Public transport with the Lisboa Card: Metro, streetcar, bus and more
The Lisboa Card is your ticket for all public transport in Lisbon - unlimited travel by metro, streetcar, bus, funicular and suburban trains for 24, 48 or 72 hours.
Lisbon is a city of hills, long distances and hot summers. If you only travel here on foot, you will quickly reach your limits. Fortunately, the public transport network is excellent.
With the Lisboa Card, you can use the entire network for free - metro, buses, streetcars, funiculars and even suburban trains to Sintra and Cascais. In this guide, you'll find out exactly which means of transport are included, how to use them and which tips will make all the difference.
🚇 Overview: What is included with the Lisboa Card?
Means of transportation
Operator
Inclusive?
Note
Metro (4 lines)
Metropolitano de Lisboa
✓
Incl. connection to the airport
Buses
CARRIS
✓
Entire city of Lisbon
Streetcars (streetcars)
CARRIS
✓
Incl. historic streetcar 28E
Funiculars
CARRIS
✓
Glória, Lavra, Bica
Elevador de Santa Justa
CARRIS
✓
Landmark with viewing platform
Suburban trains
CP - Comboios de Portugal
✓
To Sintra, Cascais, Azambuja
Fertagus bridge train
Fertagus
✓
Lisbon - Setúbal via Ponte 25 de Abril
Ferries on the Tagus
Transtejo / Soflusa
✗
Separate ticket required
Buses in Sintra/Cascais
Scotturb
✗
Local buses on site not included
Long-distance trains
CP
✗
Only suburban trains are included
Means of transportation
Metro - your most important means of transportation
The metro is the backbone of Lisbon's public transport system. Four lines connect the airport, city center, train stations and all important parts of the city - fast, reliable and air-conditioned.
The metro network consists of four color-coded lines that together cover the most important parts of the city and sights. The metro runs daily from 06:30 to 01:00, with trains every 4 to 8 minutes during rush hour.
V
Red line (Vermelha)
Airport → São Sebastião → Oriente. Direct connection from the airport to the city center.
A
Blue line (Azul)
Reboleira → Santa Apolónia. Stops at Marquês de Pombal and Restauradores.
V
Green line (Verde)
Rato → Cais do Sodré. Close to Alfama, Baixa-Chiado and connection to trains to Cascais.
A
Yellow line (Amarela)
Odivelas → Rato. Fast north-south connection through the city center.
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From the airport to the city center: Take the red line at the airport. At Alameda station, you can change to the green line in the direction of Baixa-Chiado. The journey takes around 25-30 minutes - free of charge with the Lisboa Card, of course.
The most important metro stops for tourists:
M
Baixa-Chiado
Heart of the city center. Access to many bus lines, walking distance to streetcar 28.
M
Rossio
Blue line. Trains to Sintra depart from the neighboring Rossio station.
M
Cais do Sodré
Green line. Departure of trains to Cascais and ferries to Cacilhas.
M
Oriente
Red line. Parque das Nações, Expo site, Oceanário, long-distance train station.
Means of transportation
Streetcar 28E - Lisbon's most famous streetcar
Streetcar 28E is more than just a means of transportation - it is a sight in itself. The historic yellow carriages climb through Lisbon's steepest alleyways.
The route leads from Martim Moniz through Graça and Alfama, past the Castelo de São Jorge and the Sé Cathedral, on through Baixa and Chiado to Estrela and Prazeres. The entire journey takes around 40 minutes and connects several of the city's most interesting districts along the way.
💡
Avoid peak times: Between 10:00 and 15:00, the wagons are often overcrowded. Early in the morning before 9 a.m. or in the evening after 6 p.m. it is much more pleasant. The best seats are at the window on the right in the direction of Martim Moniz - for the best view over the Alfama.
⚠️
Pickpocketing: Tram 28 is unfortunately a well-known hotspot. Keep valuables in your front pocket or a fanny pack. Alternative: The 737 bus takes a similar route - less romantic, but much quieter.
Means of transportation
Buses - the largest network in the city
The yellow CARRIS buses connect practically every corner of Lisbon. They are particularly useful for destinations that the metro and streetcar do not reach - such as Belém, the LX Factory or the Campo-Ourique district.
