Lisboa Card & public transport: The guide to public transport in Lisbon
Discover Lisbon with the Lisboa Card: unlimited travel on public transport for up to 72 hours. Use the metro, streetcars, buses, funiculars, etc.
Lisbon is a city of hills, long distances and hot summers. Anyone traveling here on foot will quickly reach their limits. The public transport network is excellent.
With the Lisboa Card you can use it free of charge for 24, 48 or 72 hours. This guide shows you which modes of transport are included, how to make the best use of them and which tricks make all the difference.
These means of transportation are included
These means of public transport are operated by different transport companies. You can use them all with just one card.
Not included: Ferries on the Tagus (Transtejo/Soflusa), long-distance trains, local buses in Sintra and Cascais and night buses outside the CARRIS network.
Link tip: CARRIS network plans, CARRIS routes
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| Means of transportation | Operator | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| Metro (4 lines) | Metropolitano de Lisboa | Incl. direct connection to the airport |
| ✅ Buses | CARRIS | Entire city of Lisbon |
| ✅ Trams (streetcars) | CARRIS | Incl. historic streetcar 28E |
| Funiculars (Ascensores) | CARRIS | Glória, Lavra, Bica |
| ✅ Elevador de Santa Justa | CARRIS | Landmark with viewing platform |
| ✅ Suburban trains | Comboios de Portugal (CP) | To Sintra, Cascais, Azambuja |
| ✅ Fertagus bridge train | Fertagus | Lisbon - Setúbal over the Tagus Bridge |
Metro - your most important means of transportation in Lisbon
The four metro lines at a glance
Lisbon's metro network consists of four lines that together connect the most important parts of the city and sights:
From the airport directly to the city center
You can pick up your Lisboa Card directly at Lisbon-Portela Airport and use it straight away. Simply fill out the card at the "Ask Me Lisboa" tourist information office - the staff will be happy to help you.
With the Lisboa Card, you can then easily take the metro to the city center.
Get on the red line, which departs directly from the airport. During the journey, you have the option of changing to the green, blue or yellow line. The green line in particular takes you to the most important places in the city.
The journey from the airport to Baixa-Chiado takes around 25-30 minutes. A one-way ticket would cost you around €1.90 - with the Lisboa Card you travel for free.
Link tip: Map of the metro network
The most important metro stops for tourists
Choose your travel date and book directly
Especially popular April to October - book early in the high season!
Streetcar 28E - Lisbon's most famous streetcar
The route of streetcar 28E
The 28E streetcar is more than just a means of transportation - it is a sight in itself. The historic yellow carriages climb through Lisbon's steepest alleyways and connect several of the city's most interesting districts on their route.
Route: Martim Moniz → Intendente → Graça → Castelo (near Castelo de São Jorge) → Alfama → Sé (Cathedral) → Baixa → Chiado → Estrela → Prazeres.
The entire journey takes about 40 minutes.
Tips for traveling with streetcar 28E
Funiculars and Elevador de Santa Justa
The three funiculars (Ascensores)
Ride one of Lisbon's historic funicular railroads. With the Lisboa Card you save the regular price of €4.30, which you would have to pay on the spot.
Elevador de Santa Justa
The cast-iron elevator from 1902 connects the Baixa with the Chiado district. With the Lisboa Card you travel for free and save the regular price of €6.20.
Tip: During the day, the waiting time can be 20-30 minutes - early in the morning or in the evening it is significantly shorter.
Leaving the city with the Lisboa Card
The Lisboa Card is also valid for the Fertagus bridge train from Lisbon to Setúbal and for some train connections with Comboios de Portugal (CP).
Reach Sintra with the Lisboa Card
Trains from Rossio to Sintra, journey time approx. 40 minutes, free on the Lisboa Card.
Important note: The local buses in Sintra (Scotturb) are not included. The Lisboa Card only gives a 10% discount at the Pena Palace - no free entry. Those planning Sintra as their main destination should consider a separate combined ticket: Lisboa Card + Pena Palace.
Reach Cascais with the Lisboa Card
Trains from Cais do Sodré along the coast to Cascais, journey time approx. 40 minutes. One of the most beautiful railroad lines in Portugal - most of the sights in Cascais are within walking distance.
Link: Map of the CP network
Fertagus: The bridge train to Setúbal
From Roma-Areeiro or Entrecampos via the Ponte 25 de Abril to Setúbal. Less well-known, but worthwhile for travelers looking for an authentic, less touristy destination.
How to use the card on public transport
Activate card - step by step
- Collect Lisboa Card from a Ask Me Lisboa collection point
- Enter name on the card
- Enter the date and time of first use - only then does the validity period begin
- Hold the card to the reader and drive off
Important: The validity period only begins when the card is first used, not when it is collected. You can therefore collect the card at the airport and only activate it the next morning.
Check in for metro, streetcar and bus
Avoid common mistakes
Choose your travel date and book directly
Especially popular April to October - book early in the high season!
Frequently asked questions about public transport with the Lisboa Card
Are the ferries on the Tagus included?
No. The ferries from Transtejo and Soflusa are not included. If you want to travel to Cacilhas, for example, you need to buy a separate ticket.
Can I use the night buses?
Yes, CARRIS night buses are included - as long as you are still within the validity period.
Does the card also work for buses in Sintra?
No. The Scotturb buses in Sintra are not included. Only the CP train from Rossio to Sintra station is included.
Does the Lisboa Card also apply to trains to Azambuja?
Yes, the Azambuja line from Rossio is included. It is hardly of any tourist significance, but it is useful for travelers to the northern suburbs.
Tip: Further questions about the Lisboa Card are answered here: Help & FAQ