Getting Around Lisbon: Metro, Buses, Trams, Trains, and Taxis

If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, you probably won’t need to rent a car to explore the city. Lisbon’s public transportation system is a great option for tourists, combining the metro, buses, trams, trains, and other modes of transport. Plus, many tourist areas can be explored on foot.

For a first trip, I’d prioritize public transportation and walking, leaving taxis or Uber/Bolt for specific situations.

Introduction

Hi! My name is Bruna, I’m the author of this blog, and in this article, I’ll help you understand the best ways to get around Lisbon and which one you should choose based on the kind of trip you want to take.

I love researching every little detail of a trip before I even get the chance to take it. Since I haven’t visited Lisbon in person yet, this article isn’t a firsthand account, it’s the result of the research I’d do if I were planning my own trip to the city.

And that’s exactly what I did here. I researched the metro, buses, trams, trains, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and, most importantly, a question I would have before traveling myself. Is renting a car in Lisbon worth it?

Based on what I’ve researched so far, my answer is no. But let’s look at why and how much you can expect to spend getting around Lisbon.

How Does Public Transportation in Lisbon Work?

Lisbon has a fairly diverse transportation network. If you’re visiting as a tourist, the main modes of transportation you’ll probably use are:

What I find most interesting is that you don’t have to choose just one.

You can spend a day walking a lot, take the metro for a longer journey, hop on a tram out of curiosity, and call an Uber at the end of the day when your legs are about to give up after climbing so many hills (Lisbon has a LOT of hills, so start preparing yourself 🤭).

And honestly, that’s probably what I’d do.

How Much Does Public Transportation in Lisbon Cost?

Before explaining each mode of transportation, let’s talk about money, because I know that’s one of the first things I’d look up, and probably something you’re looking for, too.

The official fares in effect in 2026 are:

These are the official 2026 prices published by CARRIS and Lisbon Metro.

One thing that immediately stands out is that buying your ticket in advance can be cheaper than paying on board. For example, a bus ticket purchased on board costs €2.30, while a CARRIS/METRO ticket costs €1.90.

So it’s worth understanding how tickets work before simply hopping on the first bus that comes along.

Lisbon Metro: Probably the Transportation I’d Use Most

The metro seems to be one of the most practical ways to get around Lisbon, especially when you need to cover a longer distance without relying on traffic conditions.

I’ve never used a metro before, so I admit this is something I’d research quite a bit before the trip. But looking at how it works in Lisbon, it doesn’t seem too complicated.

How Much Does the Lisbon Metro Cost?

In 2026, a metro journey costs:

• €1.90 with a CARRIS/METRO ticket;
• €1.72 using Zapping;
• €1.92 when paying directly with a contactless bank card.

The contactless option is particularly interesting for anyone making just a few journeys. Lisbon Metro allows you to tap a contactless bank card or a compatible device using Apple Pay or Google Pay directly on the validator.

There’s just one important detail: the card or device is for individual use. In other words, the same card shouldn’t be used to pay for two people’s journeys.

What If I Want to Use the Metro Several Times in One Day?

There’s a 24-hour CARRIS/METRO ticket, which costs €7.25 in 2026 and allows unlimited travel for 24 hours from the first validation.

Here’s a simple calculation: four journeys at €1.90 each would already cost €7.60.

So if you know you’ll be using public transportation a lot that day, a day pass may start to make sense.

Buses in Lisbon

Buses are a great complement to the city’s transportation network and can be useful when the metro doesn’t get you close enough to your destination.

For me, they’d also be a good alternative for routes where I’d otherwise have to take the metro and walk quite a bit, but there’s a bus that drops me practically at the door.

The bus fare purchased on board in 2026 is €2.30. A CARRIS/METRO ticket purchased in advance costs €1.90 and can be used on the CARRIS network and the metro, subject to the ticket’s conditions.

Would I Be Afraid of Getting on the Wrong Bus?

Not really. I’m very methodical about these things.

I’d be much more concerned about safety than about getting lost.

I think that with Google Maps or another navigation app, the chances of getting on the wrong bus would be pretty small. I’d probably double-check the route number, direction, and stop before boarding, and that would be it.

But safety would be a real concern for me, especially in an unfamiliar city.

Lisbon’s Trams: Do I Need to Ride the Famous Tram 28?

Trams are one of Lisbon’s most recognizable images. And probably the most famous one is Tram 28.

Before doing my research, my reaction was:

“Looks pretty cool.”

And honestly, that’s more or less how I still feel about it.

