Tram 28 Lisbon: Tips, Route & Top Places to See with Interactive Map

Video of my tram 28 ride.

What is tram 28?

Tram 28 is a popular tourist tram in Lisbon, and one of the oldest trams in Lisbon. But it is also one of the regular means of  public transport in Portugal Lisbon area for the locals and tourists alike.

The route of tram 28 goes through some of the most scenic parts of the city, so it can double up as a city tour!

You can see exciting architecture of Lisbon from the tramway, both in older Baroque and Manueline style, and 18th century Pombaline style buildings. 

The trams are just so cute, it’s hard not to be excited by them.😊

Tram 28 in Lisbon is famous because it is a great way to see the sights of Lisbon, as the tram passes the most iconic neighborhoods in Lisbon with beautiful architecture and top attractions.

Yellow tram 28 is an iconic emblem of Portugal and you can find it in all souvenir shops.

Why is Tram 28 in Lisbon famous

Lisbon Tram history

History of Lisbon's trams starts at the beginning of the 20th century.

Horse-drawn carriages replacement

At the beginning of the 20th century, horse-drawn carriages were the main transportation means in Portugal. Until they got replaced by trams. 

Carris Co.

In 1914, Carris Co. imported a tram system from the United States, which is still operational in Lisbon today. In 1901, the company introduced electric trams, a significant innovation. Throughout the 19th century, Lisbon implemented unique tram designs and expanded the Lisbon’s tram network.

There are a few newer tram lines in Lisbon, but route 28 is too narrow for modern trams, so the old wagons are used on the route.  They get repaired when they break down, and put back to use. That’s why the tram looks so vintage.

The route of this historic tram has changed over time, now running from Largo dos Prazeres to Largo do Martim Moniz (and the other way around).

Although primarily for locals, tourists are attracted to using Tram 28 for sightseeing in Lisbon.

Would you like to know the cheapest way to travel Europe that is also good for sightseeing? Read my other post.

Meanwhile, let's look at route 28 (currently E28) in details.

A cute tram 28 car doing it's riding maneuvers on old narrow winding streets of Lisbon. I couldn't stop taking pictures of the trams! :)

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Lisbon tram 28 route takes you through some of city's most historic and beautiful neighborhoods, popular with the tourists.

Tram 28 route

When to get off to start exploring

You will pass many amazing places on 28 tram route, and you will be tempted to end the ride to start exploring. It is better to continue for a while, so that you can see everything. 

How do I know you will be tempted to get out? Look at these 2 pictures. These are the scenes I saw from my first tram 28 ride that really tempted me to get out. I'm pretty sure you'll be tempted on many occasions as well!

But since you will most likely want to explore some best attractions of Lisbon, you will get off of the tram eventually. Decide where you want to get off in advance by studying my map, so you can cover the most attractions at once.

Below is a map with all stops on the tram route, from which you can reach each attraction listed on the map. I explain how long it took me to walk to each particular attraction from a stop.

Tram 28 stops

Save the map below to have all the tram's stops names, or download 28E route from the provider's website. Don't forget to come back to my site to explore all attractions you can get to from these stopes!:)

tram 28 stops in Lisbon:

Praça Martim Moniz
Rua da Palma
Igreja dos Anjos
Maria Andrade
Maria Fonte
Angelina Vidal
Sapadores
Rua da Graça
Graça / Miradouro da Graça
Voz Operário
Calçada de São Vicente
Escolas Gerais
Largo das Portas do Sol
Miradouro Santa Luzia
Limoeiro
Sé
Conceição
Largo da Academia Nacional Belas Artes
Rua Vitor Cordon / Rua Serpa Pinto
Chiado
Praça Luis de Camões
Calhariz
Santa Catarina
Calçada de Combro
Poiais Sao Bento
São Bento / Calçada da Estrela
Calçada da Estrela / Rua Borges Carneiro
Calçada da Estrela / Rua Dr. Teófilo Braga
Basilica de Estrela
Estrela – Rua Domingos Sequeira
Domingos Sequeira
Saraiva Carvalho
Igreja Santo Condestável
Campo Ourique (Prazeres) .

Lisbon tram 28 is currently (2024) on tram 28E route

Many visitors get confused about the difference between the 28 and 28E tram routes. There's also confusion between the regular 28E ride and the tourist red tram 28. Let's clear up these points here.

The letter 'E' used to mean an express route with fewer stops and a faster ride on the same path as the regular 28 tram. But now, as of 2024, all trams are labeled as 28E. So, if you see a tram labeled 28E, that's the one you're looking for. The reason for this change isn't clear, but it's good to know about it.

