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Is the Tram 28 worth riding in Lisbon?
Short answer: Yes, if you ride it early in the morning or in the evening, go for a short stretch, and treat it as a scenic piece of public transit. Skip it if you'd have to stand in a long midday queue, if you have limited mobility, or if you're nervous in packed crowds. The quieter Tram 12E covers much of the same Alfama territory.
The details
- It's a real commuter line, not a tourist ride. Carris, Lisbon's transit operator, lists it as line 28E, running from Martim Moniz toward Campo Ourique (Prazeres). Martim Moniz – Campo Ourique (Prazeres) (checked Oct 12, 2026). It passes through Graça, Alfama, Chiado and Estrela.
- The route may be shortened, so check first. Carris posted a notice that from Nov 4, 2025, the tram would run only between Martim Moniz and Largo Camões. A minibus 28E serves the Campo de Ourique (Prazeres)–Largo Camões section. (checked Oct 12, 2026). We couldn't confirm whether the full tram route is back. Look at Carris's 28E page on the day you ride. The "board at the far end for a seat" trick below depends on this.
- Paying the driver is the most expensive way. Carris lists the on-board tram fare at €3.30 ≈ $3.72 for 2026. (checked Oct 12, 2026). A rechargeable card with credit loaded in advance typically brings a single tram ride to roughly €1.70 ≈ $1.92–€1.90 ≈ $2.14. A Carris/Metro 24-hour ticket is listed at €7.25 ≈ $8.17 on the same price table, and it makes sense if you'll ride other trams, buses, lifts or the metro that day. Check the table for current prices.
- Expect crowds. The tram is small, and it fills fast on the stretch through Alfama. Boarding queues at Martim Moniz are typically longest on summer afternoons. Early morning and evening are far calmer. Carris publishes the timetable on the 28E page above, and it varies by season and day.
- Pickpockets work this line. This is the most common complaint about Tram 28. Most riders have no problems, but a packed car is where thieves operate.
Is it worth it for you?
Worth it if: it's your first visit and you want the narrow-street, hillside ride. It also works well if you'd use it anyway to get uphill to Graça or Alfama, or if you can ride in the first hour or two of service.
Skip it if: you'd wait a long time to board, you're pressed for time, you'd be standing with a big backpack, or you have mobility needs. The tram has steps and is very tight inside.
Tips
- Ride a segment, not the whole line. The Alfama and Sé stretch is the part people photograph. Hop off at Portas do Sol or the Sé and walk.
- Go early or late. Aim for the first hours of service or the evening, and avoid mid-morning through late afternoon in summer.
- Board past the busiest start. If the full route is running, you may get a seat by starting at the Campo Ourique end and riding toward Alfama. If it's shortened, board at Largo Camões and ride east instead.
- Load a card before boarding. Skip the €3.30 ≈ $3.72 driver fare. A reloadable Navegante card (typically about €0.50 ≈ $0.56) is sold at metro stations.
- Protect your things. Keep your bag zipped and in front of you, your phone in an inside pocket, and your wallet out of back pockets. Stay alert to sudden pushing or commotion.
- Try Tram 12E. It uses similar vintage cars on a short loop around Alfama and Mouraria, usually with smaller crowds. Confirm its route on Carris's site, since tram routes have been changing.
FAQ
How much does Tram 28 cost?
Carris lists the on-board tram ticket at €3.30 ≈ $3.72 for 2026. (checked Oct 12, 2026). Loading credit on a transit card beforehand is typically cheaper per ride. Check the Carris prices table for current fares before you go.
How long does the ride take?
It depends on which route is running and how crowded the streets are. Past guides put the full line at roughly 45 minutes to an hour. With the shortened route, expect less. Carris's 28E page has the current path and timetable.
Is Tram 28 safe?
The tram itself is safe, but pickpocketing is a known problem on crowded rides. Keep valuables in front pockets, zip your bag and stay alert when the car is packed. Leave anything you don't need in your hotel.
Is it accessible for people with limited mobility?
Generally no. The historic trams are small, with steps and tight interiors, and they get crowded. If you use a wheelchair or can't manage steps, consider buses or other transit. Ask Carris about accessible options on your route.
Is there a better alternative to Tram 28?
For the vintage-tram experience with fewer people, try Tram 12E around Alfama. For views, walk from the Sé to Portas do Sol and the Santa Luzia viewpoint, both stops on the 28E path. Largo Portas do Sol and Miradouro Sta. Luzia (checked Oct 12, 2026).
Want the whole trip planned? The PerkJolt Lisbon guide puts the routes, timing and points strategy in one place. Get the Lisbon guide
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- Is Lisbon Worth Visiting? Honest Pros, Cons and Who It Suits
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See every question about Lisbon → /answers/lisbon/
Last verified: 2026-10-12. The route (full or shortened), fares and timetable are the most likely to change. Check Carris's 28E page at https://www.carris.pt/en/travel/carreiras/28e/ and its service-change notices.
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.carris.pt/en/discover/prices-table-2026/
- https://www.carris.pt/en/travel/alteracoes-de-servico/os-do-298-2024-28e-shortened/
- https://www.carris.pt/en/travel/carreiras/28e/