do Visconde : in the Arroios district this stylish, bright hotel has a roof terrace with views over the city.

The Felix 10 is a four-star hotel with lots of outdoor space to enjoy and within walking distance to the main sights of the city.

Don't forget about travel insurance

Plan for the best, prepare for the worst. Travel insurance covers you in case (part of) your trip to Lisbon gets canceled, you get sick or hurt while traveling, and sometimes even when your electronics break or get stolen. I always make sure I'm covered on every trip I go on.

Don't have travel insurance yet? Check out SafetyWing. They offer super flexible plans that you can even sign up for while you're already on your trip. On top of that, they were the first travel insurance to cover COVID, and when I got COVID, they reimbursed all of my expenses without making a fuss. Their customer support team is great and I can personally recommend them.  

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Navegante Card(Formerly Viva Viagem): The Ultimate Guide

Welcome to the vibrant cityscape of Lisbon , where every cobblestone street whispers tales of ancient history, and every sunset paints the horizon in hues of gold and crimson.

Yes, it is what I see every time I visit Lisbon. As you navigate through its enchanting neighborhoods, from the bustling squares of Baixa to the nostalgic alleys of Alfama, there’s one companion that promises to be your ticket to seamless exploration: the Navegante Card(Formerly Viva Viagem card) .

More than just a piece of plastic, this card is your passport to the heart of Lisbon’s treasures, offering access to the city’s efficient public transportation and a gateway to exclusive discounts and experiences.

So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler looking to delve deeper into Lisbon’s hidden gems or a first-timer eager to discover the city’s iconic landmarks, join me on this journey as I unravel the benefits and secrets of the Navegante Card.

Your adventure begins now!

Decoding the Navegante Card: Lisbon’s Essential Travel Companion

The Navegante Card is far more than mere plastic; it’s the key that unlocks the vibrant tapestry of Lisbon’s cultural, historical, and contemporary wonders.

Designed for locals and visitors alike, this versatile card is an indispensable tool for navigating the city’s extensive public transportation network , including buses, trams, metro, and even the famous Elevador de Santa Justa.

Beyond its primary function as a travel pass, the Navegante Card offers various additional benefits, from discounted entry to museums and attractions to special promotions at selected shops and restaurants.

With its easy-to-use features and widespread acceptance across various modes of transport, the Navegante Card epitomizes convenience, affordability, and accessibility, making it an essential companion for anyone looking to experience the best of what Lisbon offers.

The Easy Lisbon Quiz

Ready to test your Lisbon knowledge?

I’ve made an easy Lisbon quiz with 5 questions. Let’s see if you can get them right. 🤞

Your answer:

Correct answer:

Your Answers

Where Can You Buy The Lisbon Navegante Card?

The Navegante Card can be conveniently purchased at several locations throughout Lisbon, ensuring easy access for residents and visitors. 

• Metro Stations : Most metro stations in Lisbon have ticket offices or vending machines where you can buy the Navegante Card. This is often the most straightforward option for travelers arriving by metro from the airport or other parts of the city.
• Carris Outlets : Carris is the main bus and tram operato r in Lisbon, and their customer service centers or kiosks at significant transportation hubs usually sell the Navegante Card.
• CP Stations : If you’re arriving in Lisbon by train, the CP (Comboios de Portugal) stations also offer the Navegante Card for sale, making it convenient to purchase your card as soon as you arrive in the city.
• Authorized Retailers : Various shops, newsstands, and convenience stores across the city are authorized to sell the Navegante Card. Look for the “Navegante” logo displayed at the entrance or counter of these establishments.
• Online : While the physical card needs to be purchased in person, some services allow you to top up or add specific passes to your existing Navegante Card online using your credit card, offering convenience for those who prefer digital transactions.

It’s worth noting that the Navegante Card costs a nominal fee, and you’ll need to load it with credit or specific travel passes , depending on your needs.

Once purchased, the card is valid for unlimited trips within your chosen Pass’s designated zones and duration.

It is a cost-effective solution for exploring Lisbon’s rich tapestry of experiences.

Planning On Going To Lisbon?

I’ve created a trip planner where you enter the number of days you’re going and what activities you want to do.

Based on your input, you then get an entire vacation planned with ideas.

Understanding the Cost Structure of the Navegante Card

The initial cost of the Navegante Card is relatively modest, designed to be accessible for all travelers and residents alike.

The card typically has a nominal fee, which covers the physical card’s issuance and administration.

This one-time cost provides you with a durable, reloadable card that can be used for multiple journeys across Lisbon’s integrated public transportation system.

It will cost you €0.50, and you can reload it unlimitedly for one year after the purchase. 

Yet, it’s essential to understand that the card’s total cost will depend on how you choose to use it:

Credit vs. Passes :

Once you’ve acquired the Navegante Card, you’ll need to load it with either credit for pay-as-you-go fares or specific travel passes that offer unlimited travel for a set duration (e.g., 24 hours, 72 hours).

The cost of these passes varies depending on the zones covered and the type of transportation included (metro, bus, tram, etc.).

If you opt for credit, you can easily top up your Navegante Card at various locations throughout the city, such as metro stations, Carris outlets, and authorized retailers. The cost of each journey will be deducted from your card balance, with discounted rates often applied compared to single-ticket purchases.

Special Discounts :

It’s worth noting that specific categories of travelers, such as seniors, students, and residents, may be eligible for discounted rates on travel passes, further enhancing the card’s affordability.

Hot Tip🔥:  To get the most value out of your Navegante Card, it’s advisable to plan your itinerary and choose the most suitable Pass or credit amount based on your anticipated travel needs.

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It’ll be based on my personal experience of living and traveling around Lisbon. A lot of hidden gems.

Flexible Travel Options: Understanding the Ticketing Choices for the Navegante Card

The Navegante Card offers a versatile platform for accessing Lisbon’s comprehensive public transportation network. Once you have the card, you can load various tickets and passes onto it, catering to travel preferences and durations. 

