Lisbon has a dense, relatively cheap public transport network run by several companies: Metro de Lisboa, Carris for buses and trams, Transtejo-Soflusa for ferries and CP for suburban trains. The centre is walkable, but the hills and the distances to Belém and Parque das Nações make it worth knowing the system. It is part of the Lisbon guide.
The metro
Lisbon's metro has four lines, each with a colour and symbol:
- Blue line (Gaivota): Santa Apolónia, Baixa-Chiado, Restauradores, Marquês de Pombal, Jardim Zoológico.
- Yellow line (Girassol): Rato, Marquês de Pombal, Saldanha, Campo Grande.
- Green line (Caravela): Cais do Sodré, Baixa-Chiado, Rossio, Martim Moniz, Alameda.
- Red line (Oriente): Saldanha, Alameda, Oriente (Parque das Nações) and the airport.
It runs from about 6.30am to 1am. Many stations are decorated with artworks and azulejos by Portuguese artists: Olaias, Parque, Oriente and Baixa-Chiado are worth a look. A new circular line is under construction.
Trams, buses and funiculars
Carris runs over a hundred bus lines and five tram lines: the famous 28E, the 12E, 18E, 24E and the modern 15E to Belém (see tram 28). The historic Glória, Bica and Lavra funiculars and the Santa Justa lift have been closed since the September 2025 accident; the Graça funicular reopened in 2026. The city also runs some free public lifts in the Baixa and up towards the castle.
Tickets
All tickets are loaded onto the rechargeable Navegante occasional card, sold at metro machines for a few cents.
| Ticket | Price (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carris/Metro ticket | 1.90 euros | Valid one hour on metro, buses and trams |
| Zapping credit | 1.72 euros per trip | Load an amount that is deducted per trip, also valid on trains and ferries |
| 24-hour Carris/Metro ticket | 7.25 euros | Unlimited travel for 24 hours on metro, buses, trams |
| Bus fare on board | 2.30 euros | Pricier, single ride only |
| Tram fare on board | 3.30 euros | Pricier, single ride only |
| Navegante Municipal | 30 euros a month | Pass for Lisbon, with personal card |
| Navegante Metropolitano | 40 euros a month | The whole metropolitan area |
Zapping credit is the most flexible option for a few trips a day; the 24-hour ticket pays off from four or five trips. The Lisboa Card, for 24, 48 or 72 hours, includes all transport, trains to Sintra and Cascais and entry to many museums.
Trains and ferries
- Trains to Sintra leave from Rossio station, about 40 minutes.
- Trains to Belém, Oeiras, Estoril and Cascais leave from Cais do Sodré, along the coast, about 40 minutes to the end of the line.
- Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains to Porto, Coimbra and the Algarve leave from Oriente and Santa Apolónia stations.
- Ferries link Cais do Sodré with Cacilhas (Almada) and Seixal, and Terreiro do Paço with Barreiro and Montijo: a few minutes for one of the city's finest views.
Taxis and apps
Lisbon's taxis, beige or black and green, are cheap compared with other European capitals. Uber, Bolt and FreeNow are widely used, often cheaper than taxis. For the airport see Lisbon airport.
Bikes and scooters
The GIRA bike-share network, with many e-bikes, is handy along the river, where a long cycle path links Cais do Sodré with Belém and Parque das Nações. In the historic districts the hills and cobbles make cycling impractical. Rental e-scooters are regulated and banned in some areas.
Tips
- Driving is not recommended: traffic, narrow streets, difficult parking and restricted zones.
- At rush hour the metro and buses are crowded.
- Watch out for pickpockets on trams 28 and 15E.
- To reach the upper districts without effort use tram 12E or the free public lifts.
See also day trips from Lisbon.