Simple How to Use and Pay for Lisbon Public Transportation

Lisbon is one of the most walkable cities I have ever visited. When I visited in May 2023, I only took the bus to Belem and the metro to Lisbon Airport. While it’s extremely popular as a tourist destination, Lisbon is quite compact making it easy to get around by foot. However, while walkable, Lisbon is known for its hilly geography, so getting around has its ups and downs (haha, get it). But, the apartment-covered hills make for amazing scenery when you look up at the base of the hills. Whether you enjoy walking or not, you’re bound to take some public transport in Lisbon. It’s clean, convenient, and reliable, easily getting you in and around Lisbon. So here’s everything you need to know about how to use Lisbon public transportation.

Is Public Transport Good in Lisbon?

Yes, public transport in Lisbon is excellent. The city has an extensive transport network that includes buses, trams, trains, and the metro. The public transport system is efficient, reliable, and affordable, making it an ideal way to explore the city. There are also plenty of options to take and it’s very safe AND scenic! It’s the perfect way to get around, no matter where you stay in Lisbon.

Types of Public Transport in Lisbon

Metro: The metro is the fastest way to get around the city, and it covers most of the main tourist attractions. The Lisbon Metro consists of four lines: Blue, Green, Red, and Yellow. The metro operates from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., and trains run every six to twelve minutes, depending on the time of day.
Buses: Buses are also a great option for getting around Lisbon, especially if you want to explore the city at a slower pace. Lisbon’s bus network covers the entire city, and buses run from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. every day.
Trams: Lisbon is famous for its vintage trams, which are a popular tourist attraction. Tram 28 is the most famous of all the trams, and it takes you on a journey through some of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Lisbon.
Commuter Trains: If you’re planning to visit the surrounding areas of Lisbon, then taking a train is a great option. The train network in Lisbon connects the city to other parts of Portugal, such as Sintra and Cascais.
Ferries: This is a way to get scenic views of Lisbon while visiting cities across the river to the south bank. Transtejo operates it.

How to Use Lisbon Public Transportation

Lisbon Metro

There are four metro lines: Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow. From your current location to your destination, note if you need to transfer on any lines. All metro stations are clearly marked with the letter “M” and signs that say the station name. Once you enter the metro, you’ll pay at the fare gates. Then follow directions to the line and direction you are headed in.

Lisbon Bus + Tram

The buses and trams in Lisbon are all operated by Carris. Using the bus and tram here is similar to most other types in other parts of the world. There are plenty of bus stops peppered around Lisbon. Once you are at the bus stop, make sure to wave at the bus driver, otherwise, they might skip you. When you get on the bus, tap your card to pay. Before your stop, press the stop button plastered around the bus. Then, simply hop off, no second tap necessary.

Lisbon Train + Ferry

The urban trains and ferries are a part of the public transportation in Lisbon. CP operates the urban trains to get to greater Lisbon areas and the ferries by Transtejo. Similar to the metro, you’ll enter, pay, and exit at fare gates. However, unlike the bus, tram, and metro, each route offered has different fares.

What is the Best Way to Get Around in Lisbon?

The best way to get around in Lisbon is by using a combination of public transport options. Depending on where you’re going and how fast you want to get there, you can choose to take the metro, bus, tram, train, or ferry with a combination of walking or cycling.

Using a Combination of Public Transport Options

To make the most of your time in Lisbon, it’s a good idea to plan your route in advance and use a combination of public transport options to get around. For example, if you’re planning to visit the Belem Tower, you can take the metro to Cais do Sodre station and then take Tram 15 to Belem.

Another great way to get around Lisbon is on foot or by bike. Walking is a great way to explore the city’s narrow streets and alleys, while cycling is a fun and eco-friendly way to get around. There are plenty of bike rentals across the city, either from a kiosk or store or through an app.

Is it Easy to Get Around Lisbon by Public Transport?

Yes, it is relatively easy to get around Lisbon by public transport. The transport network is well-connected, and there are plenty of maps and signs to help you navigate your way around the city. The staff at the stations and on the transport are also very helpful and friendly, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Navigating Public Transport in Lisbon

The best way to use public transport in Lisbon is to use Google Maps. It’s very accurate to which public transport options are available and fastest. There’s no need to download a separate app for the Lisbon public transport and it also gives directions on where to go. But, just like navigating any other city, be sure to be on the lookout for signs and maps that direct you toward a station or give an outline of all the lines.

There are several apps that you can download to help you navigate the public transport system in Lisbon. Some of the popular ones include Citymapper and Moovit.

How to Pay for Public Transportation in Lisbon?

There are three ways to pay for public transportation in Lisbon: VIVA Viagem Card, contactless bank card, and Lisbon Card. You cannot buy single paper tickets for any public transportation in Lisbon, they simply do not exist.

