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.

Why ride the trams

Lisbon’s trams have run since the 1870s, first pulled by horses and electric from 1901. The vintage yellow “Remodelado” cars you see today date from the 1930s, rebuilt inside in the 1990s, and they’re small enough to take the tight bends of the old town. They’re still ordinary public transport run by Carris, so locals use them too. A ride is both a sightseeing tour and a break for your legs on the hills.

Six routes run today. Five use the vintage cars, and tram 15 uses long modern trams. On maps and stops, route numbers end in “E” for elétrico (28E, 12E).

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. The full ride takes under an hour, depending on traffic. Spectacular, but famously crowded and a pickpocket hotspot. Between mid-morning and late afternoon you may wait for several trams before you can get on. Tip: board at Martim Moniz early (before 9am), or ride the quieter western end from Campo de Ourique. See Graça.

Roadworks split the route for long spells in 2025 and 2026, with buses covering part of it. Trams were running the whole way again in October 2026, but short closures for works still happen, so check Carris service changes before you go.

Tram 12

A short loop from Praça da Figueira around the castle hill and Alfama, passing Santa Luzia viewpoint. It runs one way only, clockwise. The same vintage trams, with fewer crowds. Good if you only want a taste of the old town on rails, and it drops you close to the castle.

Tram 24

From Praça Luís de Camões (Chiado) up through Príncipe Real to Campolide. A local’s route, past the Príncipe Real garden, with its cafes and antique shops. It runs shorter hours on Sundays, so check times. See Príncipe Real.

Tram 25

Between the Baixa and Prazeres in Campo de Ourique, running along the river past Cais do Sodré and Santos, then up through Lapa and Estrela. It covers some of the same western ground as tram 28 with far fewer tourists, though it runs less often and usually only on weekdays.

Tram 15

Modern trams from Praça da Figueira and Praça do Comércio along the river to Belém (about 25 minutes) and on to Algés at the end of the line. The easiest way to get to Belém, with stops near LX Factory and the MAAT on the way. See Belém.

Tram 18

From Cais do Sodré along the river to Ajuda, past the palace. Quiet and scenic, but it doesn’t run often, so check times.

A tram half day

• 8:30am: tram 28 from Martim Moniz up to Graça. Get off for the views at the Graça viewpoint.
• 9:30am: walk down to Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia, then through Alfama to the cathedral.
• 11am: pick up tram 28 or tram 12 again, or walk down to the Baixa.
• Noon: tram 15 to Belém for lunch and custard tarts.

With a 24-hour pass, you can hop on and off as often as you like.

Tickets

• On board: €3.30 for a single ride, paid to the driver. Contactless bank cards are also accepted on board at the same price. The most expensive option.
• Navegante card with “zapping” credit: about €1.72 per ride in 2026, and valid on the metro and buses too.
• 24-hour Carris/Metro pass: €7.25 for unlimited rides on trams, buses and the metro.
• 24-hour pass with CP trains: €11.40, which adds the Sintra and Cascais train lines. A version with the Transtejo ferries costs €10.35.
• Lisboa Card: includes trams. See is the Lisboa Card worth it?

Tap your card on the reader every time you board. Inspectors do check. 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. Glória is not expected back before about 2029, and there is no reopening date for the others. Plan to walk, or use trams, buses and the metro instead.

The modern Graça funicular reopened on 30 April 2026. It runs daily from about 7am to 9pm, and you can use your navegante card or pay €4.30 on board for two trips.

When to ride

Early morning is best all year. In summer, trams are hot and full from about 10am to 6pm, so ride early or in the evening. Winter is quieter, though wet days push more people onto the trams. Sunday mornings are usually calm.

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.
• Board at the front and get off at the back or middle.
• Accessibility: the vintage trams have high steps and no space for wheelchairs or big bags. Tram 15’s modern cars are easier.
• 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.
• Skip the tourist “hills tram” if you’re on a budget: the regular routes cover the same ground for much less.

FAQ

How much is a tram ticket in Lisbon?

A single ride costs €3.30 on board in 2026. With zapping credit on a navegante card it’s about €1.72, and a 24-hour pass is €7.25.

Can I pay with a contactless card on Lisbon trams?

Yes. You can tap a contactless bank card on board, but it charges the full on-board fare, so a navegante card is cheaper.

Is tram 28 worth it?

Yes, if you ride it early or from the quieter western end. At midday, tram 12 or tram 25 give a similar ride with fewer people.

Is the Glória funicular open?

No. It has been closed since the September 2025 accident and isn’t expected back before about 2029. Walk up to São Pedro de Alcântara instead.

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

See also: Campo de Ourique, the Santa Justa Lift, Lisbon Cathedral, Estrela and Lapa and Porto’s historic trams.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.