Updated Nov. 15, 2023. I have created a helpful guide to the Lisbon subway network, which was created in 1959. The Lisbon Metro has four lines – Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow, and a total of 56 stops.
It does not have a station in the historic Belém neighborhood, but partners with the Carris company, which operates all of the city’s trams, buses, and elevators, and provides options to continue the trip.
Nor does the metro go to the hilly neighborhoods such as Bairro Alto or Alfama, but again, the metro offers passes that are honored by the buses, the trams, and the elevators.
Map of the Lisbon Metro from Metro Lisboa
How much does it cost to ride the Lisbon subway?
The metro costs 1.50 euros per trip, including transfers. The price goes down to 1.35 euros with a zapping card.
How much is a childrens’ Metro pass?
There is no childrens’ pass for non-locals. However, all children under four can ride for free.
Is there a 24-hour pass?
There is a 24-hour pass that is valid from the time of first use for 6.40 euros. It can be used on Metro and Carris (local buses, trams, and funiculars).
Is there a seven-day Lisbon Metro pass?
There is not a seven-day pass, but you might consider purchasing a Viva Viagem card for 50 cents and then top the card up to whatever value you like.
Is there an unlimited pass?
You can purchase a Viva Viagem card for 50 cents and then top the card up to whatever value you like. Purchase the card at ticket vending machines in the metro station or at ticketing offices in the metro station. You can pay with cash or credit / debit cards.
The card may be used an unlimited number of times provided that there is a balance on the card. Two people may not use the same card, even if there is a sufficient balance. So if a family is traveling together, each person must have their own card.
There are two types of Viva Viagem cards – green and white. They cost the same. The green Viva Viagem card can be used for
– Carris/Metro ticket
– Carris/Metro 1-day ticket (24h)
– Carris/Metro/Transtejo (Cacilhas) 1 day ticket
– Carris/Metro/CP 1-day ticket
– Pay as you go ‘zapping’ credit for all members operators (Carris, Metro, Transtejo, CP, Fertagus, Metro Sul do Tejo, Rodoviária de Lisboa and TST)
The white Viva Viagem card can be used for:
– Carris/Metro ticket
– Carris/Metro 1-day ticket
– Carris/Metro/Transtejo (Cacilhas) 1 day ticket
– Carris/Metro/CP 1-day ticket
– Pay as you go ‘zapping’ credit ‘zapping’ credit on Carris, Metro, Transtejo, CP and Fertagus.
This white card is not valid on Metro Transportes do Sul (The bus service on the other side of the Tagus River), or for trains or buses to Cascais or Sintra.
Can I use buses or funiculars with these passes?
The 24-hour metro pass and the Viva Viagem card can be used on local yellow buses. Passengers who pay cash are charged a fare of two euros, but the fare drops to 1.35 euros with the Viva Viagem card. Rides are free with the 24-hour pass. Trams and funiculars are also included with 1.35 being deducted for the ride.
Another option for free use of public transport is to purchase a Lisboa Card, which also offers free and discounted entrance to many sites in Lisbon.
What are the Lisbon Metro’s hours?
The Metro opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 1:00 a.m. every day, including weekends and public holidays.
During this time period, it is possible to travel to any station in the same line, provided you board the train by 1:00 a.m.
Does the Lisbon Metro go from / to the airport?
There is a metro station at the airport. The airport is at the end of the Red Line. More than likely, your hotel will be located near the Blue Line, or a neighborhood that can be easily accessed from the Rossio Station on the Blue Line.
You can transfer to the Blue Line for free at São Sebastião Station. This trip takes roughly 15 minutes. You should not plan on using the metro if you are traveling with a lot of luggage, but one bag is manageable. For more information, check my article The cheapest way to get from the Lisbon airport to central Lisbon
Where can I get the Lisbon Metro / airport time schedule?
Where can I check the frequency of Lisbon Metro trains?
Does the Lisbon Metro go to Belém?
You can take the metro to the Cais do Sodré Station, and at the station switch to a Comboio Train which will stop in Belém.
You can also find Tram 15E in front of the Cais do Sodré Station. This tram stops in Belém as well, right in front of the Jerónimos Monastery.
Is the Lisbon Metro safe?
In general, the Lisbon metro is safe. Lisbon is known to have many pickpockets. But as the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Keep cell phone and valuable items in your front pocket or close to your body.
I have never encountered a thief in Lisbon, but I did drop a 50 euro note as I was exiting the metro, and this heavily-pierced and tattooed young lady made sure that I got my money back.
For more information on safety and security in Lisbon, see my article, 20 tips for staying safe in Lisbon Portugal
Google map of Lisbon
Art and Architecture in Lisbon’s Metro stations
Nearly all of Lisbon’s Metro stations offer something to see. Portuguese artist Vieira da Silva has installations in Rato and Cidade Universitária Metro stations, Júlio Pomar in Alto dos Moinhos, and Maria Keil in most of the stations of the green and yellow lines.
The Olaias Station has been named one of the most beautiful subway stations in Europe and the World, and the Oriente Station is also a striking piece of modern architecture.
What apps can I use for the Lisbon Metro?
Carris, the local bus company affiliated with Metro Lisboa offers a free English app. Metro LX is a free app by Highbrand Lda.
Which hotels are near Lisbon Metro stations?
There are plenty of hotels near metro stations in central Lisbon. See my post Hotels located near metro stations in Lisbon
If you are on a tighter budget, but still want to stay near the subway, read my article, 15 Great Lisbon Hostels Near Metro Stops
Can you get to the beach via public transportation?
Yes, there are quite a few beaches served by Lisbon’s public transportation. See my article, How to use public transportation to get to Lisbon’s beaches
For more information on Lisbon’s cablecars, funiculars, and buses
How to ride Lisbon’s trolleys, cable cars, elevators, and buses
If you purchase a tour from a link in this article, I will earn a small commission. Thank you for your support! Thanks for reading “Lisbon Metro: A helpful guide to the Lisbon subway.”
