Getting around Lisbon
Trams, the funiculars, the Metro and those famous hills — how to move around the city without wearing yourself out.
The one thing to plan around: the hills
Lisbon is built across seven hills, and its transport network exists largely to solve that problem. Don't judge a walking route by map distance alone — check the elevation, or just default to public transport for anything uphill.
Metro
Four lines (Blue, Yellow, Green, Red) cover the newer parts of the city and connect efficiently to the airport and main train stations, but the historic centre — Alfama, Baixa's back streets, Bairro Alto — is only lightly served, since the network largely skirts around the oldest, hilliest districts. Great for longer hops, less useful for the sightseeing core.
Trams — including the famous 28
Lisbon's yellow trams are a genuine transport network, not a tourist novelty, though Tram 28 in particular has become one thanks to its route through Alfama, Graça, Baixa and Estrela. Ride it as transport — hop on for a couple of stops rather than the full loop — and expect it to be crowded and a pickpocket hotspot in peak season. Quieter tram lines (like the 12, 24 or 25) cover similar hilly ground with far fewer crowds.
Funiculars
Three short funicular railways help with the steepest climbs: the Elevador da Glória (Restauradores to Bairro Alto), Elevador da Bica (Cais do Sodré up into Bica, arguably the most photographed street in the city), and Elevador do Lavra. Each covers a slope that would otherwise mean a genuinely steep uphill walk.
Buses
The bus network fills the gaps the Metro and trams don't reach, particularly useful for getting to Belém from the centre. Slower than the Metro in traffic, but far more comprehensive in coverage.
Tickets and passes
A rechargeable Viva Viagem or Navegante card (sold at Metro stations and some kiosks) covers Metro, tram, bus and funicular travel, and works out considerably cheaper than paying cash on board trams. A 24-hour Navegante pass is worth it on days with several hill-heavy neighbourhoods planned; for a single tram ride or two, pay-as-you-go on the card is more economical. See our Lisboa Card guide if you're also weighing up the paid tourist pass, or wondering when Uber makes more sense than public transport.
Walking
The centre itself is compact enough to walk between most sights, and walking is genuinely the best way to experience Alfama's alleyways, which trams and cars can't fully access anyway. Just build in more time — and more rest stops — than flat-city walking distances would suggest.
Watch your step, literally
Much of central Lisbon is paved in calçada portuguesa, the traditional black-and-white limestone mosaic. It's beautiful and can be slippery when wet or worn smooth — flat, grippy shoes matter more here than in most cities.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Tram 28 worth riding?
- Yes, but treat it as transport rather than a tour — ride a few stops during quieter hours rather than the full loop at midday, when it's standing-room-only and a known pickpocket target.
- Do I need a car in Lisbon?
- No — a car is a liability in the historic centre's narrow, hilly streets with very limited parking. Public transport and walking cover the city well; a car only makes sense for exploring further afield.
- What's the best transport pass for tourists?
- A rechargeable Viva Viagem or Navegante card covers Metro, tram, bus and funicular. Get a 24-hour pass loaded on it for hill-heavy sightseeing days.