PerkJolt
How do I get around Lisbon without a car?
Short answer: Skip the car. The metro, Carris trams and buses, and CP commuter trains cover nearly everything visitors want to see. Buy one rechargeable Navegante card on day one and load it with pay-as-you-go credit or a 24-hour pass. Use your feet for the hilly old neighborhoods, and use a taxi or ride-hail for late nights and heavy bags.
The details
- From the airport: Lisbon's airport has its own metro station, and it is the end of the Red Line. Change at Alameda for the Green Line (Baixa and Rossio) or at São Sebastião for the Blue Line (Marquês de Pombal and Avenida da Liberdade). One fare typically covers the whole metro trip. The metro runs roughly 6:30 am to 1 am, so check metrolisboa.pt for current hours and any line closures.
- The card: The Navegante Occasional card is the reusable card for metro, Carris buses and trams, and urban trains. It costs an extra €0.50 ≈ $0.56, is valid for 1 year, and can be bought at ticket offices or vending machines. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Each traveler needs their own card.
- Pay-as-you-go vs. day pass: Loading "zapping" credit typically costs less per ride than a single ticket. A 24-hour Carris/Metro pass typically runs about €7 ≈ $7.89 and starts to pay off around your fifth ride. Those prices change each January, so check carris.pt or metrolisboa.pt for the current ones. A card usually holds only one product at a time, so a day pass and zapping credit generally can't share a card.
- Day pass with trains: The Carris/Metro/CP 24-hour pass costs €11.40 ≈ $13 and allows unlimited journeys for 24 hours after first validation. (checked Oct 12, 2026) It is loaded onto the Navegante Occasional card, is valid for a single holder, and must be validated on each journey on CP, Carris and Metro. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The pass does not include the card, so buy that separately if you don't have one. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- Belém and the coast: Trains run from Cais do Sodré along the river. The urban train from Cais do Sodré starts beside the Belém monuments and continues toward the beaches of Estoril. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Belém is a short ride, and Cascais is roughly 30 to 40 minutes. Check the CP timetable at cp.pt for current departures.
- Trams and funiculars: Tram 28 is scenic but crowded. Paying the driver on board typically costs far more than a card ride, so use your Navegante. The hills in Alfama, Graça and Bairro Alto are why the trams, funiculars and lifts exist.
Tips
- Buy the card at a metro station vending machine. Screens have an English option.
- Tap in and out at metro gates. Tap in only on buses and trams.
- Ride Tram 28 early in the morning or board at the end of the line for a better chance at a seat. Watch your pockets on crowded trams.
- Wear flat, grippy shoes. Lisbon's polished stone sidewalks get slippery, especially when wet.
- For a late arrival, a very early flight, or heavy luggage, a taxi or ride-hail is simpler than a metro-and-stairs transfer. This matters most if you're staying in Alfama.
FAQ
Do I need a Navegante card in Lisbon?
Almost certainly, yes. It is how you pay for the metro, Carris buses and trams, and urban trains at the lower card fares. The card itself is cheap and reusable. Everyone in your group needs their own, because a loaded card is for one traveler. Buy it at any metro station machine.
Is the Carris/Metro/CP pass worth it?
It's worth it if you're taking a train day trip, such as Belém or Cascais, and also riding the metro or trams that day. It costs €11.40 ≈ $13 for 24 hours. (checked Oct 12, 2026) If you're staying in the center, the cheaper Carris/Metro-only pass usually makes more sense. Do the math for your day.
Can I get from the airport to the city without a taxi?
Yes. The airport has a metro station on the Red Line, and it's a short ride into central Lisbon with one change. It's easy if you're traveling light. If you have big bags, or you're staying in a hillside neighborhood like Alfama, a taxi or ride-hail may be less stressful.
Want the whole trip planned? The PerkJolt Lisbon guide puts the routes, timing and points strategy in one place. Get the Lisbon guide
More questions about Lisbon
- Do I Need a Car in Lisbon? No, Here Is What to Use Instead
- How much connection time do I need at Lisbon airport?
- Is the Tram 28 worth riding in Lisbon?
- How early should I arrive at Lisbon airport, and what happens if my flight is delayed?
- How do I get from Lisbon to Porto by train or bus?
See every question about Lisbon → /answers/lisbon/
Last verified: 2026-10-12. Fares change most often (usually each January), so check carris.pt, metrolisboa.pt and the CP pass page at https://www.cp.pt/info/en/w/24-hours-ticket before you buy.
Good to know before you go
. Confirm hours, fees, schedules and road or trail status on the official page before you book or go.
Sources
- https://www.cp.pt/info/en/w/24-hours-ticket
- https://www.cp.pt/info/en/w/discover-cascais