Single Tickets :

Ideal for occasional travelers or those with specific, limited journeys in mind, single tickets allow you to pay for individual trips on buses, trams, metro, and other modes of transport. When you top up your Navegante Card with credit, the cost of each single journey will be deducted from your balance.

24-Hour Pass :

For travelers looking to explore Lisbon more extensively within a day, the 24-hour Pass offers unlimited travel across all participating modes of transportation. This Pass is perfect for tourists who wish to hop on and off various attractions without worrying about individual ticket costs.

Zonal Passes :

If your itinerary involves traveling to specific zones within Lisbon or surrounding areas, you can load zonal passes onto your Navegante Card. These passes provide unlimited travel within the designated zones for a set duration, such as 48 or 72 hours, offering a cost-effective solution for multi-day exploration.

Integrated Passes :

Lisbon’s integrated transportation system allows you to combine different modes of transport seamlessly. You can top up your Navegante Card with integrated passes that cover metro, bus, tram, and even specific ferry routes, providing comprehensive access to the city’s diverse transport options.

Special Discounts and Promotions :

Special promotions or discounted passes may occasionally be available for events, festivals, or specific attractions. Keep an eye out for these offers, which can provide additional value when topping up your Navegante Card.

Hot Tip🔥: While this is an excellent card for mostly getting on and off at the train station, the Lisboa Card is another option that offers you more.

The Lisboa Card offers you loads of benefits, as seen here: 

• Comprehensive Access : Beyond transportation, the Lisboa Card provides free or discounted entry to a wide array of museums, monuments, and tourist attractions across Lisbon, offering a holistic sightseeing experience.
• Convenience : The Lisboa Card eliminates the need to purchase individual tickets at various attractions, allowing for smoother entry and potentially saving time, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Value-Added Features : The Lisboa Card often includes additional perks such as free use of the city’s public transport network, airport transfers, or discounts at selected restaurants and shops, enhancing the overall travel experience.
• Duration Options : The Lisboa Card is available in different validity periods (e.g., 24, 48, or 72 hours), catering to short-term visitors and those on extended stays alike.

Mastering the Navegante Card: A Step-by-Step Guide to Usage and Balance Checking

Using the Navegante Card is a straightforward process designed to offer convenience and efficiency to you. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the various aspects of using the card, from initial activation to checking your credit balance:

How to Use the Navegante Card:

• Obtain the Navegante Card from one of the authorized outlets, such as metro stations, Carris outlets, or selected retailers.
• If it’s your first time using the card, you must load it with credit or select a suitable travel pass based on your itinerary.
• When boarding a bus, tram, metro, or any other mode of public transport, tap your Navegante Card on the designated card reader near the entrance.
• Tap the card at the beginning and, if applicable, at the end of your journey to register for the complete trip.
• The Navegante Card allows for transfers between different modes of transport within a specified time frame (e.g., 1 hour for metro to bus transfers).
• Ensure your card has sufficient credit or a valid pass to cover the entire journey, including any transfers.
• For metro stations and specific tram stops, you’ll need to tap your card again when exiting to calculate the fare based on your journey’s distance and the zones traveled.

Checking the Credit Balance:

• Many metro stations and major transport hubs have ticket machines to check your Navegante Card’s balance. Insert your card into the designated slot, and the machine will display the remaining credit.
• Visit a Carris or metro customer service center, where the staff can assist you in checking your card’s balance and addressing any queries.
• While the physical Navegante Card is not directly linked to online services for balance checking, some digital platforms associated with Lisbon’s public transport system may offer insights into your travel history and expenditure, providing indirect indicators of your card’s usage.
• If you’ve registered your Navegante Card or have used it for online top-ups, you may receive receipts or statements that detail your transactions and remaining balance.

Hot Tip🔥:  Check out the affordable accommodation while planning your trip to Lisbon. 

The Advanced Lisbon Quiz

You’re now at the advanced Lisbon quiz with more difficult questions. No one gets every question right, so don’t beat yourself up on it. Good luck.

Wrap-Up: Navigating Lisbon with Ease With The Navegante Card

The Navegante Card transcends its functional role as a travel pass, evolving into an integral part of your Lisbon narrative.

Embrace the convenience, embrace the exploration, and let the Navegante Card illuminate your path through the captivating essence of Lisbon.

History, culture, and modernity converge in this city in a harmonious dance of discovery. Still, I recommend using the Lisboa Card instead if I visit Lisbon for the first time.

For first-time travelers, the Lisboa Card offers you some great features to explore this city.

Lisbon Enthusiast

I first moved to Lisbon back in 2018, while working as a freelancer. It was my lifelong dream to move outside the borders of Denmark to find a warm country with the ability to dream, work and live my life. I lived in Lisbon for a year, and I continue to visit multiple times every year. It's by far my favourite travel destination. Lisbon has so much to offer to anyone.

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Using the Metro

In order to provide the best possible service on our network, your collaboration is crucial. When using the Metro, abiding by the rules will improve service quality with benefits for all.

Metro journey

A journey begins when you cross the entry gates at the departure station and ends when you cross the exit gates at the arrival station.

Travelling on the Metro

Requires holding an electronic travel card (Viva Viagem or navegante) loaded with a valid ticket. Always keep the travel ticket intact until crossing the exit gates and show it to the ticket inspectors whenever requested.

Travel tickets

There are two types of tickets to travel on the Metro: 1) Occasional tickets to top up the Viva viagem card; 2) Frequent tickets/passes to top up the navegante card.

Mandatory validation

It is mandatory to validate your ticket at the stations’ entrance and exit gates (touch in and touch out).

Ticket validations

Validation is made by swiping your card over the reader on the access gates. The ticket is validated when the reader displays a green light and the access gate opens.

Validity of occasional journeys

Except in situations of service disruption, occasional journeys are valid for three hours from the time of entry validation, provided that the exit channels are not crossed.

Travelling with children

1) Children under 4 are entitled to free transport; 2) Between the ages of 4 and 12, all children holding a navegante card (with Child profile) can travel free of charge on the transport operators networks within Lisbon’s Metropolitan Area.