I’m not particularly eager to take the ride just because it’s a tourist attraction. It’s not that I want to avoid Tram 28 because it’s famous; it’s simply not an experience that’s very high on my list.

If I were in Lisbon and happened to pass one, I’d probably be really happy to see the tram up close and take a bunch of pictures.

But getting on it just because I’m a tourist doesn’t seem necessary to me.

How Much Does It Cost to Ride a Tram?

The CARRIS onboard fare for trams is €3.30 in 2026.

On the other hand, travelers using a CARRIS/METRO ticket purchased in advance can use the CARRIS network within the ticket’s validity rules. The €1.90 ticket is valid across the CARRIS network and the metro for 60 minutes, although there are specific rules for consecutive metro entries.

So if you want to ride a tram, it’s worth paying attention to the type of ticket you’re buying.

Is Riding Tram 28 Worth It?

If you want to, yes.

If your goal is simply to get around, there are other options.

If your goal is to experience one of the city’s most traditional forms of transportation, then the ride takes on a different meaning.

In my case, I’d probably prioritize other experiences.

Lisbon’s Funiculars and the Santa Justa Lift

And here we get to one of Lisbon’s most distinctive features: its hills.

Or rather, its many hills. I warned you.

If I were going to Lisbon tomorrow, I’d be prepared to climb some hills.

The city has funiculars and lifts specifically designed to help people get around its steepest areas.

These include:

• Bica Funicular;
• Glória Funicular;
• Lavra Funicular;
• Santa Justa Lift.

In 2026, tickets purchased on board cost €4.30 for the funiculars and €6.20 for the Santa Justa Lift.

But there’s an important distinction here. Some of these modes of transportation can be seen both as practical ways to tackle the hills and as tourist experiences.

I’d probably decide depending on the situation.

If I were tired after walking all day, I certainly wouldn’t feel embarrassed about paying to ride uphill.

Trains in Lisbon: Essential for Visiting Sintra and Cascais

If there’s one mode of transportation I consider important for anyone planning a trip to Lisbon, it’s the train.

That’s because the Lisbon area’s urban train network isn’t just for getting around the capital.

It also serves popular tourist destinations such as Sintra and Cascais.

CP operates urban train lines to Sintra, Cascais, Azambuja, and Sado.

“Do I need to rent a car for these day trips?”

For anyone planning to visit Sintra and Cascais, the answer is generally no.

How to Get from Lisbon to Sintra

Taking the train is one of the main options.

The Sintra line is part of CP’s urban rail network and can be included in the 24-hour CARRIS/METRO/CP ticket, which costs €11.40 in 2026. This ticket allows unlimited travel for 24 hours on CARRIS, the metro, and CP’s urban train lines, including the Sintra line.

This can be a great option for anyone planning to spend a day exploring Lisbon and also take a train trip.

It’s important to remember, though, that arriving at Sintra station doesn’t mean you’ve arrived directly at the attractions. You’ll still need to figure out how to get to the palaces and other tourist sites.

And that’s exactly one of the reasons I want to write a separate article about Sintra in 1 Day: getting to the town is only one part of the planning process.

How to Get from Lisbon to Cascais

Cascais is also served by CP’s urban train network.

The Cascais line is part of Lisbon’s metropolitan railway system, and ticket prices are calculated according to the zones traveled.

Just as with Sintra, there doesn’t seem to be any need to rent a car simply to take this day trip.

Taxis, Uber, and Bolt in Lisbon

Now we get to the mode of transportation I’d use without feeling guilty when I was tired.

If I’d spent the entire day walking around Lisbon, had luggage with me, or came across a route where public transportation was very inconvenient, I’d happily call an Uber or Bolt or take a taxi.

How Much Does an Uber or Bolt Cost in Lisbon?

Apps like Uber use fares that can vary depending on distance, duration, vehicle category, demand, and other factors. Uber itself states that fares may temporarily increase during periods of high demand.

Bolt also provides route-specific estimates. In examples currently available for Lisbon, a journey of approximately 4.7 km between Lisbon Airport and Vasco da Gama Shopping Center shows an estimated fare of €5.90 for the basic category, while a journey of around 8.1 km between Colombo Shopping Center and the airport is estimated at approximately €8.20. These are just examples, and prices may change.

How Much Would I Set Aside in My Budget?

For planning purposes, I’d consider around €10 to €15 per ride with a ride-hailing app within Lisbon a comfortable allowance to avoid underestimating my budget.

This isn’t an official fare or a fixed Uber/Bolt average—it’s a planning allowance. When you’re actually traveling, it’s always best to check the price in the app before confirming your ride.

