A guide to Lisbon transportation for visitors
A modern tram rides through Lisbon’s Praça do Comércio.
Lisbon has an abundance of transportation options. There is a modern metro system, trams (new lines and iconic old ones), affordable cabs, even more affordable Ubers, funiculars, tuk-tuks, and buses.
While Lisbon is walkable, the city is very hilly so it’s best to use one of the many options to eliminate an uphill hike.
One of Lisbon’s iconic trams. All photos by John O’Boyle/The Empty Nest Explorers
Navegante Card
The Navegante card is an easy way to pay for your transportation. You can use it on the metro, bus, tram, funicular, and suburban train.
Tap-to-pay with a credit card or phone is rolling out in Lisbon but as of 2025, the metro system is the only mode of transportation to fully accept tap.
You can purchase a Navegante card for € 0.50 at vending machines or ticket booths and load money onto the card.
Since we planned on using all the various modes of transportation we purchased a Navegante card. It’s a personal card so each person needs to purchase a card.
It was very easy to use during our visit.
The fare gates display the remaining value so you know when to reload the card with more money.
Using the Navegante card on the Metro. You can also use a credit card or phone to tap to pay on the Metro.
Pro tip - if the kiosks to purchase a card at the airport are busy you can use tap to pay for your metro ride to downtown and purchase your Navegante card at your destination where the kiosks will probably be less busy.
Metro
Lisbon’s Metro is modern, the stations are clean and well designed and it’s the fastest way to travel through Lisbon.
We took the Metro from the airport; the signage was good and easy to use.
There are 56 stations on 6 lines, blue, yellow green, and red.
One of the few downsides is that there are only a few spots to connect between lines so sometimes it’s hard to get exactly where you are going.
The Metro is open from 6:30 am to 1:00 am. After 1:00 am you can use a night bus (see below) instead of the Metro.
Trams
People wait to board Lisbon’s tram 28.
Perhaps nothing is more associated with Lisbon than the trams.
There are two types of trams the old-style iconic Remodelado trams and the modern Articulado trams.
The modern trams can carry many more passengers but they only operate in areas without hills.
You are most likely going to use this style of tram if you visit Belem during your trip.
If you are going to Belem check out our post: Belem: A must-see when visiting Lisbon
The older iconic trams mostly operate mostly in the center tourist area so they would be very useful if they were not so crowded.
Tram 28 is the most famous of Lisbon’s trams. It became so popular because it snakes through some of the prettiest parts of the city.
Tram 28 moves through the beautiful Alfama district.
This tram is on every “to-do” list so it gets incredibly crowded. The lines to board can spill out into the street, we saw an auto accident right in front of us that was caused by people waiting in the street.
Controversial view here - Unless you are visiting during a very off-peak time of year or you want to get up very early in the morning we suggest skipping Tram 28.
The trams are very cool looking so take a lot of photos but skip the lines and the crowded cars.
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Hotels - Booking.com. Lots of search options and information. Link
Activities - Get Your Guide. We love food tours and historical guides from Get Your Guide. Link
Airfare - FareDrop. Custom notifications of airfare sales. Link
Phone connection - Airalo. E-Sim for your phone, it’s easy and available for every country. Link
Note - This blog post contains affiliate links. This means that if we recommend a product, activity, or hotel, we might receive a small commission if you buy or book from these links. This is done at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we have personally used or have thoroughly researched.
Buses
The 737 bus to São Jorge Castle winds through the narrow streets.
Lisbon’s modern buses are fantastic. They have many lines that crisscross the city and serve every area.
We walked uphill to visit São Jorge Castle, the highest point in the city. After touring the Castle we were exhausted and we were so happy to see a bus stop right at the castle entrance.
The buses wind through the city’s narrow streets, a testament to the skill of the drivers. While the metro is fast buses give you a great above-ground tour of the city.
Enter the bus at the front and tap your card on the reader. You can exit the bus at the middle doors.
The regular bus fare in Lisbon is €2.20 but the Navegante card fare is €1.66.
Lisbon operates a limited night bus service after the rest of mass transit has ended for the day.
Funiculars
Elevador da Glória descends from Bairro Alto.
Lisbon’s funiculars are both iconic and practical.
The three lifts are called Elevador do Lavra, Elevador da Glória, and Elevador da Bica. They carry passengers up and down some of Lisbon’s highest hills.
Elevador da Glória, which started operating in 1885, is probably the most popular of the three cable cars since it connects Restauradores Square with Rua San Pedro de Alcántara in Bairro Alto.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, a fantastic view from the top of Elevador da Glória.
At the top part of the funicular, you’ll find Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara in Bairro Alto. This large lookout provides a wonderful view of the city, certainly worth the trip.
If you visit during the Christmas season there is a small but fun holiday market.
Tickets purchased on board (cash or tap) cost € 3.10 but the Navegante card only charges you € 1.45.
The funiculars easily navigate the steep hills.
Taxis and Ubers
Uber was the first ridesharing service in Lisbon and is still the most popular. Bolt also operates in the city so it might be a good idea to download the Bolt app also.
Ubers are very inexpensive and plentiful so we took them numerous times.
While most people speak English having the destination already selected in the app helps to reduce any communication issues.
Keep in mind that if you order an Uber at the airport, it can’t stop outside the arrivals terminal. So there might be some confusion in figuring out your pickup location. It‘s probably easier to take a regular taxi from the airport.
Regular taxis have an easily recognizable black and green color scheme.
You can hail taxis in the street, call for a pickup on the phone, or find taxis outside major transportation centers, hotels, or landmarks.
All taxi drivers are registered and must display their registration card. By law, drivers must turn on their meter and tipping is not expected but a small tip is appreciated.
Tuk Tuk
A tuk tuk motors through Belem.
Tuk tuks are not a traditional means of transport in Lisbon but they are everywhere.
The tuk tuks are small and can easily navigate narrow streets. Also, most are electric, so they are eco-friendly.
They can be a fun way to get around the city, most often booked as a tour guide.
While you’ll see them gathered around the entrance to major attractions you can also pre-book a tour. Here are a few options:
Lisbon: Private Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour with Hotel Pickup
Lisbon: Private City Tour by Eco Tuk Tuk
Note - This blog post contains affiliate links. If we recommend a product, activity, or hotel, we might receive a small commission if you buy or book from these links. This is done at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we have personally used or have thoroughly researched.
Of course, walking is really the best way to see Lisbon but I hope this guide is helpful for when you want to take a break yet still get around the city. Enjoy!
Some well-reviewed Lisbon tours:
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