Reduced mobility

Passengers with reduced mobility should check the Metro network map in advance to make sure both departure and arrival stations are fully accessible. We also recommend checking beforehand the operating status of existing lifts and escalators by contacting our Call Centre.

Special access gates (wide gates)

The stations’ special access gates are reserved for passengers: – with reduced mobility; – carrying baby strollers or large objects; – travelling with children under the age of 4. The special gates are usually set for exit mode only and should be used with assistance from the station staff, if necessary. Station staff can be reached through the Help Points.

Station Help Points

Use the Help Points at the access gates and ticket machines to reach Metro staff for information or help.

Carriage of bicycles and other soft modes of transport

A maximum of 2 bicycles per metro train car are allowed and only when there are no large crowds of passengers. Carrying scooters, skates, hover boards, unicycles, skates or any other similar transport soft modes is also allowed on the metro. However, it is strictly forbidden to ride and/or park these transport soft modes within the metro’s premises.

Carrying large objects

Objects which may affect the safety or comfort of other passengers due to their nature, volume, shape or smell, may not be carried on the metro. It is forbidden to carry toxic, explosive, radioactive, corrosive and flammable substances, as well as pressurised gases.

Carrying animals

Your pet can travel with you on the train in proper carriers so that it will not bother, disturb or frighten other passengers.

Standing on the platform

For safety reasons, it is not permitted to stand between the edge of the platform and the yellow stripe on the floor.

Service Alterations:

The Metro is not liable for any losses incurred due to alterations in the service (such as earlier or delayed departures, cessation or interruption of services, reduction in the number of trains and changes or modifications in train operations), whether due to strikes or force majeure circumstances.

Remember, the Metro is for everyone

Objects and large sums of money

For your safety avoid keeping valuable objects and large sums of money in full view.

Isolated places

For your safety, when it’s quieter, avoid isolated places.

Keep your belongings close to you, and never leave them unattended.

Be careful of pickpockets

Keep your purse or wallet and your mobile phone in a safe place next to your body.

If you are the victim of a robbery, do not react. Inform the subway or the Police employee immediately.

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Privacy overview.

How to ride Lisbon’s trolleys, cable cars, elevators, and buses

Here is a guide for how to ride Lisbon’s trolleys, cable cars, elevators, and buses. When you go to Lisbon, inevitably, you will be riding the trolleys, cable cars, elevators, and buses.  And it will be an enjoyable part of your vacation!

While the trolleys are a lot of fun (going up and down the hills sometimes reminds you of being on an old wooden roller coaster – only not nearly as scary), Lisboetas have been getting around town and uphill on these beautiful wooden carriages since before there was electricity.  

At first, the coaches were pulled by horses.  Then they turned to steam-power. 

These days, everything is electric.

There are six tram lines in Lisbon.  Locals call them “elétricos.” 

The letter E after the number stands for “elétrico.”

The trams have several brakes in case one fails.

There is an electric brake, a handbrake, and a pneumatic brake.

Riding Lisbon’s street cars or elétricos

28E  started running in 1914. It is, by far,  the most popular tram in Lisbon, because it passes by so many of Lisbon’s most famous sites and miradouros ,  (Mira De Ouro =  Golden View) or scenic viewpoints.  

Today the route is 4.5 miles long and begins at Martin Moniz and ends at Prazeres in the Campo de Ourique neighborhood.  

Trams come every 10 to 12 minutes and the entire trip lasts close to an hour. 

The maximum speed is 50 km/h depending on traffic.

Tram 28 starts running at 6 AM, with the last one departing at 11 PM on weekdays, and 10:30 PM on weekends

If you like, you can stay on the tram and ride back in the opposite direction.

Many people try to hop on and off of 28E and 12E. 

This is allowed, but often it is hard to find a seat in the middle of the route.

If you use the zapping option on the Viva Viagem card, you have to get back on a tram within an hour, or you will be charged for a second ride.

Tram tickets are three euros for a single trip and can be purchased from the driver. 

It’s easier to use a prepaid card such as the Lisboa Card or the Viva Viagem card. 

There is also a 24-hour public transport ticket for €6.40 that you can buy at the metro station.

These are good on all trams, buses, and the Metro. 

Enter through the front door and validate your ticket by scanning it behind the driver.

Lisbon is a very safe city with very little crime.

You are most likely to encounter a crime on tram 28 or while you are in line waiting for tram 28.

Unfortunately, the tram is a hotspot for Europe’s best pickpockets.

I would advise you not to carry unnecessary cash, credit cards, or travel documents if you are planning to ride the train.

Major stops on tram 28

• Martim Moniz
• Graça  (Miradouro da Graça, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, and Miradouro do Jardim da Cerca da Graça)
• Calçada de São Vicente (Monastery of St. Vincent, National Pantheon, Feira da Ladra on Tuesday and Saturday.
• Largo das Portas do Sol (Miradouro das Portos do Sol), Museum of Decorative Arts, Miradouro da Santa Luzia
• Sé Cathedral.  Across the street is St. Anthony Church.  Down the street is the Aljube Museum (formerly a prison, it is now a museum that remembers the victims of and the resistance to the Portuguese dictatorship), and the remains of the Roman Theatre.
• Rua da Conceição.  Near here Rua Augusta Arch and Rua Augusta shopping street.
• Praça Luís de Camöes (Chiado shopping, bars and restaurants in Bairro Alto , the Bica Funicular, Miradouro de Santa Catarina, Igreja de Santa Catarina)
• Estrela (Basílica da Estrela and Jardín de Estrela)
• Campo d’Ourique (Prazeres) (Prazeres Cemetery, Mercado de Campo d’Ourique, or take the tram back to Praça  Martim Moniz.

For more on Tram 28E, see my article Where does Tram 28 stop? All you need to know about Tram 28

Use this tram if you want to go to Torre de Belém or the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.

You can also Use this tram if you want to go to Torre de Belém or the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.  

Try to board the tram at Praça da Figueira for the best chance of getting a seat.   

