Getting Around Lisbon: Trams, Metro, Funiculars & Hills

Metro: The Efficient Backbone

Lisbon's metro is clean, safe, efficient, and cheap, according to travellers. It's a great way to cover longer distances and avoid the hills. Key stations in the centre include Baixa-Chiado, Rossio, and Restauradores.

From the airport, you can take the metro to Rossio Station for €1.45, as reported by a traveller. The metro is part of the public transport network, and the Lisboa Card covers local transport in Lisbon, but not once you're in Sintra or Cascais, travellers report.

Trams: Iconic but Crowded

Tram 28 is a favourite for riding through historic neighbourhoods like Alfama, but it's notorious for pickpockets and long queues. Travellers report waiting 30 to 45 minutes at Martim Moniz, but you can board the same tram in Estrela and avoid the queue.

Tram 12E and 28E also serve Alfama. Be careful with pickpockets on Tram 28; it's quite common. Also, be aware of a ticket scam: tram officers may claim you didn't validate your card and demand a penalty of €85 cash or €150 later; report to police, travellers warn.

Funiculars and Lifts: Hills Made Easy

Lisbon's funiculars and lifts help with steep hills. The Bica Funicular (Ascensor da Bica/Elevador da Bica) is not a tram and is not in Alfama, travellers clarify. The Santa Justa Lift in Baixa offers excellent vertical views, but the line can be long; consider walking up the hidden stairs behind it for great views and avoid the queue, a traveller suggests.

Note: one traveller reported that all of Lisbon's funiculars and lifts were closed following an accident, so check locally before you go.

Walking the Hills: Prepare for a Workout

Lisbon is built on seven hills, so walking can be a workout. Many slopes and few flat areas are trademarks of the city. Comfortable walking shoes with grip are essential because calçada portuguesa gets slippery, especially if it rains, travellers advise.

Pack light with a carry-on only; cobblestone streets and hills make rolling large suitcases a real workout. Wandering around without a plan is half the fun in Lisbon, but use public transport to save your legs on longer stretches.

Tram 28 Alternatives: Other Ways to Explore

If Tram 28 is too crowded, consider these alternatives:

• Tram 12E: Also goes through Alfama and is often less crowded. - Tram 15E: Goes to Belém and follows the Junqueira residential line. - Bus 728: Follows the coast to Belém with few stops. - Metro: Use the Azul (Blue) and Verde (Green) lines to cover ground quickly. - Tuk-tuks: Can be used a few times to reach viewpoints and higher neighbourhoods, a traveller suggests.

For viewpoints, many miradouros require serious uphill walks, but others are more easily accessible. Tuk-tuk tours are a great way to get around to these spots, a traveller reports.