Lisbon is a charming coastal city and the capital of Portugal. As the largest city in the European country, it exudes a village vibe with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and trams. The iconic streetcars are useful for navigating the city and perfect for photo ops! Here are 5 fun things to know about Lisbon’s trams.
1 - Travel on Tram 28
Tram 28 is possibly the most famous streetcar in Portugal. An entire one-way ride is about 45 minutes, more than 30 stops, and takes riders through the charming neighborhoods of Graça, Alfama, and Baixa. The bright yellow tram gets busy during the day so expect standing room only and plan to ride early in the day, if possible. (traveler tip: If boarding at Martim Moniz Square, try to sit or stand on the left side to enjoy the best views and stay on the right if traveling in the opposite direction!)
2 - Off the Beaten (Busy) Path
Tram 28 is the most notorious but usually quite crowded. Tram lines 25 and 18 offer quieter rides through Lisbon’s charming neighborhoods. Tram 25 passes by the basilica and park in Estrela, crosses the Campo de Ourique area and runs parallel to the river. Tram 18 runs by the waterfront to reach Belém.
Daniel Sparing from Budapest, Hungary on Wikimedia
3 - Network History
Lisbon’s tram system became electrified in 1901. Before that, the network was created in 1873 using horse-drawn carriages. This network was inspired by the American tramway systems.
4 - Unique in Lisbon
Lisbon’s tram system was upgraded in the 1990s but most of the streetcars used today are vintage. Many of the older “Remodelado” trams date back to the 1930s. It would be challenging (or unnecessary) to replace them due to the city’s narrow streets and inclines. Longer more modern trams would not fit and multiple carriages would simply not be able to weave through the undulating paths.
5 - Practical Travel Tips
Travelers can purchase a 24-hour ticket covering all tram rides. This includes access to the Elevador de Glória cable car and the Santa Justa lift. For €6.80, you can enjoy unlimited access on all public transportation within Lisbon. Be sure to visit a metro station to purchase the day pass. Check schedules at https://www.carris.pt/