This sleek, modern tram is usually packed.  It is also very popular with some of the world’s best pickpockets.

The most interesting stops on this route are:

• Praça da Figueira
• Praça do Comércio 
• Cais do Sodré train station
• Calvário (nearby LX Factory and Docas de Santo Amaro)
• Belém (Coaches Museum, Monument to the Discoveries, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.)
• Algés (Last stop)

To learn more about Tram 15E, read my How to get from Alfama to Belém (Hint: Tram 15E)

In order to get to Belém though, the train from Cais de Sodré is a faster and less crowded option.  So is bus 728.  

Also, you cannot buy a ticket from the driver on this route.  

The machine does not give change, and it only accepts coins.  

Your best bet is to pay with a card.

There are two types of cards. 

You can buy the Viva Viagem card at a metro station such as Rossio or Praça de Figueira.

The Viva Viagem card costs $.50 and you can load it with cash for zapping deductions, or with a 24-hour ticket, which costs €6.40.

A round-trip ticket to Belém on the tram costs six euros, so if you will be using any other public transportation that day, then the 24-hour card is a great deal. See What is the Viva Viagem Card? Everything you need to know

The Lisboa card is good for all transportation in Lisbon, and you can buy a 24, 48, or 72-hour card.

The Lisboa card also provides free or reduced admission to most attractions in town. To learn more, go to my article Lisboa Card | Everything you need to know

A circular route starting at Praça Martim Moniz which passes Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Sé Cathedral, and Praça da Figueira.

Starts at Praça Luís de Camões in Chiado, climbs uphill toward São Roque church, and the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint in Bairro Alto, Príncipe Real, and ends near Amoreiras Shopping center.  See my article Where to shop in Lisbon

Funiculars (known as elevators or ascensores)

Ascensor da glória.

The Ascensor da Glória funicular started running in 1885.

It runs on a 275 m track from Restauradores Square on Avenida da Liberdade uphill to Bairro Alto and is very close to the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint once you arrive in Bairro Alto.  

It goes up an 18° slope.

The alley is covered in graffiti and murals.  Some of the murals are excellent. See my article How to get to Bairro Alto? (Hint: Take the Glória Funicular)

Ascensor da Bica

Another beautiful view, this elevator travels up and down Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo. 

It has been running since 1892.

You can board in the Cais do Sodré neighborhood at Rua de São Paulo or at the top at Largo do Calhariz near Bairro Alto.

For more information read my Top things to know about the Elevador da Bica

Ascensor do Lavra

The Ascensor do Lavra was Lisbon‘s first funicular.  Ascensor do Lavra – A quick guide

It started taking passengers up Calçada do Lavra from Avenida in 1884.  

At the top visitors can walk a block to check out the Jardim do Torel park and viewpoint. Miradouro do Jardim do Torel – All you need to know

Each ascensor or funicular costs 3.80€ for a round trip ride (You have an hour to do the return trip). You can buy a ticket from the driver, or you can use the Lisboa Card Lisboa Card | Everything you need to know or the Viva Viagem card What is the Viva Viagem Card? Everything you need to know

Elevador da Santa Justa

This 150-foot tall neo-gothic tower was opened in 1902.

It was built by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel.

The tower is actually an elevator that links the Baixa neighborhood downtown to the Chiado neighborhood on the hilltop. 

At the top, you’ll find some of the best views of the city. 

There is an observation deck which you must pay to enter. 

The observation deck is €1.50, and the ticket to ride the elevator up and down is €5.30.  

You can use the Lisboa card on the elevator, or a 24-hour public transportation ticket, or the zapping option on the Viva Viagem card.  

If using a Viva Viagem card, you will have to pay cash for the observation deck.

There is a walkway that goes to the Largo Do Carmo, the Convento, and the Chiado neighborhood.

In order to use the elevator go to Rua do Ouro, which is near Rossio Square. 

Expect long lines at the elevator. For more information, read my article Elevador de Santa Justa | Everything you need to know

Another great viewpoint nearby is the Arch on Rua Augusta.  You can enter to go to the top at Rua Augusta 2.  Tickets are €3.00. The lines for the arch are much shorter. To learn more, read my What is the story behind Lisbon’s Rua Augusta Arch?

Free elevators to the high ground

To the convent.

In the event that you are not looking for the elevator experience or the observation deck, and you just want to get to the hilltop, one block west of Santa Justa,  there is a free elevator in one of the department stores.  

You can also use the escalators in the Baixa-Chiado metro station.  Ride down, go through the turnstile for the metro, then take several escalators to the top.

To the castle

If you do not want to walk all the way up to the castle, you can combine two elevators to get closer to the hilltop.

In Baixa, you will find an elevator (Elevador do Castelo) at  Rua dos Fanqueiros 170/178 that goes up to Rua da Madalena. 

100 yards from there, you will find a second elevator (Elevador Baixa).  

Cross the street diagonally towards Largo Chão do Loureiro, to the Chão do Loureiro building – an old market hall where Pingo Doce (a supermarket) is located. In the supermarket, the elevator goes up towards Restaurante Zambeze . You will have a great view when you get off the elevator.

From there, you have a ten-minute uphill walk to the castle. For more information on the free, public elevators, read my Lisbon’s secret elevators – free shortcuts to the hilltops

Or, take the 737 bus almost to the castle door.

Buses in Lisbon run from 6:30 AM until midnight.

Lisbon buses are yellow, and any yellow bus can be ridden for free with the Lisboa card or the Viva Viagem card, except the aerobus 91 that goes to and from the airport.

Nor are these cards valid on the intercity Rede Expressos buses, or the buses that operate on the other side of the river in Costa da Caparica.

If you are planning a day trip outside of Lisbon, you can find an intercity bus at the Sete Rios bus terminal outside of the Jardim Zoológico metro station.

If you do not want to walk up the hill to the castle and don’t want to wait in line for tram 28, take bus 737 which leaves from Praça da Figueira. The bus stops almost at the castle door.

