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Getting Around Lisbon
Lisbon, especially in its historic centre can be explored on foot although its seven hills and Portuguese cobblestone sidewalks, may encourage you to jump onto public transport.
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera and take your time to admire the view and Lisbon’s colourful details.
Lisbon Metro | Subway
The Metropolitano de Lisboa network (Lisbon Metro or Subway) covers a large part of Lisbon. Consisting of four lines that are organised by colours – blue, yellow, green and red – and has around 50 stations. It also has a station at Lisbon Airport (red line), which is an excellent option for those arriving in the city.
Purchase your tickets at the local ticket offices or vending machines. On your first trip, you will have to buy the Lisboa Viva Card (approx € 0.50), which is rechargeable and lasts for a year. You can charge your card with the value equivalent of a trip, daily ticket or Zapping, a prepaid amount for diverse uses.
Or you may consider buying the Traveling All Lisboa – 24h Carris/Metro/CP ticket. An all-in-one ticket for various means of transport. You can travel on all Lisbon urban trains, Carris buses, elevators, funiculars and trams and the Lisbon Metro for 24 hours. Hop on and off wherever you want. It is sold in the same places as the Lisboa Viva card and costs about 11€
All the tickets have to be validated in the machine at the entrance and exit of the platform of the metro station.
Each card is personal. For a group of 3, you will have to acquire three cards
Trams
The charismatic trams that run along the streets of Alfama, Graça, Castelo, Chiado, Barro Alto and Belém is a tourist attraction and means of transport of the cities’ population
Tickets can be purchased on the tram, though it is cheaper to use the Lisboa Viva Card, the same as the one used on the subway. If you have not already purchased it, you can do so at one of the several terminals or kiosks around the city
Buses
Lisbon has a good bus network with 78 lines in total. To simulate your route and know which bus to pick for your destination click here.
Here you will also use your Lisboa Viva Card.
Trains
The Sintra Line and the Cascais Line operate in the Lisbon area.
The price of the train ticket varies according to your destination. Here the Lisboa Viva card is not valid, but the Viva Viagem Card. It works in the same way as the Lisbon Viva and can be purchased at the train station guichets or automatic machine
At Santa Apolónia station, Entrecampos, Sete Rios and Gare do Oriente you may take a train to the rest of Portugal
To see map of the trains that operate in the Lisbon Area, clique here
Taxi and Uber
The Taxis are easily identified by their black colour with a green roof or all beige vehicles. They can be hailed throughout the city and may occasionally be a more practical and economical solution, especially if it is for a group (maximum of 4 pax). From the airport to Marquês de Pombal or Parque das Nações you should not pay more than 12 €, depending on the luggage. To Cascais, it has an approximate value of 60 €
Uber also operates in Portugal and may come out cheaper than a taxi
Bikes
You may rent a bike in a local bike renting shops or use one of the many scattered around Lisbon. These bikes belong to various companies, and you will have to download the apps to get going. However, if you are already an uber user, the red uber bikes are quite easy to find and will save you the hassle of setting up a new app account
Hop On Hop Off
These are a great option for getting your bearings first and then leisurely exploring what you liked best. Also, if you are short on time, this will give you a sneak peek of most of the city. Just try to avoid rush hour. The tickets may be combined to include bus, tram and boat tours and are valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours
HippoTrip Tours
I have to mention this trip as it is truly a delight, and not just for the kids!
A lively and entertaining 90-minute amphibious bus tour that passes through the heart of the city and then plunges into the Tagus river. It’s a bus, it’s a boat, it’s great fun!
Hippo, Hippo, Hooray!