São Jorge Castelo is a very fun castle to visit! I loved walking around its walls! It's about 10 minutes from the tramp 28 stop, and you will enjoy every minute of that walk!:). The castle itself is quite fun to visit as well, and you can bring food for a picnic with amazing views!

Basílica da Estrela is a beautiful church with a big dome and great views of the city. Here are the Basilica da Estrela's massive dome and twin bell towers picture I took from Lisbon tram 28 ride. I visited it many times since then, and they're worth a visit. 

National Pantheon is a great and underrated attraction. Pantheon has impressive architecture and it is very beautiful. Have you been to the Pantheon in Rome? There is a lot of similarity to the Roman Pantheon. You can reach it withing 5 minutes from tram 28 stop. 

Elevador da Bica - Lg. Calhariz Bica is both a funicular and a place to party in Bairro Alto. P.S, things got a bit too graffito in Lisbon lately. But it's still a fun ride to take, or just to hang out talking and sampling local wine in the bars around it. 

Graca viewpoint (3 minutes’ walk) . Alonga travel (the author) enjoying the view of fun rooftops of Alfama and the rest of Lisbon from Miradouro da Graça, after taking tram 28 there. 

Miradouro de Santa Luzia or Santa Lucia viewpoint is a fun place to go to, and you might want to get off on that stop to explore Alfama and the Castelo nearby. 

Church of São Vicente de Fora, a beautiful church with unique azulejo-covered walls and lots of flowers is right on the tram's route. I liked the fountain outside it the most in the church's yard. You should check it out!

Praça do Comércio is an iconic and grand square by the river. You'll find Rua Augusta arch and some statues, and it's where many outdoor events is held. It

Praça do Comércio is a short 2 minutes walk from 28 tram stop. Behind the plaza starts  Rua Augusta, a lively street for shopping, dining, and the heart of Baixa Pombalina - the new style of downtown that has a fascinating history. It was built by Marquis de Pombal.

Museum of Decorative Arts, a stunning red building with ornate white entrance on Largo Portas do Sol, has many interesting collections.  It's is located next to Santa Lucia viewpoint and it's right on tram 28 route, next to a stop. 

Igreja de Santa Maria Madalena - the church is very impressive inside. You'll have a free entrance if you get Lisboa card.  Your tram will stop right by it. 

Roman Theater, now - Museu de Lisboa Teatro Romano. This is not a large museum, but has an archeological and historical value. This will excite someone who loves ruins. It's close to a stop. 

Miradouro das Portas do Sol or Portas do Sol Viewpoint,  a viewpoint with panoramic views of Lisbon, including the Alfama neighborhood and the Tagus River. It is decorated with beautiful tiles, and is located right off of 28 tram stop.

Jardim da Estrela,  pretty park with lots of palm trees, flowers, and benches. This garden is a great green oasis to relax and cool down on a hot summer day. The tramways stops right by its entrance. 

Praça Luís de Camões. This lovely square is a popular meeting point of the locals. It's right on the tram's route and there is a stop. 

Feira da Ladra - a fun flee market 10 minutes’ walk from the Tram 28 route. It's a very cool and vibrant flea market where you can find unique treasures and vintage items. It's fun to visit even if you are not planning to buy anything, even though you most likely will be talked into buying something you don't even need (I always do:)

Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation is a lesser-known Catholic Church in Barrio Alto. It's located right next to Praça Luís de Camões.  It has some impressive elaborate decoration on its building. You can see this church on your tram ride.  In fact, that's how I took this picture - from my tram ride. 

Here is a list of other Lisbon's attractions I haven't covered yet. I marked them on my Google custom interactive map. 

• - Garden of Carmo

• - Carmo Convent

• - Time Out Market Lisboa

• - Assembly of the Republic

• - Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

• - Miradouro da Graça

• - Church of Our Lady of Grace

• - Largo da Graça

• - Pingo Doce

• - Church of Saint Mary Magdalene

• - Noobai - Rooftop Bar and Restaurant

• - Cemitério de Prazeres

• - Miradouro das Portas do Sol

• - Museu de Artes Decorativas

• - Garden of Grace

• - Praça Dom Pedro IV

• - Teatro Nacional Dona Maria II

• - Santa Justa Lift

• - Church of Saint Dominic

• - Pastelaria Versailles

• - Cais das Colunas

• - Feira da Ladra

• - Avenida Ribeira das Naus

• - Avenida da Liberdade

• - National Tile Museum

• - Museu Nacional de Arte Antigua

• - Arco da Rua Augusta

You can see many other things, besides the top attractions while taking tram 28 ride. 

