Lisbon Tram 28
Lisbon’s tram No. 28: A route through the capital’s best tourist attractions
One of the best aspects of Lisbon for tourists are the trams. The city possess some of the coolest trams in Europe and for anyone from countries deploying more modern versions of trolley cars, you will fall in love with Lisbon’s version. Not only are Lisbon’s trams beautiful to see and experience, but they are easy ways to get around the Portuguese capital.
Lisbon’s tram No. 28 offers you the chance to explore the best tourist attractions. It is the most convenient way to get around the city and provides you with plenty of character. From the click-clack to the screeching on the tracks, the No. 28 tram is an authentic experience in Lisbon. The tram rattles along the city’s narrow streets delivering you to the best tourist attractions Lisbon has to offer. The 1930s era tram car is ideal for anyone wanting to experience a true Lisbon holiday.
The No. 28 tram line began running in 1914. It currently runs a 7-kilometres (4.5 miles) route. One of the reasons trams are still popular ways to travel around Lisbon is due to the city’s narrow streets. These streets make it difficult for busses and cars to navigate them. Trams are essential parts of Lisbon life.
Lisbon’s Tram No. 28: Exploring the city
A lot of tourists opt to ride the metro when visiting Lisbon. While you can reach your destination quickly, the tram gives you the chance to see the entire city from above ground. You are able to take in some of Lisbon’s best sights while sitting on the tram. No tram does this better than Lisbon’s tram No. 28. It is possibly Lisbon’s most popular tram route and plenty of tourists ride it to reach landmarks across the city.
Lisbon is a hilly city and on hot days, it can be difficult to explore the city when temperatures are high. Trams take visitors to most of the high-traffic areas of the city, making it possible to get up the steep, narrow hills of Lisbon. Lisbon’s Tram No. 28 is a vintage Remodelado car. It was first employed in the 1930s and still has the old wooden furnishings inside. If you want unique Instagram-worthy images, snap them of this gorgeous tram.
You can explore the city and reach some of the best locations in Lisbon, including:
- Se Cathedral
- Thieves Market
- São Jorge Castle
- Basilica da Estrela
- National Pantheon
- Miradouro da Graça
- Arco da Rua Augusta
- Assembly of the Republic
- Museum of Decorative Arts
- Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Lisbon’s Tram No. 28: Riding the best tram car in town
Unlike a lot of other capitals around Europe, Lisbon is still a relatively cheap city to visit. This is reflected in the price of a ticket to ride the trams. The trams in Lisbon are part of the city’s transportation network. These are all run by the same operator so a day ticket is good for all of the trams in Lisbon.
The cost of a fare on the Lisbon tram network is:
- Single ticket: €3
- Day Ticket: €6.40
If you expect to ride the tram often, then you may want to buy a Viva Viagem Card. The card reduces the price of a tram ticket. The Viva Viagem Card has an embedded chip, and you can use it to easily and quickly get on and off the tram – rather than using cash. In the current coronavirus world, you may want to use the Viva Viagem Card to ride the No, 28 tram for convenience.
The Viva Viagem Card can be used to ride all manor of public transport in Lisbon. You simply put money onto the card and it is possible to use it on public transport until it needs to be reloaded. A Viva Viagem Card costs just €0.50 and it reduces the cost of riding the tram. If you don’t want to go to the hassle and you are only using public transport sparingly, then you may not use it, but it can be worth it over the long term.
The No. 28 Tram operates between Martim Moniz and Campo Ourique. A ride on the tram takes around 48 minutes to complete from start to finish. It is a great way to see Lisbon and you can jump on and off wherever you like. The trams runs on:
- Weekdays from 5:40 am to 11:30 pm
- Saturdays from 5:45 am to 10:30 pm
- Sundays from 6:45 am to 10:30 pm
Lisbon’s Tram No. 28: Tips for riding the city’s most scenic tram car
While Lisbon’s No. 28 tram is the city’s most scenic on offer, there are some issues you should be aware of before boarding it. One issue you will encounter is the crowds of tourists. The tram can get very busy throughout the day and you may not be able to board it.
The tram often skips stops if there is no room for further riders. There are often fewer riders before 8 am. You can skip a lot of the crowds by getting on the tram at Campo Ourique, which is the turnaround point for the car.
The biggest problem with riding the No. 28 tram is the pickpockets that seek out tourists. Lisbon has a pickpocket problem and the trams are the prime spot for these individuals to snatch money from unsuspecting travellers. Keep your bags on your front side and men should put their wallets in their front pockets. Women who carry purses may have the straps cut by pickpockets and removed from their shoulders without knowing.
Lisbon’s Tram No. 28: Conclusion
Lisbon’s tram No. 28 is a perfect way to get around the Portuguese capital. Not only does it provide you with the ideal way to see the city, but it offers you a trip back in time. A ticket for th tram is low priced making it possible to ride all day long for an affordable fare. While you need to be aware of the crowds and pickpockets, a ride on the tram delivers plenty of upsides despite the potential issues.
Lisbon Tram 28 FAQ
When did the Tram 28 line first start running?
The route launched in 1914, making it one of the longest running in Lisbon?
Does Tram 28 provide services 24 hours a day?
No, the tram starts operating just before 6pm, with the final service of the night leaving at 11pm every weekday and earlier, at 10.30pm, during the weekends.
What is the best day of time to ride Tram 28?
You should aim to ride the tram either early in the morning or later at night then the line will be less crowded, because it can be hard to find space on the tram at other times as that’s when the greatest number of tourists all try to ride on the route.
How much will it cost for a one-way ride on the tram?
One option is to pay €3 for a solo journey and you can simply use Euros to purchase this ticket directly from the tram driver. Alternatively, you can buy a €6.45 public transportation ticket from any Metro subway station and this lets you ride the tram – along with the subway and buses in Lisbon – for unlimited rides within a single 24-hour period.
Do I need to show proof of travel when boarding the tram?
Yes, regardless of whether you buy your ticket from the tram driver or in advance, you will need to scan it on the ticket reader machine that is situated near the driver.
How can I be sure I’m getting on the right tram?
You will be able to tell it’s the correct tram if it is painted yellow with a white roof and has a sign saying E28, which means Elétrico, which means tram in Portuguese, and the 28 route.
How frequently does Tram 28 operate each day?
Trams are generally available between 9 minutes and 12 minutes on a daily basis.
How long will it take to complete the full route of Tram 28?
If you want to ride the tram from the beginning to end of the route then you should plan on it taking about 1 hour in total, but traffic and other problems may make the trip longer.
What are all some of the most popular stops along the tram route?
Starting at Martim Moniz Square, the tram continues on to several stations that offer great sightseeing and photography options for tourists, including Graca, Portas de Sol (also known as Alfama), Se Cathedral, Rua Conceição (also known as Baixa), Chiado, Sao Bento, Estrela, and then finally terminating at Campo de Ourique (also referred to as Prazeres).