If you are going to the tile museum, take bus 759 from Restauradores Square, and get off at Igreja Madre de Deus (Mueseu Azulejo).

If you are going to the LX factory or Bel ém , you can take bus 714 from Pra ça da Figueira . The LX Factory stop is Calvário. 

The bus continues to Belém and stops in front of the Jerónimos Monastery.  

It is a 30-minute ride. 

Generally this bus is very crowded.

Bus fare is two euros if you were paying cash. 

The ride is free with the Lisboa Card. If you are using zapping on the Viva Viagem, card each ride is 1.35 euros.

Lisbon’s trolleys, trams, streetcars, and elevators are all operated by the Carris Company.  

The metro or subway is operated by Metro Lisboa.  For more information on the Lisbon subway, I can offer you a few more tips in some of these other articles I wrote:  Hotels located near metro stations in Lisbon , How to use public transportation to get to Lisbon’s beaches , and Lisbon Metro:  A helpful guide to the Lisbon subway.

 Both companies will honor the 24-hour Viva Viagem card, or a declining balance with zapping on the Viva Viagem card.  These can be purchased at any metro station.

Carris and Metro Lisboa will also both honor the Lisboa Card, which you can buy for a fixed price for 24, 48, or 72 hours.   It can be purchased at the airport or online.  Lisboa Cards   can be purchased at the airport or online.

Thank you for reading. I may earn a small commission if you purchase something from one of the Get Your Guide links on this page. Thank you for supporting this website.

Home > Tourist Card

Lisboa Card

Tourist pass for free sightseeing and transportation.

The best investment you can make on a trip to Lisbon is the Lisboa Card. Tourist passes aren’t always great deals, but Lisbon’s is a major money and time saver . It offers free or reduced admission to most of the city’s attractions, and also allows unlimited rides in all public transportation within Lisbon (metro, buses, trams, funiculars, and trains), as well as trains to Cascais and Sintra . The only transportation service that’s not free is the AeroBus, which is the bus that goes from the airport to the city center, but the card still offers a 25% discount (to reach the center from the airport for free, take the metro instead).

The card may be purchased for 24-, 48-, or 72-hour periods, ordered online (see link below) and then picked up at the tourist office at the airport, which is found in the arrivals hall and open from 7am to midnight (if you arrive on an earlier or later flight, you may pick up the card at the tourist office in Comércio Square, in the city center). The card comes with a free booklet with tourist information about the attractions covered.

Free Attractions with the Lisboa Card

Jerónimos Monastery Belém Tower Ajuda Palace (except temporary exhibitions) Coaches Museum Tile Museum Ancient Art Museum Santa Justa Elevator Rua Augusta Arch National Museum of Contemporary Art of Chiado National Archaeology Museum National Pantheon 25 de Abril Bridge Museum and Observation Deck Edward VII Park Greenhouse Lisboa Story Center Anastácio Gonçalves Museum

"Fast Track"

The "Fast Track" machine found at some of the attractions where the card offers free admission

The Lisboa Card also offers “fast track” at the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, National Archaeological Museum, and Ajuda Palace, meaning skipping the long lines. All you have to do is scan the card on one of the machines like the one pictured above.

Attractions with Discounts with the Lisboa Card

Arpad Szenes-Vieira da Silva Museum (50%) Water Museum (50%) São Roque Museum (40%) Medeiros e Almeida Museum (40%) Maritime Museum (33%) MAC/CCB Museum (30%) Carris Museum (30%) Calouste Gulbenkian Museum (20%) Carmo Convent (20%) Discoveries Monument (20%) Lisbon Cathedral (20%) MAAT (20%) Fado Museum (20%) Amália Rodrigues House-Museum (20%) Bordalo Pinheiro Museum (20%) Orient Museum (20%) Decorative Arts Museum (20%) Marionette Museum (20%) Aljube Museum (20%) Júlio Pomar Museum (20%) Oceanarium (15%) Knowledge Pavilion (15%) Botanical Garden (10%) Parque das Nações Cable Cars (10%) Amoreiras 360º Observation Deck (€1)

Attractions Not Included in the Lisboa Card

St. George’s Castle St. Vincent Monastery Fronteira Palace Cristo Rei Lisbon Museum Military Museum Convento dos Cardaes Geological Museum of Portugal

Order Your Lisboa Card:

The lisbon-sintra pass.

Also visiting the fairytale palaces in Sintra? Then the Lisbon-Sintra Pass is the option for you. It includes the Lisboa Card, plus tickets to Pena Palace, Pena Park, and the Moorish Castle, and even audio guides for your smartphone, for Lisbon and Sintra. It really is a great deal, saving you a lot of time and money. Order it here:

Order Your Lisbon-Sintra Pass:

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Complete Lisbon Guide

Insider's guide with the latest travel tips, information and advice from local experts:

Where to Stay

Hotels in Alfama and the Castle

Hotels on Avenida da Liberdade

Hotels in Bairro Alto

Hotels in Baixa

Hotels in Chiado

Hotels in Príncipe Real

Hotels in Avenidas Novas

Neighborhoods

Avenida da Liberdade

Avenidas Novas

Bairro Alto

Cais do Sodré

Campo de Ourique

Parque das Nações

Príncipe Real

What to See & Do

Top 50 Attractions

Top 30 Museums

Top 30 Viewpoints

Best Beaches

Best Day Trips

Itinerary Advice

Family Attractions

On a Rainy Day

1 Day in Lisbon

Tourist Card

Tourist Map

Most Popular Attractions

Jerónimos Monastery

Belém Tower

Castle of St. George

Discoveries Monument

Ajuda Palace

Santa Justa Elevator

Rua Augusta Arch

Lisbon Cathedral

Coaches Museum

Tile Museum

MAC/CCB Museum

Ancient Art Museum

Pena Palace (Sintra)

Most Popular Beaches

Praia da Conceição

Costa da Caparica

Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo

Praia da Ursa

Transportation

Travel Cards

Tram 15 to Belém

Train to Belém

Bica Funicular

Glória Funicular

Bus 101 to Cristo Rei

Hop-On Hop-Off Buses

Airport Guide

Airport Transportation

Rossio Station

Santa Apolónia Station

Oriente Station

Cais do Sodré Station

Sete Rios Bus Station

Cacilhas Bus Station

Portugal Travel Guides

• Is the Lisboa Card worth it?

