Discover Lisbon Aboard Tram 28

Looking for a unique way to explore Lisbon? Hop on the city’s famous Tram 28! This historic tram — with all its vintage charm intact — takes passengers on a tour of some of the most picturesque districts in the Portuguese capital.

Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

👍 Pro Tip: The Lisbon Card includes a ticket for Tram 28! This handy pass offers unlimited access to Lisbon’s public transportation network (including Tram 28 and the Santa Justa Lift) as well as free entry to many of the city’s must-see attractions, such as the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and São Jorge Castle.

What’s In This Article:
> The History of Tram 28
> Riding Lisbon’s Tram 28
> Tips & Practical Information

A Brief History of Lisbon’s Tram 28

Hop on Lisbon’s Tram 28

Tram 28: A Lisbon Icon

Easily recognizable by its bright yellow exterior and compact size (perfect for navigating the city’s narrow streets), Tram 28 invites passengers on a nostalgic journey back to the 1930s.

What’s inside? Think wooden benches, metal handles, sliding windows, a polished wooden ceiling, and vintage lighting. This charming tram has preserved all the retro appeal of a bygone era!

Today, Tram 28 is not just a mode of transport—it’s a must-do attraction in Lisbon. Its popularity with tourists has even prompted locals to opt for alternative routes to avoid the crowds.

Tip: If possible, try to avoid peak hours and let Lisboetas commuting to work have their seats first.

The Route of Tram 28

Stretching across Lisbon from east to west (or vice versa, depending on where you start), Tram 28 covers about 7 kilometers / 4.5 miles in total.

Travel time: In theory, the journey takes around 40 minutes. In reality, frequent traffic jams mean it can take closer to an hour to reach the end of the line.

Tram 28 winds its way through some of Lisbon’s most iconic districts:

• Martim Moniz: The starting point, located in a lively, multicultural neighborhood buzzing with energy.
  Graça: A historic district offering stunning viewpoints, like the Miradouro da Graça, with panoramic vistas of Lisbon.
• Alfama: Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, famous for its maze of narrow, cobblestone streets and traditional houses.
• Baixa (Lower City): The city’s commercial heart, featuring grand plazas and elegant neoclassical buildings.
• Chiado: A sophisticated cultural hub with historic cafés, theaters, and bookshops.
• Bairro Alto: Lisbon’s bohemian quarter, renowned for its vibrant nightlife and its streets lined with bars and restaurants.
• Estrela: The endpoint, home to the grand Basilica of Estrela and the serene Estrela Garden, perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Hold on Tight! With the steep hills of Alfama and the occasional sharp brakes, a ride on Tram 28 is not always the smoothest journey, but it’s certainly one you won’t forget!

The Main Stops Along Tram 28

To make the most of your journey, here’s a handy list of Tram 28’s key stops and the must-see points of interest nearby.

Tip: If you hop off the tram mid-route, be prepared to queue before you can board again!

Martim Moniz

• Starting Point: This lively, multicultural neighborhood is full of shops and restaurants.

Graça

• Miradouro da Graça: One of Lisbon’s finest viewpoints, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of the city and São Jorge Castle.
• Graça Church: A beautiful 18th-century baroque church, easily accessible from this stop.

São Vicente

• Monastery of São Vicente de Fora: A stunning 16th-century monastery with incredible views from its rooftop.
• Feira da Ladra Flea Market: Held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, this open-air market is perfect for treasure hunting and picking up unique souvenirs.

Sé (Lisbon Cathedral)

• Lisbon Cathedral (Sé): The Cathedral is the city’s oldest religious building, with Romanesque and Gothic influences.
• Alfama: Just steps away, you’ll find yourself in Lisbon’s most historic and charming district, with its narrow, winding streets and colorful houses.

Portas do Sol

• Miradouro das Portas do Sol: One of Lisbon’s most iconic viewpoints, offering a sweeping panorama of Alfama and the Tagus River.
• São Jorge Castle: A short walk uphill leads to this majestic fortress that overlooks the city—an absolute must-visit.

Santa Luzia

• Miradouro de Santa Luzia: Another popular viewpoint with stunning vistas, adorned with traditional azulejo tiles and flowering pergolas.

Chiado

• The Elegant Quarter: Known for its historic bookshops, theaters, and cafés, including the famous Café A Brasileira, once frequented by the poet Fernando Pessoa.

Luís de Camões Square

• This sophisticated plaza is surrounded by neoclassical buildings and features a statue of the poet Luís de Camões. It also marks the transition between Chiado and Bairro Alto.

Bairro Alto

• Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, Bairro Alto’s narrow streets are packed with bars, restaurants, and artisan shops.
• Elevador da Bica: Although not directly on Tram 28’s route, this historic funicular is easily accessible and offers charming views of Lisbon’s steep cobbled streets.

São Bento

• Palace of São Bento: The seat of Portugal’s Parliament, this imposing neoclassical building occasionally opens to visitors.
• São Bento is also known for its quaint art galleries and vintage shops, perfect for a quiet stroll.

Estrela

• Basilica of Estrela: A magnificent baroque and neoclassical church, its dome is a recognizable landmark in Lisbon’s skyline.
• Estrela Garden: A peaceful, flower-filled park, ideal for unwinding after your tram journey. It’s perfect for a picnic or a leisurely walk.

While Campo de Ourique is the official end of the line, there’s little of interest here. Most passengers opt to disembark at Estrela, which offers a more rewarding experience.

Tips & Practical Information

Where to Buy Tickets for Tram 28?

Single Tickets:

• At a kiosk or station: €2.90
• Onboard the tram: €3.10

24-Hour Unlimited Travel Card (Viva Viagem):

For just €6.80, the Viva Viagem card offers unlimited access to Lisbon’s public transport network for 24 hours. This includes trams, buses, metro, and even the Santa Justa Lift.

Cards can be purchased at metro station ticket counters or vending machines.

👍 Hot Tip: The Lisboa Card

The Lisboa Card not only includes unlimited access to public transport, including Tram 28,

but also covers admission to many of Lisbon’s top attractions, such as the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower or São Jorge Castle.

👉 Want to learn more? Check out Lisboa Card prices and details online.

Where to Catch Tram 28 & How to Avoid the Crowds?

To beat the crowds, try to board early in the morning or late in the evening at one of the line’s termini: Martim Moniz (recommended) and Campo de Ourique (less touristy but less scenic).

Pro Tip: Start your journey at Martim Moniz and consider hopping off at Estrela for a more rewarding experience.

Tram 28 Schedule

Tram 28 generally runs from 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM. For precise times, check the official Lisbon public transport website.

Watch Out for Pickpockets!

Like many tourist hotspots, Tram 28 can attract pickpockets.

Keep your belongings close and avoid leaving valuables in easy-to-access pockets.

Alternatives to Tram 28

If you’re more interested in riding a vintage tram than following Tram 28’s specific route, consider these other “Remodelado” tram lines in Lisbon:

• Tram 12: A shorter loop through Alfama and the historic center.
• Trams 25 and 24: Less touristy but great for exploring quieter neighborhoods.

These alternatives are often less crowded, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxed and peaceful ride.

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