Lisbon Public Transport: Guide to Getting Around Lisbon Efficiently

A guide on Lisbon public transport covering how to get around Lisbon metro network, 2024 public transport fares, best Lisbon airport transfers, and monthly travel pass for expats.

Jesus E. Roman

Apr 29, 2024
6 min read

Lisbon Public Transport: Guide to Getting Around Lisbon Efficiently

Planning in visiting Lisbon but not sure how to get around? Lisbon public transport system is outstanding when compared to others I've seen. This blog will guide you through the city's dynamic network, making your exploration seamless and unforgettable.

Contents:

How to pay for public transport in Lisbon?
How much does public transport cost in Lisbon?
How to apply to Lisbon's Navegante Pass?
Lisbon public transport map
How to get to Lisbon from the airport or viceversa?
Frequently asked questions for getting around Lisbon

How to pay for public transport in Lisbon?

These are the steps for paying most public transport methods in Lisbon:

Purchase a Navegante Card (0.50€ cost of reusable Navegante card) from a metro station or authorised outlet.
Top up with credit (1.80€ per trip or 6.80€ for 24h) in the same machine/place you got your card from. You can select how many journeys you want to top up for.
Tap the card at the beginning and end (if applicable) of your journey.
Check your balance in any metro station ticket machine or customer service centers.

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You can transfer free of cost from one transport to another (e.g. from metro to bus) within 1 hour.

The steps above will cover metro, bus, and tram. For purchasing train tickets in Lisbon, I recommend heading to a train station and search for the specific destination you plan to go to. Costs depend on distance but expect to pay between 2€ and 6€.

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Visiting Lisbon for the first time? Check out Must-Visit Places in Lisbon to plan your trip =).

What is the cost of public transport in Lisbon?

Yellow Tram next to yellow building in Lisbon

Cost of Lisbon metro/bus/tram: 1.80€ single fare (ideal for occasional travelers).
Cost of Lisbon Day Pass: 6.80€ 1-day unlimited travel for all transport methods (ideal to explore Lisbon within a day intensively).
Cost of Lisbon Navegante Transport Card: 0.50€ cost of reusable Navegante card.
Cost of Lisbon train: 2-4€ for train return trip depending on the route.
Cost of Lisbon boat/ferry: 2-4€ for boat/ferry single trip depending on the route.
Cost of Uber/Bolt trip in Lisbon: 4-14€ Bolt journey depending on the distance to cover.
Cost of Lisbon's Monthly Pass: 30-40€ per month for monthly travel card depending on areas covered.

List of Lisbon public transport tickets cost

Type of Transport	Cost
Single Fare (Bus/Metro)	1.80€
24h Unlimited Travel	6.80€
Reusable Navegante Card	0.50€
Boat/Ferry Single Trip	2-4€ (depending on the route)
Bolt Journey	4-14€ (depending on distance)
Monthly Travel Card	30-40€ (depending on areas covered)

How to apply to Lisbon's Navegante Pass? Monthly Lisbon Transport Pass

Upon arrival in Lisbon, obtaining a Lisbon Navegante Pass will be advantageous. This personalised card is particularly beneficial for regular commuters, allowing monthly recharging of 30€ to 40€ depending on areas to cover.

Typically priced at 7,00€, the card is delivered within 10 working days. An expedited option is available at 12,00€ with delivery within 1 working day.

You can apply for one at:

Metro Stations: Such as the one in Campo Grande where you can just go ideally in off-peak times to request one.
Carris Outlets: Lisbon's primary bus and tram operator, offers the Navegante Card for sale at their customer service centers or kiosks.
Authorized Retailers: Look for the "Navegante" logo at various shops, newstands, and convenience stores across the city.
Online: At the metrolisboa official site.

This are the requirements for the Lisbon Navegante pass:

A valid passport.
A valid accommodation contract.
A passport size photo (most Lisbon stations have one, including the one in Campo Grande next to the office card).

