How to get from Alfama, Baixa, or anywhere in central Lisbon to Belém? Take tram 15E.
How to get from Alfama to Belém – take Tram 15E
If you are in Alfama, you will have to come down the hill to Praça da Figueira to board the tram. Tram 15 does not actually stop in Alfama, but Praça da Figueira is a short distance away.
Tram 15E goes from Praça da Figueira to the Jardim de Algés. This elétrico connects the downtown Baixa District to the Belém neighborhood.
It passes through Cais do Sodré, Alcântara (near the LX Factory, Belém, and ends in Algés on the outskirts of Lisbon.
Popular stops along the Tram 15E route include:
- Praça da Figueira – The starting point for Tram 28. You are outside of the Rossio Metro station and steps away from the São Domingos Church (construction began in 1241), and near the tiny bar “A Ginjinha” where you can sip some local culture. The plaza often hosts a farmer’s market, and is one of Lisbon’s transportation hubs.
- Praça do Comércio – Lisbon’s largest square. It is located on the riverfront, and was once home to the royal palace. The palace is no longer there, as it was destroyed in the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake. For more information, see my article, Praça do Comércio – Everything you need to know
- Cais do Sodré – A transport hub with ferry, metro, and trains going to the beaches of Cascais and all points in between. Also, the station is basically across the street from the Time Out Market and the Pink Street night life district.
- Cais da Rocha – You can visit the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga. http://museudearteantiga.pt
- Infante Santo (Alcânatara Mar) – refurbished warehouses have turned into bars and clubs. There is a view of Doca Espanhol and the 25 April Bridge.
- Calvário – Home to the LX factory – a hip neighborhood of repurposed warehouses that are now artists’ studios, cafes, restaurants, bars, and a fantastic bookstore. For more information on the LX Factory, see my Is the LX Factory worth visiting? This stop is also only a short walk away from the Berardo Art Deco Museum that opened its doors in 2022.
- Santa Amaro – The Carris Tram and Public Transport Museum is located here. https://museu.carris.pt
- Mosteiro dos Jerónimos – The Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most extraordinary pieces of architecture in Portugal. Construction on this UNESCO World Heritage site started in 1501. To learn more about the monastery read my Is the Jerónimos Monastery worth visiting? Across the street from the monastery, you will also find the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos), and the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém). Surprising Belém Tower facts One block east of the metro stop you will find the original Pastéis de Belém bakery. For more information on the bakery, read The big difference between Pastéis de Belém and Pastéis de Nata This is also the stop for you if you are going to MAAT (the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology), the extremely popular National Coach Museum – one of the best carriage museums in the world , or if you want to Visit the new Quake Lisbon Earthquake Experience right next door.
- Jardim de Algés – If you ride to the last stop, you can visit the Algés Garden, Parque dos Anjos, or the small, riverside Algés Beach.
Tram 15E Lisbon route map
It is easiest to get a seat on the 15E if you board at Praça da Figueira. The trip from Praça da Figueira to Belém takes roughly 30 minutes.
The Belém neighborhood has a lot to see, much of it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is not connected to the metro system. For more information on Belém’s treasures see my article, Lisbon’s historic Belém neighborhood | Everything you need to know
The 15E Tram route does not use vintage yellow trams, but instead uses the sporty, new “Articulado” trams that have connected carriages.
How do you pay for Tram 15E?
You insert the exact change into the machine onboard. It is €3 each way.
You could also use the 24-hour transport card. This card has unlimited use on all buses, metros, trams, and funiculars for 24 hours. It cannot be purchased on the tram – only in a metro station.
Or use a Viva Viagem Card with Zapping. To learn more, you can read my What is the Viva Viagem Card? Everything you need to know
Another option is the Lisboa Card, sold by the Chamber of Commerce. It allows for free rides on public transport for a period of 24, 48, or 72 hours. It also provides free or discounted admission to many of the popular tourist sites. To learn more, read my Lisboa Card | Everything you need to know
The tram runs from 6 am until 1 am. Trams depart roughly every 12 minutes.
Tram 15E gets extremely crowded.
As a result, the tram is also a hub for pickpockets.
Alternatives to Tram 15E
You can also get to Belém via the train that departs from Cais do Sodré station. The train ride only takes seven minutes, and one departs every twenty minutes.
Another option is to take bus 728. You can also hop on this bus at the Cais do Sodré station. The bus trip to Belém will also take roughly 25 minutes.
Thank you for reading this article. You can also read my How to ride Lisbon’s trolleys, cable cars, elevators, and buses for further information.
For other transportation questions, see my article, Lisbon Metro: A helpful guide to the Lisbon subway
I am not affiliated with any businesses mentioned in this article. Thanks for reading. I hope you learned what you need to know about Lisbon’s Tram 15E