Tram 28 Lisbon Guide

This post is a guide to using Tram 28E, how much it costs, tips on how to avoid the crowds, and a map of notable stops that you might want to visit.

OVERVIEW

The secret is out when it comes to Tram 28, as this has become arguably the most popular tram in all of Lisbon thanks to all the landmarks and sites you can see along the way.

Because Lisbon’s hills are steep and narrow, modern trams can’t be used on most routes.

Instead, many Lisbon trams are vintage Remodelado trams, such as Tram 28E.

The old-time ringing and hard, uncomfortable wood benches add to the charming ambiance of these historic trams.

Here are just a few of the locations you can reach with ease using this service:

Se Cathedral
Thieves Market
São Jorge Castle
Basilica da Estrela
National Pantheon
Miradouro da Graça
Arco da Rua Augusta
Assembly of the Republic
Museum of Decorative Arts
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
And more!

We’ll cover even more of the landmarks and attractions included along the way in our section about the route map and stops you may want to make.

Tickets are very affordable, but you can actually save money on them by using either a Viva Viagem card or a Lisbon tourist pass.

We’ll cover all admission options in our tickets & schedule section.

This tram is available every day of the week, typically from at least, 6 am - 10 pm.

That said, it’s also very popular, so you should expect standing-room-only most of the time and there might not be any room at all during peak hours and busy tourist seasons.

The historic Remodelado Tram 28E

If you want help figuring out how to avoid missing the tram, make sure to read our section offering tips and tricks to beat the crowds.

TICKETS AND SCHEDULE

All trams in Lisbon are part of the public transportation system, which means that ticket prices will be the same for each of them.

Here are the fares you can expect to pay:

Single Ride: €3 (€1.50 with Viva Viagem card)
1-Day Ticket: €6.45 (available with Viva Viagem card)

As you can see, the Viva Viagem card cuts the price in half for single rides, and it can also be used to purchase 1-day tickets.

This travel pass costs just €0.50 to purchase, so even if you only use it for one ride, you’ll still save €1 using this service.

However, you can’t pick up the Viva Viagem card from tram conductors. Conductors only accept cash for full-priced tickets.

Viva Viagem cards are only available at Metro and suburban train stations, on ferries, and at PayShop locations.

For more details about Viva Viagem and other ways to save money on trams, please read our post covering public transportation in Lisbon.

Tickets and Viva Viagem cards are valid for all forms of public transport in Lisbon, including trams, metro, buses, and funiculars.

TIME-SAVING TIP

If you want to avoid any confusion with getting tickets, consider getting a Lisbon Card instead.

This tourist pass includes unlimited free travel on all metro, buses, elevators, and trams -- including Tram 28!

You can also use this pass for free entry to dozens of museums and monuments, train travel to Sintra and Cascais, and additional discounts at popular restaurants and shopping centers (learn more here).

Prices start at just €21 a day, so if you're planning to see and do a lot while in Lisbon, this could be a good way to save money and time without worrying about whether or not you have the right tram tickets.

Tram 28 Schedule

Starts at Martim Moniz
Ends at Campo Ourique
Weekday Hours: 5:40 am - 11:30 pm
Saturday Hours: 5:45 am - 10:30 pm
Sunday Hours: 6:45 am - 10:30 pm

Trams run every 10 minutes during rush hour and every 15 minutes for off-peak hours.

Taking Tram 28 from one end to the other will last approximately 48 minutes depending on traffic.

Check the official website for the current timetable.

TIPS TO BEAT THE CROWDS

Due to its popularity, Tram 28 often offers only standing room most of the day, and conductors often skip stops when there is no more space for additional passengers.

Likewise, lines at the tram departure points – particularly at Praça Martin Moniz – can take an hour or more, particularly in the busy cruise-ship season (see image above).

Here are a few tips to help you avoid crowds.

1. Go Early or Late

Visitors using the tram early in the day (6 am - 8 am) can expect smaller than usual crowds on Tram 28.

It’s also usually a lot less busy at the end of the night 21:00 - 23:50 (9 pm - 11:30 pm).

2. Start at the Opposite End

A lot of travelers hop on Tram 28 at its point of inception, Martim Moniz, but it really has 2 starting points.

By the time it reaches its final destination at Campo Ourique (map), most people have hopped off at one of the many attractions along the way.

You are much more likely to get a seat here, as you can see in the image above of a small crowd waiting for an empty tram.

You can also use Tram 25E or several public bus lines to reach this location.

This end is also where you can find Jardim da Estrela, Basilica Estrella, and the Prazeres Cemetery, so you can make it a well-planned out adventure.

3. Consider an Alternative

While Tram 28E is a great way to see some of the best landmarks in Lisbon, it’s not the only service that operates with Remodelado trams.

The 12E tram runs along some of the same tracks in Alfama as the 28E, including stops at the São Jorge Castle, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, the Se Cathedral, and more.

It makes a stop at Praca Figueroa, which is one stop before Montim Moriz and where you should have a better chance at getting a seat.

And the lines for the 12E at Martim Moriz are usually shorter than the line for the 28E, so it’s an option for you if you don’t want to wait for the latter.

Free Tram 12E Audio Tour

There is a new startup that provides an audio tour designed to ride the Tram 12E called Urban Monkeys.