You can see some fine inside decorations of the buildings you will be passing. Like this Biblioteca Camoes beautifully decorated foyer with white and blue azulejos. 

You will also see lots of cute shops you can almost touch! But it’s a good thing you can't, as there will be much less merchandise left in the shops, and not because it would be sold!;)

You will see bakeries displaying irresistible sweet pastel de Nata and other delicious treats.

You will also see bustling street life. This is the best attraction of the entire ride! This constant display of bustling city life on sunny sidewalks of Lisbon are extremely exciting.

Because the tram travels fast, you will see a new city streets scene every second. This is just so exhilarating!

Watch my video about my tram 28 ride above, to see a glimpse of many of the top attractions in Lisbon to see how they look!

I also really like the portion of Estrela ride, the more authentic part of the ride, though Graca and Alfama are great as well, but I didn’t go there on that particular ride. I am making a video of this route from my other rides as we speak. It’s just too fun a part to miss!

It costs 3 euro in cash to the driver to ride Tram 28 (or any tram) in Lisbon, or less, 1.80 euros if you pay with the rechargeable the Navegante zapping pay as you go card. Simply tap your Navegante card on the fare reader as you board the traim.

Or it can be free, with the purchase of the Lisboa card or the 24-hour Lisbon ticket.

How much is Tram 28 and how to pay for the ride

How long it takes to ride Tram 28

It takes around 50 minutes to finish the entire route of Lisbon Tram 28 if it runs on schedule. But trams get stuck in traffic along with other cars, so it can take longer. Also, during the rush hours, the tram can become quite crowded, which can slow down the ride a bit, going up the hills. 

Tram 28 schedule

• Starts at Martim Moniz

• Ends at Campo Ourique (or the other way around –  yes, tram 28  route is a loop, but you have to disembark and get in again after waiting in line, and pay again, if you want to ride back and forth.)

• Weekday Hours: 5:40 am - 11:30 pm

• Saturday Hours: 5:45 am - 10:30 pm

• Sunday Hours: 6:45 am - 10:30 pm

How long is the wait?

The wait for Tram 28 can be anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the time of day and a season. The tram is busiest in the summer months when tourists flock to Lisbon to enjoy the city’s sights and sounds. However, 28E route is also popular with locals, who use it as a convenient way to get around the city. 

How often does tram runs?

28 tram is scheduled to run every 15minuts, but in reality it runs as often as the traffic permits.

How late does the tram run?

28E runs till 11:30 pm (23:30 ) during the week, and until 10:30 pm (22:30) on Saturday and Sunday. Read above about the cost, and how to pay for the ride. 

Below you can find all the answers to tram 28 in Lisbon ride length, intervals between and why it is not always true in practice.

How long is the Tram 28 ride?

If you won't start in Estrella and will beard the tram in Alfama you will ride in a crowded tram (see this crowded wagon?).

Useful Tips for Riding Tram 28 in Lisbon

• Lisbon 28 tram can get crowded, so either start your trip early, while most tourists are asleep, and start at the first stop, Martim Moniz. You will have more chances to get the window seat if you load in on Campo de Ourique as the day go by - the opposite end of the tram 28 route.

• ·Watch out for pickpockets. They frequent this tram because of the tourists. Getting a seat will help being less vulnerable.

• Don’t forget that while passing through narrow streets, the brakes can be very sharp. Hold on to somewhere inside the tram throughout your trip.

• Don’t extend your arm too far—if there is another tram passing by, you’ll be too close. At some places, you’ll be even so close to the buildings around the tram line you can reach out and touch the walls of the houses. Also (yeah, I have to mention this!), try not to hit innocents locals with your extended elbow?  Don’t be like this guy on my ride (see the picture above!).

• ·It saves money and more economical to pay with a pre-loaded card, rather than pay cash. Buy the Navegante Card in advance at a metro station to ride with a discount. 

• ·Or you can get a 24-hour public transport ticket from any metro station. This costs €6.80, and it is valid in metro, tram and busses.

• ·If you have an active Lisboa card, your ride is free.

Does the Lisboa Card include Tram 28?

Yes, Lisboa card includes unlimited free rides on tram 28.  Make sure to ride the tramways on the days your Lisboa card is still valid, if you are staying in Lisbon longer then the duration of your Lisboa card.

I hope you'll be able to take this ride soon!

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