VIVA Viagem Card (The Best Way)

The VIVA Viagem card is a non-refundable, rechargeable paper card used to pay for all public transportation in Lisbon, excluding some train lines. The card is valid for one year after purchase. Once expired, the VIVA Viagem cannot be reloaded, however, any remaining tickets may still be used.

How to Get a VIVA Viagem Card?

You can buy and load a Viva Viagem card in any metro or commuter train station from a ticket machine in cash (coins and bills) or with most major debit and credit cards like Visa. The VIVA Viagem card costs €0.50. You can also find Viva Viagem cards in small kiosks around the city but it’s best to buy them at the station.

How Does a VIVA Viagem Card Work?

The VIVA Viagem card is a blank medium used to pay for public transport. There are two types of payment: buying tickets or paying as you go (zapping). You choose which method you want when you get your card at the ticket machine.

Zapping is very straightforward: you load money onto the VIVA Viagem card and tap (or zap) every time you take public transport which then deducts the fare from your balance. You can reload the card at ticket machines at metro or train stations with the following amounts: 3€, 5€, 10€, 15€, 20€, 25€, 30€, 35€ and 40€.

For tickets, there are two types of tickets: single-use and 24-hour.

A single ticket costs €1.65 and grants you a ride on the metro, buses, and trams, and can be used unlimitedly for up to 60 minutes.

The 24-hour ticket costs €6.60 and grants you unlimited access to all public transit excluding the train and ferry (unless you choose that option) from the time of validation.

You can buy multiple single tickets or 24-hour tickets at once, but you cannot buy both at the same time.

For the train and ferry, you’ll need to purchase separate single tickets for specific journeys using the VIVA Viagem card from the ticket machines at the stations. Each line serviced has a different fare.

Important Note About VIVA Viagem Card

The VIVA Viagem card can only hold ONE TYPE of method at a time. For example, you cannot buy a single ticket and also use the card to zap onto public transit. If you want to switch methods, you must use the remaining tickets or zap money before loading a different payment type onto the card. This is easy with single or 24-hour tickets, as you would just use as many tickets as you have.

However, this gets complicated with the zapping method because, most of the time, unless you calculate the exact amount beforehand, you’ll end up with a balance that is not enough for a single ride. It’s an extra hassle to top up the exact amount to use for the next ride to use up all your balance. In this scenario, it’s best to just get a new card (unfortunately).

How to Use VIVA Viagem card?

Once you get to the Lisbon Airport, head to the Lisbon Airport metro station, where you can get a VIVA Viagem card at a ticket machine. Depending on your travels and your length of stay in Lisbon, select the payment option that best suits your trip and load it onto your card. Remember that you must use all of the tickets or money on the card before you can switch methods so pick wisely!

Once you’ve loaded your card, tap to board the metro to the city! For the bus and tram, just tap your card on and hop off, no tapping is required when you get off. Make sure to note how many tickets or how much money you have left on your card so you know when to reload it. The balance will display on the tap screen, or you can also check at your nearest ticket machine.

Contactless Bank Card

You can use a contactless bank card to pay for single journeys ONLY on the metro. It is not available for the bus or trams. To use a bank card, remove the card from your wallet and tap it at the fare gate to validate it and use it to pay. Make sure you have the correct card to avoid duplicate payments.

Lisbon Card

If you plan on using public transport frequently and visiting many of the city’s top attractions, it’s worth considering getting a Lisbon Card. This card offers free and discounted access to over 80 museums, monuments, and attractions in Lisbon, as well as free unlimited travel on public transport. The Lisbon Card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, and prices start at €20. It’s a great way to save money and make the most of your time in the city, but make sure getting the Lisboa card is worth it for you.

How Much is Public Transportation in Lisbon?

The cost of public transportation in Lisbon is very affordable, with a single ride costing either €1.47 or €1.65 depending on your payment method. Here’s a table that organizes all the prices:

Payment Method	Type of Journey	Cost
VIVA Viagem	Single Ticket	€1.65
	24-HR Ticket	€6.60*
	Zapping Single Journey	€1.47
Bank Card (Metro Only)	Single Journey	€1.65
Lisbon Card	Single Journey	Varies

*This is the base cost for a 24-hour ticket. For including riding specific train lines, there are additional costs you can see on the website here.

Explore Lisbon Easier with Lisbon Public Transportation

Using public transport in Lisbon is a great way to explore the city and get around. It’s efficient, affordable, and easy to use, so don’t hesitate to give it a try on your next trip to Lisbon! It’s the preferred method of travel, especially since the streets of Lisbon are narrow and uneven. I always use public transportation wherever I travel, if it’s available. I find that it offers a local way of life and gives insight into what it would be like to live in that city. Lucky for Lisbon, it’s so easy to navigate and reliable. Happy travels!