Transportation in Lisbon
Built on a series of hills, Lisbon spreads along the north side of the River Tagus. The historic centre is the place to start, but remember there's much more to discover both up and down the river.You can explore Lisbon's historic centre on foot but the trams and lifts make it easier on the feet. The metro and bus network also make it easy to get around the entire city.In Lisbon's historic centre, you'll find the ancient Alfama and the lively Bairro Alto, Chiado and Baixa districts. North of here, the leafy Avenida da Liberdade leads up to green Edward VII Park and onto the financial district. Travel west along the river to arty Santos, the renovated Alcântara docks and the grand monuments in Belém. Northeast of the centre, you'll come to Santa Apolónia and the modern riverside district of Parque das Nações.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Metro
Lisbon's metro network is modern and clean, and the quickest way to get across the city, although it doesn't go west to Belém. There are various money saving multi-journey and day tickets.
Trams, Lifts and Funiculars
Tram 28 is considered a must for tourists as it covers the historic city centre, but it is renowned for pickpockets so watch your wallet. There's also a dedicated tourist tram, 7 Colinas, which starts at Praça do Comércio. Tram 15 is a vital link between the Baixa, Alcântara and Belém, while city-centre lifts mean you don't have to climb the city's hills.
Foot
In Lisbon's city centre, walking is the best way to get to know the city, but with so many hills it can be hard on the feet. There's a very busy road running along the river front, so take alternative transport to Belém or Parque das Nações where the going gets easier.
Bus
Lisbon's bus network is comprehensive with a huge network running throughout the city. However, in the city centre the journey can be slowed by the heavy traffic and narrow streets. For some journeys, the bus is easier, including No 5 and 44 from the airport to Parque das Nações, and the dedicated Aerobus, which runs into the city centre.
Taxi
You'll see the cream taxis parked up in ranks around major junctions, including Rossio Square and Restauradores, plus the major stations. They charge by the metre and you don't need to tip.
Riverboat
Transtejo operate river bus services from Cais do Sodré and Terreiro do Paço fluvial stations, which run across the river. There's also a tourist sightseeing trip from Terreiro do Paço that lasts two hours.
Train
Intercity trains arrive and leave from Oriente, Santa Apolónia and Entrecampos stations. There is also a local network of trains: from Cais do Sodré they stop at Alcântara and Belém along the river before continuing to the seaside resorts on the Estoril coast; trains to Sintra go from Entrecampos.
Rent your car
With several motorways leading into Lisbon and two major bridges across the Tagus River, arriving by car isn’t a problem. You should avoid taking a car into the historic centre’s warren of narrow, hilly streets though. There is some metered street parking but most car parks are underground.
Transportation Tips
A Lisboa Card combines travel on all transportation networks (even to Sintra) with free or reduced entrance fees to many attractions. They last for 24-72 hours and can be purchased from the tourist office in Praça do Comércio or Restauradores. For longer stays, it's worth investing in a 7 Colinas Card, available from any metro station. It is a pre-paid plastic card that allows you to purchase various ticket or urban pass combinations.
