Lisbon Trams: Tram 28, Other Routes and Tickets

Lisbon’s yellow trams are one of the city’s great joys: little wooden carriages squealing up impossibly steep hills and squeezing through lanes barely wider than they are. Here’s how to ride them, which routes to take, and how to avoid the crowds (and the pickpockets) on tram 28.

Quick answer: tram 28 is the famous route through Graça, Alfama, Baixa and Estrela, but it’s packed, so ride it early in the morning or try tram 12 (a short loop round the castle hill) or tram 24. Tram 15 is the modern tram to Belém. Pay €3.30 on board, or much less with a navegante card. Note: the historic funiculars and Santa Justa lift are closed in 2026.

The best tram routes

Tram 28

The classic, from Martim Moniz up through Graça, around Alfama past the cathedral, down through Baixa and Chiado, and out to Estrela and Campo de Ourique. Spectacular, but famously crowded and a pickpocket hotspot. Tip: board at Martim Moniz early (before 9am), or ride the quieter western end from Campo de Ourique.

Tram 12

A short loop from Praça da Figueira around the castle hill and Alfama, passing Santa Luzia viewpoint. The same vintage trams, with fewer crowds.

Tram 24

From Praça Luís de Camões (Chiado) up through Príncipe Real to Campolide. A local’s route.

Tram 15

Modern trams from Praça da Figueira and Praça do Comércio along the river to Belém, about 25 minutes. The easiest way to get to Belém. See Belém.

Tram 18

From Cais do Sodré along the river to Ajuda, past the palace. Quiet and scenic.

Tickets

• On board: €3.30 for a single ride, cash. The most expensive option.
• Navegante card with “zapping” credit: much cheaper per ride, and valid on the metro and buses too.
• 24-hour Carris/Metro pass: €7.25 for unlimited rides on trams, buses and the metro.
• Lisboa Card: includes trams. See is the Lisboa Card worth it?

More on tickets: Lisbon public transport.

The closed lifts and funiculars

After the Glória funicular accident in September 2025, the Glória, Bica and Lavra funiculars and the Santa Justa lift have been out of service, with Glória not expected back for several years. The Graça funicular reopened in April 2026. Plan to walk, or use trams, buses and the metro instead.

Tips

• Watch your bag: pickpockets work the crowded trams, especially tram 28. Keep bags zipped and in front.
• Stand back: trams pass very close to walls and parked cars. Keep your arms inside.
• Want a seat? Board at the first stop.
• Photos: the best tram photos are from the street, in Alfama’s narrow lanes. See Lisbon’s best photo spots.
• Tuk-tuks are an alternative for the hills. See Lisbon tuk-tuk tours.

More: things to do in Lisbon and is Lisbon safe?

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