After using it myself, I can tell you that the Lisboa Card will save you a lot of money for sightseeing in Lisbon.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: March 10, 2024

My Lisboa Card review

Lisbon is full of sights and if you're going to spend your time here visiting as many attractions as possible, it may be worth buying the Lisboa Card.

Not only does it make things easier, but you can save a lot of money with the Lisboa Card, which gives you free entry to many of the top sights.

What is the Lisboa Card?

How much is the lisboa card.

• Where to buy the Lisboa Card
• How to use the Lisboa Card

When is the Lisboa Card not worth it?

I have come across a lot of city cards in my travels. It often seems like a good idea to get one if you’re thinking of doing some sightseeing. But sometimes, when you actually do the calculations, you realise that maybe buying one wasn’t such a great idea.

So, the question in this case is: Is the Lisboa Card worth it?

The answer is easy. Yes! A big yes!

I don’t think I’ve ever used a city card that offered such amazing value. No matter how you look at the Lisboa Card , it is worth getting for at least some of your time in Lisbon.

Having said that, there are a few different ways that you could use it – and getting the best value from the Lisboa Card will depend on what you would like to do during your visit to Lisbon.

Let me take you through my advice to help you plan.

Firstly, let’s make sure you know all the basic facts about the Lisboa Card. It is the official tourist card that you can buy for a certain period of time that offers you free entry to a range of sights in Lisbon – and discounts at other attractions and local businesses.

You also get free public transport during the period that the card is active. There are a few other benefits that I’ll mention as we go along.

There are three options for the Lisboa Card, depending on the length of time that you want to be able to use it.

• A 24 hour Lisboa Card costs: €22 for an adult and €15 for a child.
• A 48 hour Lisboa Card costs: €37 for an adult and €21 for a child.
• A 72 hours Lisboa Card costs: €46 for an adult and €26 for a child.

A child, in this case, is defined as being between the ages of 4 to 15 (inclusive).

And also note that the card is done by hours, not days. So, for example, if you start using it at 10:00 on a Tuesday, it will be valid until 10:00 on Wednesday.

Where do you buy the Lisboa Card?

There are a few places in Lisbon where you can pick up the Lisboa Card once you’ve bought it online.

• The arrivals hall of Lisbon Airportmaps.
• The Lisboa Welcome Centre (which is the main tourist office at the large Comércio Plaza at the waterfront in Baixa).
• Foz Palace (which is the tourist office next to the Rossio train station, which takes you to Sintra).
• St Apolónia International Railway Station, which is the main station for arrivals from international destinations and northern cities like Porto (and is quite close to the cruise terminal).
• Designated kiosks at Rua Augusta in Baixa, and Bélem.

I would recommend buying it in advance – it’s much more convenient and will save you some time. You can then just pop in and pick it up at one of these locations. Try to do it at the airport if you are flying into Lisbon because that’s the easiest option.

The time limit on the card begins from the first time you use it, not when you buy it or pick it up. So you can get it at the airport and then not start using it until the next day or the day after, for example.

How to use the Lisboa Card for the best value?

The exact way you’ll use the card will depend on how long you have and what your interests are. But let me give you a few options.

Using the Lisboa Card for one day

If you are using the card for just one day, I would suggest spending half the day at Belém, to see some of the most important sights in Lisbon.

Definitely visit Belém Tower (normally € 8.50 ) and Jerónimos Monastery (normally €12) , which together make up a World Heritage Site. There are a lot of other museums nearby that are included and you should have time to see one or two. I would suggest the National Museum of Coaches (normally €8) and/or MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) (normally €11) .

With the other half of the day, I would suggest you do some of the main museums and sights in the historic centre of Lisbon.

Depending on how fast you would like to see things, you should be able to see the National Museum of Ancient Art (normally €10) , the Lisboa Story Centre (normally €7) , the National Pantheon (normally €4) , and go up the Pilar 7 Bridge Experience (normally €5.50) .

All the public transport between these places is also free with the card, including the train to Belém. For the purposes of calculating the savings, I’m going to use the cost of an unlimited public transport card for a day, which is €6.

The cost of doing all of these things is €60.50. The 24-hour Lisboa Card is only €22.

So that’s a saving of €38.50 in just one day!

Of course, it will be a busy day to do all of these things but it is possible. More likely, you’ll skip one or two sights based on your own preferences – but it’s still great value.

Using the Lisboa Card for two days

If you’re using the Lisboa Card for two days, then here’s how I would suggest getting the best value.

On your first day, I would focus on the area around Belém. It’s one of the most important historical parts of the city and there is plenty to see there in a day.

I mentioned some of the sites in my tips for using the Lisboa Card for one day, but there are some other ones I would recommend.

With one day at Belém, you can see Belém Tower (normally €8.50) , Jerónimos Monastery (normally €12) , Ajuda Palace (normally €8) , National Museum of Coaches (normally €8) , MAAT (normally €11) – and even have time to do the Pilar 7 Bridge Experience (normally €5.50) before you finish your day of sightseeing.

I have put together a detailed guide on spending one day in Belém that will give you all the information you need.

On your second day, my suggestion is to focus on the sites in the main tourist part of Lisbon around Baixa. There is lots to see here that you’ll probably be interested in anyway and using the Lisboa Card for all the ones that have free entry is a great way to see lots and save money on the one day.

My tips for the must-see sites to visit are the National Tile Museum (normally €8) , the National Pantheon (normally €4) , the Lisboa Story Centre (normally €7) , the National Museum of Contemporary Art (normally € 8 ) , the National Museum of Ancient Art (normally €10) and the Rua Augusta Arch (normally €3.50) .