With the Lisboa Card you have unlimited use of all CARRIS bus lines - during the day and at night. Most routes run between 06:00 and 23:00. After that, night buses take over the most important routes.
The bus lines 714 and 728 towards Belém (from Praça do Comércio), the bus 737 as a quiet alternative to streetcar 28, and the bus 744 to Parque das Nações are particularly useful. At most stops, digital display boards show the next departures in real time.
💡
When boarding, always board at the front and hold the Lisboa Card up to the reader. When alighting, press the signal button and take the middle or rear door.
Means of transportation
Funiculars - Lisbon's historic elevators
Three historic funiculars conquer Lisbon's steepest hills and save you hundreds of steps. With the Lisboa Card you save the regular fare of 4,30 € per trip.
🚃
Ascensor da Glória
From Restauradores up to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara - one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city. Travel time approx. 2 minutes.
🚃
Ascensor da Bica
In the Bica district, connecting Rua de São Paulo with Largo do Calhariz. One of Lisbon's most popular photo motifs and a practical shortcut.
🚃
Ascensor do Lavra
The oldest funicular in Lisbon (since 1884). Less touristy and a piece of authentic city life - an insider tip.
Means of transportation
Elevador de Santa Justa
The cast-iron elevator from 1902 connects the Baixa with the Chiado district. A symbol of the city and a practical means of transportation at the same time.
With the Lisboa Card you travel for free and save the regular price of 6,20 €. Once at the top, a panoramic view over the red roofs of the Baixa, the Castelo de São Jorge and the Tagus awaits you.
💡
The waiting time during the day is often 20-30 minutes. Early in the morning or in the evening it is significantly shorter. Alternatively, you can also take the elevator from above - access from Largo do Carmo is usually less busy.
Means of transportation
Suburban trains - Sintra, Cascais and Setúbal
The Lisboa Card is also valid outside the city limits: Suburban trains from Comboios de Portugal and the Fertagus bridge train take you to popular excursion destinations.
🏰
Sintra - fairytale palaces and nature
Trains from Rossio station, journey time approx. 40 minutes. Free of charge with the Lisboa Card. Please note: The local buses in Sintra (Scotturb) are not included. At the Palácio da Pena, the Lisboa Card grants a discount of 10 % - not free admission.
🏖️
Cascais - coastal town on the Atlantic
Trains from Cais do Sodré along the coast, journey time approx. 40 minutes. One of the most beautiful train routes in Portugal. Most of the sights in Cascais are within walking distance.
🌉
Setúbal - The bridge over the Tagus
The Fertagus train departs from Roma-Areeiro or Entrecampos via the Ponte 25 de Abril to Setúbal. Less well-known, but ideal for travelers looking for an authentic and less touristy destination.
⚠️
Not included: Long-distance trains (e.g. to Porto or the Algarve), local buses in Sintra and Cascais (Scotturb) and ferries on the Tagus (Transtejo/Soflusa).
Instructions
How to use the Lisboa Card on public transport
The Lisboa Card works as a contactless card on all readers in Lisbon's public transport system. Here are the most important steps.
1
Pick up
Lisboa Card at a Ask Me Lisboa pick-up point - for example at the airport, Praça do Comércio or other locations in the city.
2
Fill in
Enter your name on the card. Record the date and time of first use - only then does the validity period begin.
3
Drive off
Hold the card to the reader and board. The validity period only starts when you first use the card, not when you collect it - so you can collect the card at the airport and only activate it the next morning.
This is how check-in works for the various means of transport:
🚇
Metro
Check in at the entrance and check out at the exit - both steps are mandatory.
🚋
Streetcar, bus, funicular
Check in only when boarding. No check-out necessary.
🚆
Suburban trains (CP/Fertagus)
Check in your card at the platform entrance or show it to the conductor.
🏛️
Attractions
Show your card at the ticket office. Free admission to over 50 museums and monuments.
⚠️
Common mistakes: card not filled in (without name, date and time it is invalid), incorrectly estimated validity period (48 hours from first use - not two calendar days) and the incorrect assumption that local buses in Sintra are included.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ: Public transport in Lisbon
The most important questions about using public transport in Lisbon and the region - with and without Lisboa Card.
