Public Transport in Lisbon with the Lisboa Card (2025)
The Lisboa Card is not only a discount pass for cultural attractions – it also serves as a full-fledged public transport ticket for Lisbon:
- Free and unlimited use of nearly all public transport services
- No need to purchase additional tickets – simply board and travel
- Ideal for discovering Lisbon comfortably and with less stress
On this page, you’ll find up-to-date information (as of 2025) and practical tips on how to use Lisbon’s public transport system with the Lisboa Card.
The Perfect Way to Explore Lisbon’s Hills: Public Transport
Lisbon is built on hills, some streets are very steep – something you’ll notice after your first walk in the city.
In older neighbourhoods like the historic centre or Alfama you’ll be walking up and down slopes. Luckily the Lisboa Card is also valid for short trips on buses, trams or funiculars.
We used it even for just one or two stops – a great way to avoid a big climb and save energy.
With the Lisboa Card you can manage the city’s hills using public transport – including Lisbon’s historic funiculars.
Included with the Lisboa Card: Free Access to These Transport Services (2025)
Buses and Trams operated by CARRIS
Lisbon’s public transport company CARRIS operates:
- 80 bus lines
- 5 tram lines (including the famous Line E28)
- 3 funiculars: Glória, Lavra and Bica (regular fare without the Lisboa Card: €4.20)
- The historic Santa Justa Lift (regular fare without the Lisboa Card in 2025: €6.10)
With the Lisboa Card all of these services are free.
Free travel on all CARRIS buses across Lisbon Lisboa Card holders can travel for free on any of the city’s CARRIS bus lines.
Lisbon Metro – Quick and Efficient Travel Throughout the City
The Lisbon Metro (Metro de Lisboa) is a key part of the city’s public transport infrastructure – and one of the fastest ways to get around. It connects central Lisbon with the airport and surrounding suburbs.
There are four lines, identified by colour:
- Blue Line (Azul)
- Yellow Line (Amarela)
- Green Line (Verde)
- Red Line (Vermelha) → This line provides a direct connection to Lisbon Airport (Aeroporto Humberto Delgado)
The metro will get you to your destination quickly – for free with the Lisboa Card (Image: © Bruce Galloway).
Important – Possible Confusion:
In the past, metro lines had names such as “Linha da Gaivota” (“Seagull Line”) – today, this is the Blue Line (Linha Azul).
Many locals still use these older names, and they can still be found in some logos and signage (as shown in metro signage and maps).
Good to Know:
The metro is operated by a different company than CARRIS. Normally, tickets are not interchangeable between metro, buses, and trams – but the Lisboa Card is valid for both networks.
This means you don’t need to worry about having the right ticket – the Lisboa Card covers them all.
Take the train to the outskirts of Lisbon with the Lisboa Card
The Lisboa Card is not limited to urban transport – it also includes selected train connections (with the Portuguese railway company CP) in the surrounding region, making it ideal for day trips outside the city.
Popular destinations by rail
- Sintra – Renowned for its palaces, castles, and gardens, including the National Palace and the colorful Pena Palace. Travel time from Lisbon (Rossio Station): approx. 40 minutes.
➡️ Download: Lisbon – Sintra Train Schedule
A lovely day trip from Lisbon – Sintra and its palaces (Image: © ANDREW McCULLOCK).
- Cascais – A charming coastal town with sandy beaches and a lively historic center – perfect for a seaside escape. Journey from Cais do Sodré: approx. 30–40 minutes.
- Estoril – Known for its elegant promenade and the largest casino in Europe. Estoril lies on the same train line as Cascais.
➡️ Download: LINHA DE CASCAIS (Lisbon – Estoril – Cascais)
Great day trip from Cais do Sodré by train to Estoril and Cascais (photo: Ted McGrath).
Our tip: Buy the Lisboa Card online – save time and stress
- Order your Lisboa Card directly online – no extra fees
You can conveniently purchase the [Lisboa Card sightseeing pass] online, avoiding complicated ticket machines and fare systems. Save time and avoid unnecessary stress! - Easy & Secure Booking
The purchase is made through a website in English. In our experience, this reduces the risk of misunderstandings and makes booking easier for you. - Includes Metro Ride: Airport ↔ City Center
With the Lisboa Card, your airport transfer is free -no need for an additional ticket! The metro station is located right in front of the terminal.
How much does the Lisboa Card cost 2025?
Adults:
- 24 hours: €31
- 48 hours: €51 (€25.50 per day)
- 72 hours: €62 (€20.70 per day)
Children (ages 4–15):
- 24 hours: €21
- 48 hours: €28 (€14 per day)
- 72 hours: €35 (€11.70 per day)
Please note: The Lisboa Card for children is only valid in combination with an adult card!
Lisboa Card: ticket for local transport + free admission to sights
What’s NOT Included with the Lisboa Card?
While the Lisboa Card covers the majority of Lisbon’s public transport, some services are excluded:
Ferries across the Tagus River, e.g. to Cacilhas or Almada (operated by Transtejo and Soflusa)
Buses operated by private companies or intercity coaches
Hop-On Hop-Off Buses – however, cardholders receive a 10% discount with participating tour providers.
The hop-on hop-off buses cannot be used free of charge with the Lisboa Card. The provider Yellow Bus grants a 10% discount to holders of the Lisboa Card.
Conclusion: Is the Lisboa Card Worth It for Public Transport?
Our verdict: The Lisboa Card is a smart and flexible way to explore Lisbon. Especially when it comes to public transport, it saves not only money but also time.
Whether you’re riding the metro, a historic tram, a funicular, or a regional train – one card gives you access to nearly the entire public transport network in and around Lisbon. That includes free travel to popular day trip destinations such as Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril.
More about the Lisboa Card
Frequently asked questions – FAQ 2025
Is public transport in Lisbon free with the Lisboa Card?
With the Lisboa Card, you can use almost all public transport free of charge and unlimited.
Some special means of transport such as the historic ‘Elevador de Santa Justa’ lift (normal price 2025: €6.10) or the funicular railway are also free of charge.
More information and tips on our website.
Is the Lisboa Card also valid for the historic tram 28 and the funicular railway?
With the Lisboa Card, you can also use the popular 28E tram line for free. A normal ticket without the Lisboa Card costs for a return trip 6.40 euros in 2025. The use of the 3 funiculars is also included with the Lisboa Card.
More information and tips on our website.
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