It's a free app and the tour is currently free to download and use. They plan to offer more tours in the near future.

You may also want to use the 25E tram to reach Campo Ourique, where you can start your journey back to the downtown area on the 28E.

There’s also a tram specifically designed for tourists that is owned and operated by Yellow Bus Tours (though their trams are red).

Many travelers report this is an excellent option, and you can even save money on their services using a tourist pass!

Lastly, if you think you’re up for it, you can always walk the route of Tram 28 to see all the sites included.

4. Watch Out For Pickpockets

This is just a general word of advice you should keep in mind, especially if you’re planning to board a very full tram.

There is a bit of a pickpocket problem in the city center of Lisbon, and many of them target this popular service.

Even if you just plan to walk the route, make sure to take the proper precautions so that you don’t get anything stolen.

TRAM 28E ROUTE MAP AND TOP STOPS

Tram 28 has a total of 34 different stops, and while a lot of them are at or near historic landmarks, they aren’t all locations that tourists will want to visit.

The following map will give you a better understanding of where each notable site is located, and we will also provide details about some of the best stops along the route.

Click on the map to open a larger, interactive map.

Praça Martim Moniz

This is where the Tram 28 route begins, and it’s also a great location to visit.

There are several notable sites within walking distance, including the Church of São Domingos and Praça do Rossio.

R. Graça Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Traveling north on the tram, this is the next stop you might want to make, as the excellent viewing point Miradouro da Senhora is nearby.

You’ll also find Jardim da Cerca da Graça, a wonderful park with a play area which also offers wonderful views of the city.

Graça – Viewpoint of Graça

The next stop you might want to consider is at Graça, which is located literally right next to Convento de Nossa Senhora da Graça.

This is the site of Miradouro da Graça, another excellent viewing deck where you can get a good look at the rest of the city.

We also offer a self-guided tour of Alfama that begins from here to help you find the best places to visit, and it’s entirely free to use!

Voz Operário

Continuing south, you’ll come across this stop shortly after Graça, and there are many reasons to hop off here.

The Church of São Vicente of Fora is nearby, as is the National Pantheon.

You can also visit the Santa Clara Market, a flea market otherwise known as the Thieves Market which is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Lg. Portas Sol & São Jorge Castle

As Tram 28 heads further south, you may want to stop here to enjoy one of the best views in the city at Miradouro das Portas do Sol.

This is also the closest stop for São Jorge Castle and the Museum of Decorative Arts.

TIP: If you're interested in visiting the castle, it's worth noting that you can get tickets to climb the Tower of São Jorge Castle for just €5.

Santa Luzia Viewpoint

Just a bit further south from Lg. Portas Sol, you’ll find yet another excellent viewing deck – Miradouro Santa Luzia.

Whether you’re looking for a different point of view (literally) or other viewpoints are crowded, this is a great stop to make.

Limoeiro

After traveling southwest from the last location, this stop is the next site you may want to consider visiting, as it’s within walking distance of Se Cathedral, the Roman Theatre and the Church of Santo Antônio de Lisboa.

R. Conceição

Heading west from Se Cathedral, this is the next stop which includes some pretty popular attractions.

Located in the Baixa (low town), you’ll have the opportunity to visit Praça do Comercio, Arco da Rua Augusta, and MODA.

There is also a self-guided tour of this area which you can take for free!

Lg. Academia Nacional Belas Ar

If you’re interested in seeing the Cais do Sodre neighborhood, this is probably the best place to get off Tram 28 and take a look around.

It’s also a transfer point for trams 24E and 15E, the latter of which will take you to Belem.

Praça Luis Camões

Traveling north from Lg. Academia Nacional Belas Ar you’ll reach this next stop in Chiado.

This neighborhood has several theatres for operas/musicals and venues for Fado music. It’s also a well-known commercial area with high-end shopping.

Located next to Bairro Alto (high town), this district is actually where both our self-guided and GPS-led audio tours begin.

This is also where free walking tours of the area start.

Calhariz

Just west of Praça Luis Camões, this stop is where our self-guided tour of Chiado-Barrio Alto begins, and it’s also the place where Elevador da Bica departs.

This stop is also just a few blocks from another viewpoint, Miradouro de Santa Catarina.

Cç. Estrela / R. Borges Carnei

This stop is further west from Calhariz and it’s right in front of the Portuguese Parliament Building.

Right next to it, you’ll also see the Assembly of the Republic and many other notable government buildings.

Across from the Assembly is the Jardim das Francesinhas/Jardim Lisboa Antiga.

Estrela (Basilica) - Jardim de Estrela Park

Heading northwest from the Parliament Building, the next big stop is going to be perfect for taking a break and enjoying a walk.

This is the site of not only the Basilica da Estrela, but also the Jardim da Estrela. While you’re here, enjoy the views from this historic church!

Campo Ourique

This is the final stop on Tram 28, and it’s actually the site of a famous cemetery.

The Prazeres Cemetery has been the final resting place of several notable Portuguese people, including Prime Ministers like Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo, pianists like Alexandre Rey Colaço, painters like Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, and even former president Mário Soares.

RELEVANT POSTS

TICKETS AND SCHEDULE

TIME-SAVING TIP

Tram 28 Schedule