Last Updated on September 5, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: November 27, 2018
The clattering mustard-yellow trams are one of Lisbon’s most iconic symbols. Anyone visiting Lisbon will stop and turn to the sound of a tram squealing its way on the rails through traffic. These antique electric vehicles are the city’s most photographed public transportation, and Lisbon tram 28 is the star among them. Here’s everything you need to know to ride Lisbon’s tram 28 like a local.
Table of Contents
At a Glance: Riding Lisbon Tram 28 Like a Local
- 🎟️ How to Buy Tickets: Tram tickets can be bought with cash only from the driver, but we recommend using a preloaded Lisboa Card since it’s faster and easier. Tickets are €3.20 for one-way trips.
- 🚋 Different Tram Routes: Tram 28 isn’t the only option. Tram 24E and Tram 18 are less crowded, while 12E and 18E provide routes through areas such as Alfama, Santos, Alcântara, and Ajuda.
- 🛑 Ettiquette at the Last Stop: At the final stop, everyone must get off, even if you want to continue in the opposite direction. You’ll need to rejoin the queue and board again at the starting stop. (Here’s our guide to navigating public transportation in Lisbon like a local.)
- 🚎 Buses Can Use the Tram Routes: The number (like 28E) refers to the route, not just the tram; Carris uses buses when a tram is unavailable or the route is disrupted. Your tram ticket remains valid.
- 🔐 Avoiding Pickpockets: Crowded trams are a hotspot for pickpocketing, so keep your phone, wallet, passport, and bag where you can see and feel them—particularly when boarding and getting off.
- ❌ Common Tourist Mistake: Despite its popularity with tourists, tram 28 is a regular Carris public transit route used by locals. Be considerate of commuters and don’t treat it like a hop-on, hop-off tour.
- ✅ Insider Tip: If you want to ride tram 28 with no crowds, start at the Martim Moniz stop between 7-8 am, or ride the route in the opposite direction starting at Campo de Ourique (Prazeres).
1. The Trams Are Moderately Vintage
Carris, the company operating trams and buses in Lisbon, began using electric trams in 1901, but the ones you ride on today aren’t that old. Some were built between 1936 and 1947, and some between 1995 and 1996.
2. Lisbon Tram 28 is Public Transportation
Despite being advertised as the cheapest tour in Lisbon, tram 28 is actually public transportation. A lot of tourists tend to use it as a more affordable option than hop-on-hop-off buses, but that’s not a responsible way to visit the city. This approach takes away the tram from locals, who depend on it on a daily basis.
If you want the touristic option, look for the red trams doing tours on the same route.
3. Respect the Etiquette
Our responsible tourism guide in Lisbon (like in any other city) is upfront about respecting the locals’ daily routines. The same goes for public transportation etiquette inside and outside the tram.
Respect the line, step back and wait for the next one if you’re not in a hurry, and give your seat to those who need it most. Following these rules is not that hard.
4. Purchase Tickets in Advance
One of the things to know before traveling to Lisbon is that you can buy a Lisboa Card in advance (€0.50) and top it off with cash instead of buying more tickets.
Not only are the tickets cheaper using this card, but the public transportation Carris also endorses this ticket buying method. Neither you or the driver have to struggle to get change, and the line moves a lot quicker.
5. How to Beat the Crowds
If your desire to hop on Lisbon Tram 28 is to merely do the iconic route, then beat the tourist crowds by getting to the first stop, Martim Moniz, as early as possible in the morning. From 7 to 8 am, there’s practically one tram every 10 minutes. Lisbon trams are known for breaking down from time to time; therefore actual times may vary.
As an alternative, do the route in reverse, starting in Campo Ourique (Prazeres) and ending in Martim Moniz. To reach Campo de Ourique, take the 709 bus from Restauradores and get off at the final stop.
6. Understanding the Stops
Usually, the last stop will say descida or terminal, and the first stop will say subida or início. For tram 28, they won’t be too far apart.
All passengers must hop off on the last stop, even if they plan to do the route in reverse. Passengers must leave the tram and join the line again on the initial stop.
7. Small Buses with a 28E Sign
It’s not unusual to see small buses with a 28E sign, which usually leaves visitors feeling confused. Yes, 28E is a tram, but it’s also a route.
In case a tram broke down or is stuck in traffic because someone double parked on the rails, Carris must keep the route moving. If you’re waiting at the stop just to go from point A to point B, hop in–your ticket will be valid.
8. Same Trams, Different Routes
Riding on the Lisbon tram 28 is indeed a memorable experience if you’re keen on that specific route. But at Devour Lisbon we’d like to challenge you to explore more and get to know Lisbon off the beaten path. Here’s some other tram routes to explore:
- Tram 12E, for example, starts and ends in Martim Moniz, passing by parts of Alfama.
- Tram 18E starts in Cais do Sodré and takes you through the lesser-explored areas of Santos, Alcântara, and Ajuda (not available on Sundays and national holidays).
- Recently restored after 23 years, the tram 24E starts in Largo Camões, takes you through Rato and Amoreiras (only accessible by Metro or bus before), and ends in Campolide.
Insider Tip: The stop for 24E is the same for 28E in Largo Camões. The line, however, is much smaller.
9. It’s a Pickpocketer’s Heaven
Lisbon is a safe city, but for years, tram 28 was one of their favorite hangout spots. Pickpocketers are extremely organized and typically work as a family. A small vehicle crowded with amazed tourists paying more attention to the views than their belongings was a perfect setting for them to work. These days, most trams ride with one or two police officers in the back.
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Lisbon’s Tram 28 FAQs
Is it better to sit or stand on Lisbon’s trams?
On Lisbon’s historic trams, standing is perfectly normal when seats are full, but always give priority seating to older passengers, people with disabilities, and anyone who needs to sit. Hold on securely, especially as the trams navigate steep hills and sharp turns through the city’s historic neighborhoods.
Can I prepay for Lisbon tram tickets?
Yes, you can pre-purchase a Lisboa Card (reloadable public transport card) and top it up when it runs low, making boarding easier and avoiding the need to handle cash to buy tickets from the driver.
Which Lisbon tram is best for seeing the city without the crowds?
Tram 24E is one of the best alternatives to the famously crowded Tram 28. It travels between Largo Camões and Campolide via areas such as Rato and Amoreiras, offering a similar vintage-tram experience with generally shorter lines. Tram 18E is another quieter option, heading from Cais do Sodré toward Santos, Alcântara, and Ajuda.
How long does a Lisbon tram ride take?
Allow extra time when riding a Lisbon tram because traffic, steep streets, breakdowns, and vehicles blocking the tracks can cause delays. Trams are a scenic way to experience the city rather than the fastest way to get somewhere, so use the metro or bus if you’re in a hurry. Here’s our tips for visiting Lisbon on a tight schedule.
Is Tram 28 safe for tourists?
Tram 28 is generally safe, but its crowded conditions make it an attractive target for pickpockets. Keep your phone, wallet, and other valuables secure, especially when boarding and leaving the tram, and avoid leaving belongings in accessible pockets or open bags.