Lisbon public transport map

Photograph of Lisbon public transport metro map — Lisbon public transport metro map

Lisbon train network map (by lisboaparapessoas.pt)

Metro has 4 lines (green, yellow, blue, and red). It is relatively small compared to other capital cities so metro journey times tend to be 20-40 minutes long.
Buses have both daily and night service. They are a good option to get back home after a night out.
Trains (comboios) serve Greater Lisbon Areas and are good options for day trips to Sintra, Cascais, Sado and other places.
Boats (transtejo and softlusa) connect Lisbon to Southern suburbs across the river.

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Bolt is the official mobility/taxi app in Portugal and where you will get the best deals! So make sure you download the app.

How to get from Lisbon airport to city center?

Arrival Aankokmst train and taxis signage — Photo by John van Weelden / Unsplash

There are many ways to get to and from Lisbon's airport (LIS), also called Humberto Delgado Airport (Aeroporto Humberto Delgado), but the ones I recommend are:

Bolt: Cheap option charging 6-12€ depending on where you want to go. You can get it from Parking P2 (exiting the airport to the left), at the entrance of Terminal 1 (Kiss&Fly Parking) or at Terminal 2. Note: If it's busy, it might not be the best option as you might have to wait long for the bolt to arrive.
Taxi: Around 20-30€ depending on where you want to go. They usually wait just by the exist of the airport and ready to leave immediately.
Metro: Cheapest option for just 1.80€ per journey. Aeroporto train station is the red line so very convenient if you are staying anywhere close to any station belonging to this line. Takes around 20min to get to the center so very convenient.

FAQ Section: Lisbon Public Transport & Getting Around Lisbon

Is there Uber in Lisbon Airport?

Yes, Uber operates at Lisbon Airport. You can easily book a ride using the Uber app after you land. There are designated pickup areas including: Parking P2 (exiting the airport to the left), at the entrance of Terminal 1 (Kiss&Fly Parking) or at Terminal 2. Bolt is also another commonly used app for rides.

Is there a train near Lisbon Airport?

Yes, Aeroporto is the name of the metro station at Lisbon Airport. It is around a 20 minute ride to the city center for just 1.80€.

What is the taxi fare from Lisbon Airport to the city center?

The typical taxi fare from Lisbon Airport to the city center ranges between €10 to €20, depending on traffic and the time of day. Keep in mind that there might be an additional charge for luggage or late-night rides. Be aware of scams!

How far is Lisbon Airport from downtown Lisbon?

Lisbon Airport is approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from downtown Lisbon. Depending on traffic, it takes around 15 to 20 minutes by car or taxi to reach the city center.

What to do near Lisbon Airport?

If you have time to spare near Lisbon Airport, you can visit Parque das Nações, a modern district filled with attractions like the Lisbon Oceanarium, Vasco da Gama Shopping Center, and the Cable Car that offers stunning views of the Tagus River. It's only a short drive from the airport or 10 minutes by metro.

How do I travel from Lisbon to Sintra using public transport?

Getting from Lisbon to Sintra is easy via train. You can take a direct train from Rossio Station in central Lisbon to Sintra. The journey takes around 40 minutes, and trains run frequently throughout the day. Sintra is a popular day trip destination, check out Sintra Day Trip Guide to plan your day =).

What’s the best way to get from Lisbon to Cascais using public transport?

You can reach Cascais by train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station. The journey is scenic, running along the coastline, and takes about 40 minutes. The train stops at several beach towns along the way, making it a great option for a day trip.

How do I get from Lisbon to Sesimbra by public transport?

To get from Lisbon to Sesimbra, you can take a bus operated by TST (Transportes Sul do Tejo). The buses depart from Praça de Espanha in Lisbon and take around 1 hour to reach Sesimbra. There are no direct train routes, so the bus is your best option. Alternatively, take the train from Lisbon to Setúbal and then take a bus or cab.

How do I get from Lisbon to Setúbal via public transport?

To travel from Lisbon to Setúbal, you can take a train from Roma-Areeiro or Campolide. Journeys take around 1 hour.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Lisbon Public Transport

Lisbon public transport is not only convenient but also an affordable way to explore the city and nearby attractions. With the same Navegante card you can use metro, bus and trams. Bolt and Uber are widely used and sometimes a preferred option if you are travelling with people. With so many choices, you'll have no problem discovering Lisbon’s rich culture and vibrant neighbourhoods. Enjoy your journey!

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