If I were planning to use ride-hailing apps only occasionally, I’d set aside something like:

€10–€20 per day when you think you might use a ride-hailing app.

Some days you might spend €0. On others, you could spend €20 or more.

That’s why I wouldn’t make Uber my main mode of transportation.

What About Lisbon Airport?

The airport is served by the metro, so you don’t necessarily have to start your trip by paying for a taxi or ride-hailing app.

You can also use Uber or a transfer service, especially if you’re traveling with luggage, with family, are too tired to take the metro, or arrive at a time when convenience matters more.

Uber allows you to check the estimated fare before requesting a ride, including trips starting or ending at Lisbon Airport.

My choice would depend a lot on the situation.

If I were traveling alone, with little luggage, and my hotel had good metro connections, I’d probably choose public transportation.

If I had large suitcases, was tired after a long flight, and the ride-hailing fare wasn’t outrageous, I might pay for the convenience.

Check out GetTransfer’s transfer options!

If you need an airport transfer, it’s worth comparing the available options on GetTransfer: See GetTransfer options

How Much Should You Spend on Transportation per Day in Lisbon?

This is one of the things I’d most like to find when planning my own trip.

Because knowing that “a ticket costs €1.90” is useful, but knowing how much I should set aside per day is much more practical.

So, for a typical sightseeing trip, I’d estimate something like this:

The first figures are planning estimates based on official 2026 fares. The Uber/Bolt amounts are budget allowances, not fixed fares, because ride-hailing apps use variable pricing.

What Would That Add Up to Over 5 Days?

If you’re traveling on a budget and using public transportation a lot, I’d set aside approximately:

€30 to €40 per person for five days.

If you’d like more flexibility to use Uber or Bolt occasionally, I’d increase that budget to something like:

€60 to €100 per person.

Of course, the total could be lower or higher depending on where you’re staying, how many journeys you make, how many people are traveling together, and your travel style.

But this should give you a much better idea of how much to budget for transportation.

Is Buying a 24-Hour Pass in Lisbon Worth It?

It can be.

The 24-hour CARRIS/METRO ticket costs €7.25 and allows unlimited travel on these systems for 24 hours.

If you’re planning to make four or more journeys that day, it may already be financially worthwhile compared with buying several individual tickets.

There’s also the 24-hour CARRIS/METRO/CP ticket for €11.40, which includes urban trains to destinations such as Sintra and Cascais.

So before buying anything, I’d ask myself:

How many times will I use public transportation today?

If the answer is “hardly at all,” I probably don’t need a day pass.

If it’s “I’m taking the metro, a bus, and a train,” then the math could change quite a bit.

Is It Better to Walk or Use Public Transportation in Lisbon?

For me, this wouldn’t even be a choice between one or the other.

I’d do both.

Lisbon is a city I’d really want to explore on foot. The architecture, streets, viewpoints, building facades, and neighborhoods themselves are all part of the experience.

Plus, walking means saving money.

But Lisbon has hills. Lots of them.

So I wouldn’t plan an itinerary assuming I’d walk everywhere.

I’d do it like this:

• Nearby attractions → walk;
• Longer journeys → metro or bus;
• Sintra/Cascais → train;
• When tired, carrying luggage, or in specific situations → Uber/Bolt/Transfer or taxi.

I think that combination would be perfect for me.

Do I Need to Rent a Car in Lisbon?

For a first trip focused on Lisbon, I wouldn’t rent a car.

And this is a conclusion that became even stronger after researching the available options.

Public transportation can already cover a large part of your sightseeing needs, and you also have the option of walking quite a bit.

There’s another issue, too, that doesn’t immediately come to mind when we think about renting a car.

The car needs to be parked somewhere.

You might find an apparently cheap rental rate, but the real cost of the trip doesn’t end with the daily rental price.

There’s fuel, parking, insurance, possible fees, tolls depending on your itinerary, and the stress of driving and parking in a city you don’t know.

Lisbon is also an old city, with narrow streets and plenty of hills. Even KAYAK highlights that compact cars are popular for making it easier to get around and park, while also noting that driving in Lisbon can involve narrow roads and steep terrain.

But Renting a Car Isn’t That Expensive, Right?

You really can find very low daily rental rates.

At the time of my research, KAYAK showed small cars in Lisbon for around €13 per day on average, although offers and prices vary considerably depending on the date, vehicle category, and rental company. The platform also shows that prices can fluctuate significantly throughout the year.

In other words, it’s not necessarily the daily rental rate that makes renting a car a bad choice.

It’s the total cost + how useful the car will actually be.