Are the ferries on the Tagus included?
No. The ferries from Transtejo and Soflusa are not included in the Lisboa Card. If you want to travel to Cacilhas, for example, you need to buy a separate ticket (approx. €1.50 per trip with a Viva Viagem card). The ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas only takes about 10 minutes.
Can I use night buses with the Lisboa Card?
Yes, the CARRIS night buses are included - as long as you are still within the validity period of your Lisboa Card. The night buses run after midnight on the most important routes.
Does the Lisboa Card in Sintra also work for buses?
No. The Scotturb buses that run in Sintra between the train station and the palaces (Pena, Sintra National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira) are not included. Only the CP train from Rossio to Sintra station is included. A Scotturb bus day ticket costs around €15 and is worthwhile if you want to visit several palaces.
Does the Lisboa Card also apply to trains to Cascais?
Yes, the suburban trains from Comboios de Portugal (CP) from Cais do Sodré to Cascais are fully included in the Lisboa Card. The journey takes around 40 minutes and runs along the coast - one of the most beautiful train routes in the region. You can also get off at Estoril or Belém on the way.
What is the Fertagus bridge train?
The Fertagus is a regional train that runs from Lisbon (from Roma-Areeiro or Entrecampos) over the Ponte 25 de Abril to Setúbal. The journey over the bridge offers a spectacular view of Lisbon and the Tagus. The entire journey is free with the Lisboa Card.
How often does the metro run in Lisbon?
The metro runs daily from around 06:30 to 01:00. Trains run every 4 to 6 minutes during rush hour and every 6 to 8 minutes outside rush hour. On weekends and public holidays, the frequency may be slightly longer.
Do I have to check in and out in the metro?
Yes, in the metro you have to check in at the entrance and check out at the exit - both steps are mandatory. If you don't check out, your card may cause problems the next time you check in. For streetcars, buses and funiculars, checking in on boarding is sufficient.
When does the validity period of my Lisboa Card begin?
The validity period begins when the card is first used - not when it is purchased or collected. For example, you can pick up the card at the airport in the evening and only use it for the first time the next morning. The selected period (24, 48 or 72 hours) then runs from the first use.
Do I also need a Viva Viagem card?
Not as long as your Lisboa Card is valid. The Lisboa Card works on all Lisbon public transport readers. You only need a Viva Viagem card (the normal public transport card in Lisbon) if your Lisboa Card has expired or if you want to use means of transport that are not included - for example ferries.
How do I get from the airport to the city center?
The easiest way is to take the metro (red line), which starts directly at the airport. Pick up your Lisboa Card at the tourist information office at the airport and get on directly. At Alameda station, you can change to the green line in the direction of Baixa-Chiado. The journey takes 25-30 minutes and is free with the Lisboa Card.
Can I also use the Aerobus with the Lisboa Card?
No. The Aerobus (airport bus) is not operated by CARRIS and is therefore not included in the Lisboa Card. As the metro also goes to the airport and is included in the Lisboa Card, you do not usually need the Aerobus.
Is there an app for public transport in Lisbon?
Yes, the Metro de Lisboa and CARRIS apps show timetables and real-time information. Google Maps also works well for public transport navigation in Lisbon and shows departure times, transfer options and walking routes.
Is Lisbon accessible without barriers?
Most of the metro stations are barrier-free and equipped with elevators and ramps. Modern buses are generally low-floor. However, the historic streetcars (Tram 28E) and funiculars are not wheelchair accessible. For barrier-free routes, we recommend using the metro and modern buses.
Is the Lisboa Card also valid on trains to Azambuja?
Yes, the Azambuja line from Rossio is included. It has little tourist significance, but it can be useful for travelers to the northern suburbs.
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As of May 2026. Timetables, prices and operators are subject to change. The most up-to-date information can be found on the websites of CARRIS, Metropolitano de Lisboa and Comboios de Portugal.
Ready for Lisbon?
Get your Lisboa Card now
Over 50 attractions free of charge and unlimited public transport included.
Voucher immediately by e-mail - 28 days for collection in Lisbon.
Can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before the selected pick-up date.
