When visiting the wonderful Portuguese city for the first time, the thing that might immediately catch your eye are the rather “dated” means of transport; this is certainly not synonymous with inefficiency … far from it. Lisbon would lose some of its charm without its trams and urban elevators (elevador) that lead up to the hills.

The public transport system, with the exception of the metro, is managed by the Carris company. The integrated fare system, however, allows you to use the same travel tickets on all means, including the metro.

GETTING AROUND LISBON BY METRO

Photo ©, Maximilian Dörrbecker (Chumwa)

The metro has existed for more than 60 years, and was the first to be built in all of Portugal. This is undoubtedly the most comfortable way to get around Lisbon, efficient and easy to use. It is managed by Metropolitano de Lisboa.

The network extends for about 44 kilometers and a total of 56 stations. It consists of 4 lines, each identified by a different color:

• Linha Azul (Linha da Gaivota) from Reboleira to Santa Apolónia – 13.7km, 18 stations.
• Linha Amarela (Linha do Girassol) from Odivelas to Rato – 11.1 km, 13 stations.
• Linha Verde (Linha da Caravela) from Cais do Sodré to Telheiras – 8.9 km, 13 stations.
• Linha Vermelha (Linha do Oriente) – from S.Sebastião to Lisboa-Airport – 10.5 km – 12 stations.

There are some metro stations, which are authentic works of art with tiles, sculptures and paintings by contemporary artists; clear examples are the Marquês de Pombal station, Parque, Campo Pequeno, Campo Grande, as well as all the stations of the red line, built for Expo98.

The subway operates from 06:30 in the morning until 1 at night. Trains run every 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the timetable.

TRAM, FUNICULARS

Trams are the most traditional way to get to know the old part of the city, with its labyrinthine streets. Much loved, and appreciated by tourists to move around Lisbon. The tram, certainly, the most emblematic is number 28, which makes a panoramic tour in the 7 hills and in the different districts. All the info, from this link.

Another traditional line is represented by tram 15, which departs from Figueira Square and arrives in the Belém district (Monastery and Tower of Belém).
The trams run every day from 5.30am to 9pm.

The 3 Funiculars, or more exactly “ascensores”, are a real institution in Lisbon, together with the Elevador of St Justa. They connect the lower part of the city with the hills. More info from here.

BUS

Carris is the bus company in Lisbon. The buses cover the city and the suburbs in a widespread manner. Buy tickets in advance, especially as savings are guaranteed.
During the night (from midnight to 05:00) the Madrugada, night buses, most of which run from the Cais do Sodré station; there is the 201 line for Belém through the port’s docas, and the 208 bus, at the Nations Park.

TICKETS

For getting around Lisbon by public transport, it is advisable to purchase the special VIVA VIAGEM, at a cost of €0.50. It is a rechargeable card valid on all public transport: buses, metro, trams, funiculars and the Santa Justa lift. The card can be loaded with money, in ticket offices or machines, with the Zapping option. Viva Viagem can be loaded with amounts from a minimum of €3.00 to a maximum of €40.00. Each time you travel by public transport, the cost of the trip is deducted from the balance. It can be purchased at any metro station or at newsstands.