Discover Lisbon With Tram 28
Lisbon’s most famous public transport, Tram 28 — more precisely Tram 28E — owes its popularity not solely to the iconic city attractions on its route. More advantageously, old trams like it are the only mode of transport that can climb the city’s very steep and narrow streets, beating even Lisbon’s most modern trams.
Last update: 26 December 2021
Tickets are very affordable, too, and they get even cheaper if you use a Viva Viagem card or a Lisbon tourist pass.
Like a sightseeing bus, the vintage Remodelado yellow tram crosses the city centre and stops by a slew of Lisbon's treasured buildings and districts. Even so, do expect rickety turning of gears and uncomfortable wooden benches. Think of them as added charm.
Here are but a few of the destinations on Tram 28E’s route:
Sé Cathedral
Thieves Market
São Jorge Castle
Basilica da Estrela
National Pantheon
Miradouro da Graça
Arco da Rua Augusta
Assembly of the Republic
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
This tram operates all week, typically from 6 am to 10 pm. Remember that it is also an active public transport vehicle, so don’t expect that it will move leisurely as you pass by key attractions.
Tips to Avoid the Crowd
Because Tram 28 is very popular with tourists, it can be standing-room-only most of the day and conductors often need to skip stops when they can’t board any more passengers.
During cruise-ship season in the summer, departure points gather long queues as well, particularly at Praça Martim Moniz. Expect to wait at least an hour just to get on.
That said, there are strategies to enjoying Tram 28:
Portas do Sol
Ride very early or very late
Target between 6 and 8 am for a more comfortable ride. The tram is also a lot less busy toward the end of the day, at 9 to 11:30 pm.
Board at the opposite end of the route
Most travelers take Tram 28E at the starting point at Martim Moniz. It quickly fills up. By the time the tram reaches its final destination at Campo Ourique, most people have alighted already, so you’re more likely to score a seat here. You can use Tram 25E or a public bus to reach this location.
Around this area is the Jardim da Estrela, Basilica Estrella, and the Prazeres Cemetery, so you can tour first before hopping on Tram 28E.
Try a less crowded stop midway
Catch Tram 28 at Basílica da Estrela (Martim Moniz direction) or at Graça (Campo de Ourique towards Prazeres direction).
Route highlights
Praça do Comércio
From Martim Moniz, the tram climbs to Graça to the Church of São Vicente de Fora. There is a flea market every Tuesday and Saturday mornings there.
If you’re not stopping, let the tram take you through the narrow streets of Alfama, which opens to two viewpoints: the Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Next, glimpse the Sé Cathedral, Rua da Conceição, and then the Baixa grid towards the Chiado, stopping opposite the legendary café A Brasileira.
Before its final stop at Prazeres Cemetery, the tram passes by the Parliament building and the Basílica da Estrela.
The cemetery itself is grand and lovely. See the avenues and lines of beautiful mausoleums, where many of Portugal's eminent figures are buried. A fitting end to the tram tour of Lisbon.
Tram Timetable
Tram 28 leaves every 15 minutes from about 5:40 am to 11:10 pm on weekdays, 5:45 am to 10:30 pm on Saturdays, and 6:45 am to 10:30 pm on Sundays and public holidays.
Lisbon Private Tours
When in Lisbon, get a more intimate experience of the city with Lokal Amico’s private tours hosted by Lisbon locals! Here are just some of the great choices that will make your visit more fun and enriching:
Approaching Torre de Belém
Enjoy the historical city centre the way locals would and gain lots of recommendations for the rest of their trip. Part of the highlights of this experience is a sampling of Lisbon’s famous pastry pastel de nata or custard tart and famous cherry liquor Ginginha.
This 6-hour experience encompasses all of Lisbon’s key sights, culture attractions, food and delicacies, and local life.
Belem is the charming district full of Portuguese history. This experience takes you to beautiful galleries, the history of pastel de nata, iconic monuments, and modern architecture of the city.
This experience reveals the true locals of the city, as well as stunning villas, art deco buildings, the coolest bars, and the best markets and parks to visit.
Important Note:
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