Getting around

Tram 28 — the classic route: links Martim Moniz to Prazeres, crossing Graça, the Sé and Alfama, Baixa, Chiado and Estrela. The cars are the historic remodelled trams; it's one of the most photographed rides in the city — and also real transport used by locals, so arrive early to avoid the busiest hours.

Tram 15 — from Praça da Figueira to Algés, via Belém (Jerónimos Monastery, Pastéis de Belém, MAAT). It's the easiest way to reach Belém without a car.

The Carris bus network covers the whole city, including night services from Cais do Sodré and Marquês de Pombal.

Cascais Line — leaves from Cais do Sodré and hugs the river and the sea all the way to Cascais (about 40 minutes end to end, with frequent departures throughout the day). It serves Santos, Alcântara, Belém, Algés, Oeiras, Carcavelos, Parede, Estoril and Monte Estoril — it's the beach line. Sit on the right-hand side heading towards Cascais and the whole ride comes with views of the Tagus and the Atlantic.

Sintra Line — from Rossio station to Sintra in about 40–47 minutes, the gateway to the town, the palaces and the hills.

Cais do Sodré ↔ Cacilhas — the Transtejo ferry crosses the Tagus in about 10 minutes, with views of the 25 de Abril Bridge and the city. From the Cacilhas terminal (Almada), TST buses leave for Costa da Caparica — see the beaches page.

Terreiro do Paço ↔ Barreiro — the Soflusa link to Barreiro, connecting with southbound trains at the river terminal.

Viva Viagem is a reloadable paper card (a symbolic €0.50) sold at the ticket machines and offices of the Metro, CP and the river operators. It can be loaded in two ways:

• Zapping — load it with a cash amount and each journey is deducted as you validate, cheaper than a single ticket. Valid on the Metro, Carris, CP, Transtejo/Soflusa and Fertagus.
• Operator tickets — single or 24-hour tickets (e.g. Carris/Metro 24h), handy for a full day exploring the city.

For longer stays, the Navegante pass (personalised Lisboa Viva card) comes in a municipal version — valid within one municipality — and a metropolitan version — valid across the whole Lisbon Metropolitan Area, combining Metro, Carris, CP, ferries and road operators. Prices and top-ups through the operators' official channels and ticket offices.

Always validate the card on the way in — at the gates on the Metro and trains, and at the on-board validators on trams, buses and ferries.