Transportation

Lisbon Transportation Network: Getting Around the City

Lisbon’s transportation network is diverse, well-integrated, and designed to meet the needs of locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re navigating the city on a tram, hopping on a metro, or taking a scenic ferry ride, you’ll find it easy to get around Lisbon. With affordable pricing options like the Viva Viagem card or the Lisboa Card, traveling around Lisbon is both convenient and cost-effective for newcomers.

On the website you can find all of the information regarding the transportation network : https://www.metrolisboa.pt/en/

You can also find information points in a lot of metro stations, as well as machines to purchase the tickets.

Main Modes of Transportation:

1. Metro (Subway)

• Overview:
  The Lisbon Metro is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to get around the city. It consists of four lines, identified by different colors: Blue, Yellow, Green, and Red. The metro covers a large portion of the city, making it easy to reach popular districts and attractions.
  
• Coverage:
  The metro spans key areas such as the city center, the airport, and neighborhoods like Baixa, Areeiro, Alameda, and Parque das Nações. It also connects to the Lisbon suburbs and major transport hubs like Gare do Oriente (train station).
  
• Operating Hours:
  The metro operates from 6:30 AM to 1:00 AM daily. Trains are frequent, with intervals of around 5-10 minutes during the day.

Lisbon has 4 metro lines:

Blue Line (Linha Azul) 

The longest line runs from Reboleira to Santa Apolónia, passing through important areas like Marquês de Pombal, Baixa-Chiado, and Avenida. It’s useful for reaching the city center, train stations, and popular spots like Avenida da Liberdade.

Green Line (Linha Verde) 

Runs from Telheiras to Cais do Sodré, connecting residential areas to the city center. It passes through Alameda, Rossio, and Baixa-Chiado, making it useful for reaching tourist spots, shopping areas, and the Cais do Sodré train station.

Red Line (Linha Vermelha) 

Runs from São Sebastião to Aeroporto, connecting Lisbon’s airport to the metro network. It passes through key hubs like Oriente, a major train and bus station, and Alameda, where it intersects with the Green Line. It’s useful for travelers and those heading to the Parque das Nações area.

Yellow Line (Linha Amarela) 

Runs from Odivelas to Rato, connecting northern residential areas to the city center. It passes through Campo Grande, a major transport hub, and Marquês de Pombal, where it intersects with the Blue Line. It’s also useful for reaching university buildings, especially around Cidade Universitária (University of Lisbon).

2. Buses

• Overview:
  Lisbon’s extensive bus network covers the entire city and connects neighborhoods that are not accessible by the metro. It also operates in the surrounding suburban areas.
  
• Coverage:
  Buses are great for reaching areas like Estoril, Cascais, and Sintra. Popular routes also run to spots like Belém, Alfama, and Parque Eduardo VII.
  
• Operating Hours:
  Buses generally run from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with fewer buses after that time.
  

3. Trams

• Overview:
  The iconic yellow trams are not just a historical feature of the city but also an essential mode of transportation. Tram 28, in particular, is a popular route that winds through the historic neighborhoods of Alfama, Graca, and Baixa.
  
• Coverage:
  Trams mostly operate in central Lisbon and the more tourist-heavy areas. They cover iconic streets and offer scenic views, making them a fun and convenient way to explore Lisbon.
  
• Operating Hours:
  Trams run from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The intervals are about 10-15 minutes.
  

4. Funiculars and Elevators

• Overview:
  Due to Lisbon’s hilly terrain, several funiculars and elevators help travelers reach elevated parts of the city. Notable ones include Elevador de Santa Justa, Elevador da Glória, and Elevador da Bica.
  
• Operating Hours:
  These typically run from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM and operate at frequent intervals during the day.
  

5. Ferries

• Overview:
  Lisbon is located on the Tagus River, so ferries are an excellent way to travel to nearby areas across the river, including Cacilhas, Seixal, and Barreiro.
  
• Operating Hours:
  Ferries operate regularly, with departures about every 20 minutes, and typically run from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
  

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Ticketing and Pricing

Lisbon’s transportation network is integrated into a single fare system, which means you can use the same ticket across different modes of transport (metro, buses, trams, etc.). Tickets can be purchased at vending machines, online, or through the Viva Viagem card, which offers discounted fares for tourists and regular users.

Ticket Options:

1. Single Tickets:
   
   • Metro:
     • A single journey costs €1.85 (within the city zone).
   • Buses and Trams:
     • A single ticket for buses and trams also costs €1.85 (within the city zone)
       If you do directly on the bus the cost is €2.10
2. Viva Viagem Card:
   
   • This rechargeable smart card can be loaded with credit or passes for unlimited travel within a specific period.
   • Cost: The card itself costs €0.50, and the credit or pass can be added depending on the travel needs.
   • Best for Tourists: You can load the card with a 24-hour pass for €6.40, allowing unlimited travel on all public transportation (metro, buses, trams, and funiculars).
3. Lisboa Card (Tourist Card):
   
   • This card offers unlimited travel on the metro, buses, and trams, as well as discounts to many attractions and museums.
   • Cost:
     • 24 hours: €20
     • 48 hours: €34
     • 72 hours: €42
4. Daily Pass (Zapping Mode):
   
   • Allows you to load a balance on your Viva Viagem card and use it for multiple journeys. The Zapping mode can be used across all public transport modes.
   • Cost: You can load a balance starting from €3, with a minimum charge per trip being €0.90.

Other Notes on Pricing:

• Transfers: Transfers between different modes of transportation (e.g., metro to tram) within 1 hour are free, as long as you stay within the same fare zone.
• Airport Connections: The metro directly connects Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport to the city center. The metro ride from the airport to central Lisbon costs €1.85.

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Traveling Tips:

• Traffic and Rush Hours:
  Lisbon can experience heavy traffic, especially during morning and evening rush hours. The metro is often the most reliable option for avoiding traffic.
  
• Accessibility:
  Most metro stations and buses are equipped with ramps and elevators for easy access, though some older trams and funiculars may not be as accessible.
  
• Language:
  Most transportation staff and signs have English translations, so getting around is easy for English-speaking visitors.