Lisbon Trams Routes & Tickets

Trams in Lisbon

Lisbon's trams (eléctrico or elétrico) are operated by Carris along with the city's buses and elevadors. There are six tram routes (#12, #15, #18, #24, #25 & #28) in Lisbon running along 48 km of track. The fleet consists of 48 trams, including articulated trams (on the #15 route between Algés and the Praça da Figueira), light and traditional trams.

The tram system in Lisbon began with horse-drawn carriages in 1873, known as Caminhos de Ferro Americanos (American railways) which were replaced with electric trams in 1900.

Lisbon tram. — Lisbon tram, Lisbon, Portugal

Number 24 tram. — Number 24 tram, Lisbon, Portugal; enter at the front and exit at the rear

Tickets

Lisbon's tram routes have declined over the years but for a full Lisbon experience it is vital to ride a tram at least once. The crowded #28 tram is a favorite as it winds from Largo Martim Moniz metro station through the Alfama and Graca. Don't be surprised if you have to get off and walk occasionally if a parked car is blocking the tramlines!

Individual tickets presently cost 2.90 Euros for a single journey. Pay the driver as you enter the tram or swipe your magnetic strip travel card or Lisboa card. Most trams now have an electronic display showing the next stop and announcements. Tickets can also be bought on the modern articulated tram from onboard ticket machines.

Tram Routes

The six Lisbon tram routes are:

The #12 tram from Martim Moniz to Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Alfama to Praça da Figueira and back to Martim Moniz in a loop around Lisbon Castle (Circulação Castelo).

The #15 tram from Praça da Figueira to Algés (Jardim) via Cais do Sodre and very useful for the sites such as the Torre de Belem, Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and the Museu Nacional dos Coches

The #18 tram from Cais do Sodre to Ajuda and Jerónimos Monastery.

The #24 tram from Praça Luís de Camões to Campolide.

The #25 tram from Rua da Alfândega near Praça do Comércio, via the Estrela Basilica, to the Prazeres cemetery

The #28 tram from Martim Moniz via Lisbon Cathedral and Chiado metro station to Prazeres.

Lisbon streetcar, Portugal. — Lisbon tram

Lisbon tram, Portugal. — Lisbon tram outside the Museu da Carris

A number of historic Lisbon trams no longer in service are displayed at the Carris Museum. There is also a tourist tram running through the historic Alfama district which guarantees a seat and has a commentary of the sights.

NOTE: particular care and attention should be taken on the #28 tram and the older #15 tram. Pickpockets are known to operate on both routes, particularly the #28 which is often crowded and is a jerky ride, so standing passengers are concentrating more on their balance than their belongings.