The other sites that are nearby and are worth seeing because you’ll get free entry with the Lisboa Card are the Roman Theatre Museum (normally €3) , the Saint Anthony Museum (normally €3) , and the Santa Justa Elevator (normally €5.30) .

If you look at the two days of sightseeing that I’ve suggested, paying for everything individually would cost you €83.30. The 48-hour Lisboa Card is just €37.

That’s a massive saving of €46.30 over two days!!

As you are probably realising by now, the card is better value the longer you use it.

Using the Lisboa Card for three days

If you are going to buy the 72-hour Lisboa Card and use it for three days, then I have some suggestions for the best way to do that as well.

I think the best approach is to actually follow the recommended 48-hour itinerary that I have just explained above. And then you’ll have one more day up your sleeve to venture a little further afield.

Many people don’t realise this, but there are actually quite a few fantastic sights included in the Lisboa Card that are actually great day trips from Lisbon.

If you have a car, you could see a few of them in one day. Without a car, you’ll be a bit limited by public transport and you may want to focus on just one of the out-of-town options.

But I would certainly recommend doing any of these sights that have free entry with the Lisboa Card:

• Monastery of Batalha (normally €10)
• Abbey of Alcobaça, with sacristy (normally €12)
• The Convent and Castle of Tomar (normally €10)
• The Royal Palace of Mafra (normally €8)

There are also some interesting museums on the outskirts of Lisbon that may be of particular interest to some people.

Although each is small, I really enjoyed the Bordalo Pinheiro Museum (normally €2) , and the Dr. Anastácio Gonçalves Museum House (normally €5) .

You may also be interested in the Air Museum (normally €3) , the National Museum of Costume and Fashion (normally €5) , or the National Theatre and Dance Museum (normally €5) – each of which is well put together but probably better suited to people who have an interest in this topics.

You’ll also get a few discounts if you use the Lisboa Card to go on a day trip to Sintra. The train from Lisbon’s Rossio station (normally €4.60 return) will be free and you’ll get discounts on the entrance tickets at most main sights of between 10% to 20%.

If you do decide to go, I have put together a one-day Sintra guide that will give you all the details on the best way to spend the day.

Ultimately, you’ll need to make up your own mind on what interests you on this third day. The Lisboa Card only costs an extra €9 for the third day, so as long as you think you’ll get that much value, then it’s worth it.

Also, don’t forget that the Lisboa Card gives you free public transport for the whole time it is active – and each of the metro stations is decorated with its own artwork.

You might like to jump off at a few stations to have a closer look at the artwork in Lisbon’s metro stations , and this can be a fun way to spend some time on the third day.

I said it at the start, and I’ll say it again – this is one of the best value tourist cards I have seen. There’s lots to see and do around Lisbon and most of the highlights are included for free (or discounted) with the Lisboa Card .

The Lisboa Card won’t be right for everyone, though. So you need to think about whether it will suit your personal situation.

Obviously, it won’t be great value if you’re not interested in seeing many of the sights that are included in the card. If you just want to see one or two of the cheaper things, it might make sense to pay for the admission individually.

It also probably wouldn’t make sense financially if you get a student discount or other concession at most attractions (many sights offer a reduced rate to visitors aged 65 or above, for example). Because you can’t buy a concession Lisboa Card (only a child one for ages 4-15), the savings are not nearly as good.

And you should also consider if it’s worth getting the card if one of the days you would be sightseeing is going to be a Monday.

A lot of museums and sights are closed on Mondays, which means you may not be able to do exactly what you want. Then again, there’s enough open on Mondays (such as all the sights in Sintra) that you can get around this issue with some sensible planning.

If you’ve got big plans to see lots of Lisbon, I hope you have found all of this useful.

I’ve also got some suggestions for accommodation in Lisbon if you’re looking for somewhere to stay.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON

I’ve got a detailed story about where to stay in Lisbon you can read, or have a look at some of these highlights in the city centre:

If you’re looking for a budget option, the Lost Inn Lisbon is right in the heart of the city.

For cheap private accommodation, there are some lovely guesthouses like City Lofts Lisbon .

If you’re interested in something with a bit more style, I would recommend the Lx Boutique Hotel .

And for some real luxury, have a look at the incredible Memmo Príncipe Real .

I would love to hear your personal experiences of using the Lisboa Card so feel free to leave a review in the comments below.

More stories about Lisbon

• How to avoid the queue for Tram 28
• The best things to do in Belém
• Why Belém Tower is so important
• How to do a perfect Sintra day trip
• Ways to see the best of Lisbon's tiles
• Exploring the local Graça neighbourhood
• Discover the art gallery through the metro
• The cool Park of Nations architecture

44 thoughts on “Is the Lisboa Card worth it?”

Lisbon looks so beautiful and perfect! Have wanted to visit for so long. Thanks for the useful post! Ultimate pictures you captured. Thank you so much!

Thanks for sharing this great adventure with us. your blogs have been really well organized and informative. Pictures are awesome. tells a lot about Lisbon.

Beautiful photographs! Stunning post! We are planing to take this trip too. i loved reading your experiences! Thank you so much for sharing a wonderful experiences. Keep sharing!

Nice read. The captures are amazing. Loved it throughout. Cheers!

Hi can I purchase Sintra tickets with card before I get to sintra days later?

Thanks for sharing this post. Valuable and excellent article. Wow! Lisbon seems very incredible to visit. your photos make me want to go there! Great work!

Hi Michael, great to know you’ve enjoyed your stay in Lisbon, and appreciated your effort of providing us tips on how to get a Lisboa Card, how useful it is when in Lisbon. Perhaps, you consider traveling here in Australia and visit our Iconic Bondi Beach, we will welcome you here with arms wide open and let you see the beauty of the place, you can check out at our Bondi Beach Events & Deals for places to stay when in Bondi, we recommend the best in the place, from restaurants to accommodations and resorts.

