PerkJolt
Is a hop-on hop-off bus worth it in Lisbon?
Short answer: Usually not. Lisbon's public transport reaches nearly every major sight for much less money, and it includes the famous trams. The bus earns its fare if walking hills is hard for you or you want a guided loop with no planning.
The details
- Public transport is the real benchmark. The Metro de Lisboa fare table lists a Carris/Metro 24-hour ticket at €7.25 ≈ $8.17 and a single Carris/Metro ticket at €1.90 ≈ $2.14 (checked Oct 12, 2026). Hop-on hop-off day tickets typically start at roughly three times the 24-hour pass, and more for 48 hours or bundles with a boat or tram. Prices vary by operator and season, so check the operator's own site (Yellow Bus Tours, City Sightseeing and Lisbon Sightseeing all run routes).
- Trains to Sintra and Cascais are a separate pass. The Carris/Metro/CP 24-hour pass is €11.40 ≈ $13 (checked Oct 12, 2026). The Metro de Lisboa page says it covers the CP Sintra, Cascais, Azambuja and Sado lines as well as Carris and Metro (checked Oct 12, 2026). Hop-on hop-off buses don't go to Sintra.
- Belém is the one place the bus is convenient. Belém is a long, flat stretch of sights along the river. A Belém-route bus links them in one loop. You can also reach Belém on regular transport, typically by Tram 15E or the Cascais-line train, for a fraction of the cost.
- The Lisboa Card often beats the bus if you plan to go inside things. The official Visit Lisboa shop describes it as free entry to over 50 museums and venues plus unlimited transport, including trams, metro and trains, for 24, 48 or 72 hours (checked Oct 12, 2026). It only pays off if you visit several paid sights, such as Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Check the shop for current prices by duration.
- Traffic and waiting are the usual complaints. The buses share the same streets as everyone else, and in peak season waits at stops can be long. Lisbon is also steep, which is the main reason people like the bus.
Who should consider it
- Limited mobility or small children. A seat and a flat ride between Baixa, Belém and the river can be worth the premium. Check the operator for accessibility details on your specific bus.
- A first-day overview in a short stay. If you land with one afternoon, a loop gives you the layout.
- Bundles that include a boat or tram tour. Some tickets add a river cruise or a heritage tram. Price those against a regular transit pass plus a river cruise bought separately.
Tips
- Do the math first. Add the 24-hour pass at €7.25 ≈ $8.17 to the entry fees of the two or three sights you'd actually visit, then compare that total with the bus ticket.
- Ride Tram 28 as public transport. It's a normal Carris line. Typically the best odds of a seat are early in the morning or at the end of the line, and crowded boarding is a known pickpocket spot, so keep valuables in front of you.
- Take a segment of Tram 28, not the whole route. The Alfama stretch is the most photogenic part.
- Buy a refundable ticket if you do book the bus. Look for free cancellation, and check the validity window (24, 48 or 72 hours from first use).
- Walk the flat areas and ride the hills. Baixa, Chiado and the Alfama downhill are very walkable. Use trams, funiculars or the metro for the climbs. Check Carris for current status of funiculars and lifts, since some have closed for repairs.
FAQ
Is the hop-on hop-off bus cheaper than public transport in Lisbon?
No. A 24-hour Carris/Metro pass is €7.25 ≈ $8.17 (checked Oct 12, 2026), while hop-on hop-off day tickets typically cost around three times that or more. You pay extra for audio commentary and a fixed tourist loop.
Does the Lisboa Card include a hop-on hop-off bus?
The official shop describes it as covering museums, monuments and public transport (metro, buses, trams, trains), not a hop-on hop-off bus (checked Oct 12, 2026). Some bus tickets include discounts on attractions instead. Check each product's inclusions before buying.
Can I use a transit pass to get to Sintra or Cascais?
Yes, if you pick the Carris/Metro/CP pass at €11.40 ≈ $13 (checked Oct 12, 2026). The cheaper Carris/Metro pass doesn't cover CP trains. Hop-on hop-off bus tickets generally cover only city routes, so Sintra is a separate trip either way.
Is the hop-on hop-off bus good for Belém?
It can be, since it links the sights in one loop with commentary. It isn't the only option. Regular trams, buses and trains reach Belém much more cheaply, and you can walk between the sights once there.
Is Tram 28 a tourist attraction or normal transit?
Both. It's regular Carris public transport, so you pay a transit fare or use a pass. It's also one of Lisbon's most popular rides, and crowds are heaviest midday in peak season.
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
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- Is a Tagus River sunset cruise worth it in Lisbon?
- Do I need timed tickets for Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery?
See every question about Lisbon → /answers/lisbon/
Last verified: 2026-10-12. Bus ticket prices, routes and timetables change most often, so check the operator's own booking page, and check Metro de Lisboa (https://www.metrolisboa.pt/en/) for transit fares.
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.metrolisboa.pt/en/
- https://www.cp.pt/info/en/w/24-hours-ticket
- https://shop.visitlisboa.com/products/lisboa-card