Lisbon Public Transport: Tickets, Passes, Prices

Lisbon is a large and geographically diverse city, shaped by steep hills and wide distances between its key districts. While you can explore central areas on foot, longer routes, for example to Belém, are far more convenient by public transport.

The network includes metro, buses, trams, and suburban trains. Most services operate daily from around 6:00 am until midnight.  Limited bus services operate beyond these hours. Suburban rail connections are essential for day trips to Sintra and Cascais.

Tickets & Prices
Lisbon operates under an integrated fare system. You use the reusable Viva Viagem card for all public transport. There is no zone-based system within the central city area. Instead, you choose between single rides, pay-as-you-go credit, or a 24-hour pass, all loaded onto the same card, which costs €0.50 / $0.55 and only needs to be purchased once.

Single Ride Tickets

Single tickets are valid for one journey. If you change between different transport modes, a new fare is required. With pay-as-you-go credit, you validate for each ride and pay a reduced fare per journey. If you buy your ticket directly on board a tram or bus, you pay a higher price.

Zapping Credit (Pay-As-You-Go)

Instead of loading single tickets, you can load credit onto your Viva Viagem card. Each time you validate, a reduced fare is deducted, and every journey — including transfers between different transport modes — is charged separately.

24-Hour Tickets

These tickets allow unlimited travel for 24 hours after first validation and are loaded onto your Viva Viagem card. 24-h tickets become worthwhile from the fourth ride when paying with single tickets, or from the fifth ride when using pay-as-you-go credit.

*All prices as of January 2026

Please note: Children under 4 travel free. Reduced fares apply for children depending on age and ticket type.

Airport Transfer – Lisbon Airport (LIS)

Lisbon Airport is located about 7 kilometers (4 miles) northeast of the city center. Metro Red Line and several city buses connect the airport directly to the city, with the metro being the faster option. A standard single ticket or zapping credit is sufficient; no airport surcharge applies.

Where to Buy & How to Validate Tickets

You can purchase Viva Viagem cards and load tickets or credit at vending machines in all metro stations, including the airport, at train stations and authorized sales points. Except at major transport hubs, bus and tram stops do not have ticket machines. Buying on board is possible but more expensive.

All tickets must be validated before starting your journey. In metro and train stations, validate at the entry gates. On buses and trams, validate immediately after entering the vehicle. Lisbon uses electronic validation systems with card readers.

Local Tip – Historic Tram 28

For a classic Lisbon experience, take Tram 28 between Martim Moniz and Campo de Ourique. The route passes through Alfama, Graça and Estrela and offers one of the most scenic rides in the city. A standard ticket or 24-hour ticket is valid. This route is extremely popular with visitors, so expect crowded vehicles and long queues at the starting stops throughout the main tourist season.