Looks like you really had fun, its been years the last time I visit, my dad is from Lisbon we usually visit some architectural places, beaches etc. when summer. This place left me a great memory of my dad! thank you for sharing, I enjoy reading it! God Bless

Thank you for the incredible write up and sharing your experience in Lisbon! We are planning a trip to Portugal this summer and this has only intensified my excitement and your tips will certainly be utilized. I had a couple of questions about the Lisboa Card that you can maybe touch on. – Did it give you priority access through the lines? Were you able to skip the queues at the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery? I generally like to pre-buy tickets to skip the lines. – At places like the Pena Palace, I assume you still have the line up for entrance tickets. Do you just show the card to get the discount?

Thanks again!

Hi there! Thanks for the kind words. Firstly, the card doesn’t officially get you priority access. There are some reports of people skipping the queues with the pass but I suspect that’s because of individual security guards not understanding the rules. I would point out, though, that if you use the Lisboa Card at Belém Tower or Jerónimos Monastery, you’ll be able to get a free combined ticket for both sites that allows you to skip the line at the next one. With the Pena Palace, you’re exactly right. You buy the ticket as usual but show the card for a discount. Have a great trip!!

I didnt know that existed, that is a great thing then. I was there once but I didnt know about Lisboa Card. Thx for this info!

We are visiting Porto and Lisbon next month. I found your website provided the most comprehensive guide and info for our trip . Great work Michael!

Hi Michael, thanks for a great blog and tips. My report as a senior (65+) is that the card isnot really worth it, given the senior discounts here. For some attractions where the card gives you discounts, the senior rate is actually cheaper! We would be better with local transport card & then discounted entry. On another subject, I did miss the tip here to get a combo ticket at the Tower and so queued for an hour and half to get into the monastery:-(

Thanks for the feedback! I agree that it’s probably not really worth getting the card if you can get a concession such as a seniors discount. It does save a little bit of time and hassle but you probably won’t save much money. Hope you had a good time in Lisbon, though!

Thank you so much for the information. WOW I did not this card existed with all these benefits… I will definitely use it when I go to Lisbon this June. Thanks again.

Thank you for your info on the card very informative will I be able to use the car to take the metro from the airport to the center of Lisbon at 6 in the morning on Saturday March 31st

Such a great review of the card and recommendations on how to spend time maximizing its use! Thank you for putting this all together. I have a question – is there a limit to the number of times for the 72h card to take the Cascais/Sintra to Lisbon train? If I am staying in Cascais, can I use it to get into Lisbon as many times as I want within that 72h period? Thank you so much for your help.

Hi Michael, I’m so glad I happened to come across your page as I was debating whether to buy the Lisboa Card. What a wealth of information!!! Thank you so very much. Especially liked the comments about Tram 28 which makes me think that walking the route will be a much better option. A million thanks for the great info.

Great post such anice information thanks for sharing.

I notice a price for adult and price for concession… what does this mean for some of sites in Lisbon.

Such accurate information well done!

I am 65 so I could probably save by buying a daily ticket. I would prefer to be able to bypass the queue. However I have been on line and some sites like the Belem don’t allow you to fast track.

Very nice information, your blog is very helpfull & very usefull information thanks for sharing such a nice information .

Your blog is awesome,i would like to say thanks to you for sharing such a nice information.

We are planning a trip to Portugal this summer and this has only intensified my excitement and your tips will certainly be utilized. This place left me a great memory of my dad. Thank you for the incredible write up and sharing your experience in Lisbon.

This is brilliant! Does buying the card allow entry to all the places to mentioned? I’m a student so trying to work out if it would actually be work buying just for the public transport.

Very nice blog thanks for sharing such a nice information. We have good news for foreign travelers who have been wanting to visit India for a long time. Citizens of 156 countries can plan their travel as per the new visa guideline standards.

This was the most efficient, best put together, best explained , honest site regarding travelling and visiting Lisbon that I have read in weeks Well put together wit prices and ideas for my iterniry. Thank you

Do you know if you can get to Porto using the Lisboa card?

Explained very well. Thanks for sharing such an amazing post and information.

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Thank you very much dear teacher for this nice sharing.

I was getting anxious about our upcoming trip to Lisbon and just came across your blog. More helpful than TripAdvisor! Thanks.

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perfect spot to learn! After Wolli Park you can take your kids on Findeln slope and then up to Gornergrat where slopes are wide and easy.

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Ꮤow! In the end, I was able to find a blog from which I could actually learn useful information about my research and knowledge.

Ꮤow! Finally, I was able to find a blog where I could actually uncover useful information regarding my research and knowledge.

I agree that it’s probably not really worth getting the card if you can get a concession such as a seniors discount. It does save a little bit of time and hassle but you probably won’t save much money.

FYI…. Foz Palace is no longer open – they are doing construction, so the tourist office moved. That lost us some time in getting our ticket since it wasn’t clear where it moved to. My suggestion is to tell people to follow the instructions that is emailed to them for up to date info.

Also, the lines at Belem Tower can be ridiculous. Just today the way was over 2 hours. But more importantly, they do no not accept the card as entry after 5 pm. You could wait in line for more than hour or two and be turned away.

Lastly, the public transportation is also spotty. We had recommended stations closed and had to reroute. Google also did not have up to date info.

My take so far has been negative on the card and I’ll be hard pressed to get the value out of it.

My suggestion is judge for yourself, but there is timed or advanced ticket sales to some things that could be more convenient than wasting valuable time finding an alternative bus stop due to closures, then only to find waits for 2 hours where you may even be turned away.

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Hi. I want to know if the Oceanarium is included in the Lisboa card. Thanks for answer me. Best regards

We’re going to Portugal this summer and I’m super excited! Your advice will be really helpful. This spot reminds me of a great memory with my dad.

I got full value from my Lisbon card.(2024) Cost 22 €. Buy at Rossio Station TI kiosk beside Starbucks, opens at 9am. 4 bus rides = 6.8 €, Ajuda Palace 8€, Treasure Museum (crown jewels) 10€, Coach museum 8€, Maritime museum 1.4 € discount ( 20% x 7€), Jeronimos 12€, Belem Tower 8€, , , total value 54.2 €. It’s a good deal.

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