If you’re spending five days in Lisbon, visiting neighborhoods and attractions during the day, and returning to the same hotel every night, why pay for a car that’s likely to sit parked for much of the time?

When Is Renting a Car in Portugal Worth It?

That’s where things change.

If you’re planning a longer trip around Portugal, visiting several cities and places where public transportation isn’t as convenient, renting a car can start to make a lot more sense.

For example: a road trip around Portugal; visiting several cities on the same trip; exploring the countryside; visiting beaches and more remote areas; going to places with limited rail connections; or following an itinerary where you plan to change accommodation frequently.

In that case, I’d do exactly what I’d do for my own trip and put everything down on paper.

How much does the car cost?

How much will fuel cost?

How much will I pay for parking?

Are there tolls?

How much would I spend using trains and buses?

How much time will I save?

And, most importantly: Will the car actually give me more freedom, or will it just become another expense?

If the numbers show that it’s worth it, then I’d rent one.

Compare the options on GetRentACar!

If you decide that renting a car is a must, I recommend comparing the available options on GetRentACar before booking: See GetRentACar options

How Would I Get Around Lisbon on My First Trip?

After researching all these options, my choice ended up being pretty much what I’d imagined before I started.

I wouldn’t rent a car.

I’d choose well-located accommodation in a neighborhood that would allow me to do some things on foot, and I’d use public transportation to cover the rest of my journeys.

And I wouldn’t have any problem paying for an Uber when I was tired.

I can choose whichever mode of transportation makes the most sense at the time.

And honestly, I’d love to walk around Lisbon.

The city’s architecture is one of the things that attracts me most to the destination. So if everything were relatively close, I’d probably choose to walk, even if that meant discovering that the little uphill stretch on the map was actually a mountain.

Summary: Which Mode of Transportation Should You Use in Lisbon?

If you’ve made it this far and are still thinking, “Okay, but which one should I choose?”, I’d sum it up like this:

I think Lisbon is the kind of destination where not having a car can actually be an advantage.

You save money, avoid worrying about parking, don’t have to drive in a city you don’t know, and can still explore a lot on foot.

Now I just need to start training my legs for those hills 😅

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Around Lisbon

Is It Easy to Get Around Lisbon Without a Car?

Yes. For a sightseeing trip focused on Lisbon, you can combine walking, the metro, buses, and trams, using taxis or ride-hailing apps occasionally. For day trips to places such as Sintra and Cascais, you can also take urban trains.

How Much Does Public Transportation in Lisbon Cost?

In 2026, a CARRIS/METRO ticket costs €1.90, while a 24-hour CARRIS/METRO ticket costs €7.25. The 24-hour ticket that includes CARRIS, the metro, and CP costs €11.40.

Is Buying a 24-Hour Pass in Lisbon Worth It?

It can be worth it if you plan to make several journeys in one day. The 24-hour CARRIS/METRO ticket costs €7.25 in 2026 and allows unlimited travel for 24 hours.

Do I Need to Rent a Car to Explore Lisbon?

No. For a trip focused on Lisbon, public transportation and walking are usually more practical options. A car may make more sense if you’re planning a longer trip around Portugal or visiting areas with limited public transportation connections.

How Do I Get from Lisbon to Sintra?

One of the main options is to take a CP train. The Sintra line is part of Lisbon’s urban rail network, and there’s a 24-hour CARRIS/METRO/CP ticket that also includes this line.

How Do I Get from Lisbon to Cascais?

Cascais is also served by CP’s urban train network. Ticket prices are calculated according to the zones traveled.

Do Uber and Bolt Work in Lisbon?

Yes. Both apps are available in the city and allow you to check the estimated price before requesting a ride. The fare may vary depending on distance, duration, vehicle category, and demand.

How Much Should I Budget for Transportation per Day in Lisbon?

For a budget-friendly trip, I’d consider approximately €4–€6 per person per day. For someone using public transportation more frequently, around €6–€8. If you plan to use Uber or Bolt occasionally, I’d set aside between €15 and €25 for the days when you expect to use a ride-hailing app.

These figures are planning estimates, not fixed fares.

Is Walking Around Lisbon Worth It?

Yes—especially when attractions are close to one another. Walking is also a great way to discover the city’s neighborhoods and architecture. The only thing to keep in mind is that Lisbon has plenty of hills, so it’s worth balancing walking with public transportation.

Don’t go just yet! How about checking out these articles that might interest you?

→ Portugal Itinerary: How Many Days Do You Need to See the Country?

→ 5-Day Lisbon Itinerary: What I’d Do on My First Trip

→ How Much Does a 5-Day Trip to Lisbon Cost? A Realistic Budget