How to Get Around Lisbon

How transport works in Lisbon

Metro (4 lines) runs 06:30–01:00 and reaches the airport, Baixa and Oriente. Historic trams (Line 28) and modern lines to Belém plus ascensores climb the steep hills. A Viva Viagem card (€0.50) + zapping credit is the simplest visitor option; €6.80 buys 24h unlimited transit. Uber, Bolt and metered taxis are cheap.

Your options compared

• Metro

  4 lines (red/blue/green/yellow); runs 06:30–01:00 daily.

• Tram

  Historic Remodelado trams (Line 28) plus modern lines to Belém.

• Bus & funicular

  Ascensores (Bica, Glória, Lavra) climb the steep hills — buy Viva Viagem card.

• Ferry

  Terreiro do Paço and Cais do Sodré ferries cross the Tagus to Almada and Cacilhas.

Passes and tickets

Viva Viagem card (€0.50) + zapping credit; 24h unlimited transport is €6.80. Lisboa Card bundles transit + museums (24/48/72h).

Local transport tips

Tram 28 is beautiful but crammed with tourists and pickpockets — ride early morning or take Tram 12 (similar route, quieter). Cobblestones (calçada portuguesa) are slippery when wet.

Arriving from the airport

• Humberto Delgado (Lisbon) (LIS)

  Metro red line to Alameda/Saldanha in ~20 min (€1.85); Aerobus to Baixa in ~30 min (€4); taxi €15–20.

• Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO)

  Alfa Pendular high-speed train Porto → Lisbon Santa Apolónia in ~2h50.

Do you need a rental car?

Inside Lisbon a car is usually a liability — parking and traffic cost more than transit. A rental earns its keep for day trips and regional drives, so compare rates only for the days you actually leave the city.