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Lisbon tram

The Lisbon Tram: Experience the charm of bygone times

Lisbon's trams started in 1870, when the first concession was granted by the public transport system, then horse-drawn carriages . These bodies were also called "Americanos" because they were imported from America.

The electrification of the various routes began in 1897. In 1920 there were 17 lines, mainly connecting the districts along the Tagus River with the suburbs of Lisbon. Today there are only five of these lines left. Most tram lines have been replaced by buses and the remaining tram lines circulate in the old part of the city.

Some of the original trams are still in operation today. In 1995 the old trams were renovated and some new trams were added. Technically, the trams were completely overhauled, with particular attention being paid to preserving the exterior and internal characteristics of the old tram

The trams run Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and their stops (similar to German buses) have an average frequency of around four trams per hour. However, since the trams are in high demand between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., you will often not have a place to sit and will have to make the journey standing. If you want to travel sitting, take the tram from the terminal points. Tickets can be purchased on board.

Tips for using the tram: The stops are marked with a sign that says the word "paragem" and usually also shows the line number. To stop the tram, signal with your hand. The tram's destination is on the front. You board the tram through the front door and pay or show your day pass; They leave the tram through the back exit. To stop the tram, press one of the red buttons; a flashing light with the word "parar" appears. During rush hour, early in the morning before 9 a.m. and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., it is better to avoid the trams due to the high occupancy.

TIP: >>> Always keep an eye on your valuables, as the trams (especially the 28) are a popular target for pickpockets. 

The individual tram lines of Lisbon 

Tram line 12

Tram lines 12 in Lisbon starts from Praca da Fiqueira, takes you through the busy Martim Moniz square and then turns right to climb the hill through the historic Mouraria district. Here you can experience the history and culture of the city up close. The tram line then runs above the old town of Alfama and near the castle of Sao Jorge. At the Portas do Sol stop you have one of the best views of the city and the Tagus River. Then you head downhill along Lisbon Cathedral and reach the bustling Baixa before returning to Praca da Figueira, the starting point of the route. This trip is worth it, despite the possible waiting time during peak season!

Route and stops of tram line 12

  1. Praça da Figueira
  2. Martim Moniz
  3. Socorro
  4. Largo do Terreirinho
  5. Rua dos Lagares
  6. Rua São Tomé
  7. Largo Portas do Sol
  8. Miradouro de Santa Luzia
  9. Rua Limoeiro
  10. Kathedrale von Lissabon
  11. Rua da Conceição

Es handelt sich um eine zirkuläre Strecke. Geschätzte Dauer der Reiseroute: 20–30 Minuten

Tram line 15

Tram line 15 is a real pearl among public transport in Lisbon. It starts at Praça da Figueira (Rossio) and takes you along the Tagus River to Alges. On this route you cross the harbor area, pass the western part of Lisbon and reach the historic Belem district with its fascinating sights from the time of the discoveries. Experience this must-see trip to Belem by taking tram 15.

The estimated journey time to Belem is around 30 minutes.

Route and stops for tram 15:

  1. Praça da Figueira
  2. Praça do Comércio
  3. Largo do Corpo Santo
  4. Cais do Sodre
  5. Cais da Rocha
  6. Av Infante Santo 49a (Inst Militar)
  7. Largo do Calvário
  8. Estação De Santo Amaro
  9. Lisbon Congress Centre
  10. Hosp. Egas Moniz
  11. Rua Pinto Ferreira
  12. Altinho (MAAT)
  13. Mosteiro Jerónimos
  14. Centro Cultural Belém
  15. Largo da Princesa
  16. Algés - Pç. D. Manuel I
  17. Jardim de Algés

Tram line 18

Tram 18 departs from Cais de Sodre station, from where you will travel west along the Tagus River. In the middle of the route you turn right and drive uphill through the traditional residential areas until you finally reach the beautiful Royal Palace of Ajuda on the hill. Here you can enjoy a remarkable view of the river and the 15 de Abril Bridge in the background. At the end of the route, above the palace, is the cemetery in Ajuda.

The estimated journey time is between 25 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic.  

Route and stops of tram line 18 in Lisbon:

  1. Cais do Sodre
  2. Lg. Vitorino Damásio
  3. Santos
  4. Cais da Rocha
  5. Largo do Calvário
  6. Calçada da Tapada
  7. Pavilhão Desportivo da Ajuda
  8. Rua João de Barros
  9. Alto De Santo Amaro
  10. Largo Rio Seco
  11. Boa-Hora
  12. Rua de Dom Vasco
  13. Rua da Bica do Marquês
  14. Palácio Nacional da Ajuda
  15. Rua das Açucenas
  16. Cemitério da Ajuda

Tram line 25

The route of tram 25 begins at Rua Alfandega in Baixa. From there it leads west via the Praca do Comércio. After Santos o Velho, we go uphill to the right through Lapa with its numerous mansions, further through the Estrela district and finally to Campo de Ourique. The destination of the route is the Cemiterio dos Prazeres. On weekends and public holidays, the tram is supplemented by minibuses that cover the same route.

The estimated duration of the trip is 30-40 minutes.

Route and stops of tram line 25:

  1. Rua da Alfândega
  2. Praça do Comércio
  3. Largo do Corpo Santo
  4. Rua de São Paulo
  5. Largo do Conde Barão
  6. Largo Vitorino Damásio
  7. Santos-o-Velho
  8. Rua de São João da Mata
  9. Rua Garcia de Orta
  10. Rua de São Domingos
  11. Rua de Buenos Aires
  12. Basílica da Estrela
  13. Rua Domingos Sequeira
  14. Rua Saraiva de Carvalho
  15. Igreja do Santo Condestável
  16. Campo Ourique (Prazeres)

Tram line 28

Tramlkinie 28 is undoubtedly the most popular tram that every traveler in Lisbon should experience. The route takes you through the picturesque streets of the historic old town around Sän Jorge Castle. The route then descends past the cathedral and through the vibrant Baixa city center before climbing hills towards the Chiado and Bairro Alto districts. On the way you will also pass the Palacio Säo Bento, which serves as the seat of the Portuguese Parliament. The route then continues to the Basilica da Estrela and finally to the Campo de Ourique area before ending at dos Prazeres Cemetery.

With an estimated length of 40-50 minutes, this is a truly comprehensive and worthwhile ride, although there may be some waiting times in high season .

Route and stops of tram line 28:

  1. Praça Martim Moniz
  2. Rua da Palma
  3. Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos
  4. Rua Maria Andrade
  5. Rua dos Sapadores
  6. Rua da Graça
  7. A Voz do Operário
  8. Calçada de São Vicente
  9. Rua das Escolas Gerais
  10. Largo Portas do Sol
  11. Miradouro de Santa Luzia
  12. Limoeiro
  13. Kathedrale von Lissabon
  14. Rua da Conceição
  15. Largo da Academia Nacional de Belas Artes
  16. Praça Luís de Camões
  17. Largo Calhariz
  18. Rua do Poço dos Negros
  19. Basílica da Estrela
  20. Rua Domingos Sequeira
  21. Rua Saraiva de Carvalho
  22. Igreja do Santo Condestável
  23. Cemitério de Prazeres

View of the Tagus river from Belem