Many have heard that Lisbon tram 28 is a very fun ride and a must-do while in Portugal. Route 28 goes through the most iconic areas of Lisbon and could be used for both getting to the best attractions or as a Lisbon city tour.
Watch my video of the ride below to decide if you want to do the same!
But have you heard that the ride could be quite packed and a magnet for pickpockets? You will have a much better (and safer) time if you get a seat by the window, instead of standing and holding onto the rails with both hands.
In this post you can learn everything about the best way to ride tram 28, what attractions you will see along tram 28 route (with pictures and a map).
You will also learn how to use local tourist and transportation cards to pay less (or nothing) for the ride!
Discover the Charm of Lisbon Along Tram 28 Route and Learn the Best way to Ride the Tram!
Hello, I am Tatiana—an architecture addict fascinated with beautiful old buildings and discovering the gems of Europe. Check out my comprehensive travel tips and reviews of the best European destinations and city breaks. Let's connect on social media!
Lisbon tram 28 video and images
topics
Lisbon tram 28 video and images
What is tram 28?
Why Tram 28 in Lisbon is famous
History of Lisbon Tram 28
Horse-drawn carriages replacement
What you will see along tram 28 route: Estrela, Alfama, Graca and other neighborhoods
17 of the top popular locations you can reach on tram 28
10 Lesser knows attractions on tram 28 route
How to Ride Lisbon Tram 28
Tram 28 schedule
How long is the wait for Tram 28 in Lisbon?
How often does tram 28 run in Lisbon?
How much is Tram 28 in Lisbon & how to pay for the ride
The fares you can expect to pay on tram 28:
Free ride on tram 28 in Lisbon if you use this cards.
24-hours Lisbon public transport or 1 day ticket.
What card gives a discount on tram 28 ride in Lisbon
FAQ about Lisbon tram 28 ride price and how to pay
Does the Lisboa Card include Tram 28?
How do you pay for Tram 28 in Lisbon?
Does Tram 28 take cash?
Green and Lisbon white VIVA Viagem cards
Difference between green and white viva viagem cards
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 the regular means of 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 bus! So that you can see the exciting architecture of Lisbon, both in older Baroque and Manueline style, and newer 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 the top attractions.
Yellow tram 28 is an iconic sign of Portugal and you can find it in all souvenir shops.
Why is Tram 28 in Lisbon famous
History of Lisbon Tram 28
History of Lisbon tram 28 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.
This beautiful mail coach was used from the end of the 19th century through the beginning of the 20th century. Would you like to learn more about this beautiful horses-drawn carriage and 27 other famous coaches of Lisbon? Read my guide to the National Coach Museum.
Carris Co.
In 1914, Carris Co. imported a tram system was imported from the United States. This company still operates trams and buses in Lisbon. In 1901, the company first used electric trams. That was a significant innovation and a tremendous deal!
Many unique designs of trams were implemented for the tram system of Lisbon during the 19th century. More and more lines of trams were built and opened to the public. However, the cars that are on the road today on this route are quite antique! They get repaired when they break down and put back to use.
That’s why riding 28 tram could be a bit of a bit rough ride at times!
The route of Tram 28 has changed a few times. At first, the stops started from Praca Camões and ended at Estrela. Today, it ends at Largo dos Prazeres and starts at Largo do Martim Moniz (or the other way around).
Although the tram is a part of the public transportation aimed at the locals, tourists are quite attracted to this tram and use it for sightseeing.
Would you like to know the cheapest way to travel Europe that is also good for sightseeing? Read on here.
Let's look at route 28 (currently E28) in details.
A very cute tram 28 car doing it's riding maneuvers on old narrow winding streets of Lisbon
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Tram 28 route in Lisbon takes you through some of Lisbon’s most historic and beautiful neighborhoods, popular with the tourists. First thing first, though. Let's figure out starting point of tram 28.
Starting point of tram 28
You will often hear that Tram 28 starts in Mortim Moniz district of Lisbon, and that is true. However, the opposite starting point for Tram 28 is a Campo Ourique (Prazeres) near Prazeres Cemetery in Estrella.
So, a starting point of Tram 28 depends on which part of town you are in. In fact, the Estrella point at Campo Ourique is better place to start because there are fewer people getting on there. You will be able to get the window seat there. Let all other tourists start at Mortim Moniz! You'll see their packed tram car and you'll waive them happily!:)
If you prefer, you can even take a bus or another tram to Campo Ourique in Prazeres and then board tram 28 from there. This is great strategy if you bought unlimited daily Viva Viagem card, or you have an active Lisboa card, read below about them.
Below is 2 maps of tram 28 starting point. First map - from Campo Ourique and the 2nd map - from Mortim Moniz tram 28 starting point.
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tram 28 route Lisbon
what to see along tram 28 route: Estrela, Alfama, Graca and other neighborhoods
The route of tram 28 Lisbon starts at Campo Ourique in Prazeres and then goes to Estrela, Bairro Alto, Baixa, Chiado, Alfama, Baixa, and Graca neighborhoods, ending in bustling Martim Moniz square.
Try to resist the temptation to get out on the first stop after you enter (trust me, you will be tempted! :) Not because you will hate the ride, but because a neighborhood you’ll see will be so pretty, it’s hard not to want to get out and start exploring!;).
Stay strong!;) and continue with your sightseeing tour to at least Graca neighborhood, if you’re coming from Prazeres side. In fact, Graca is the best neighborhood to get off of tram 28, because it's very picturesque and you will want to explore.
BTW, if you watched my video about my Lisbon tram 28 ride, you know by now that Prazeres cemetery is translated to the Pleasure cemetery. Don’t be alarmed by this either, as there is an explanation for that strange name!:), as explained in my video.
But since you will most likely want to explore the top attractions of Lisbon, you will get off of the tram eventually. Decide where you want to get off in advance, so you can cover the most attractions in one radius.
While riding on tram 28 through fun neighborhoods in Lisbon, you’ll see many of Lisbon’s iconic landmark and attraction. Below are all the stops of Lisbon tram 28 and an the names of all stops from which you can reach each attraction below.
And how do I know you will be tempted to get out before the last stop?
Here is the view I saw on my very first Lisbon tram 28 ride. I was very tempted!:) But I continued with the tour.
stops of Lisbon 28 tram route
Look at the map below to see all the stops of tram 28 route and tram 28E route in Lisbon Portugal
all stops of tram 28 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 (2023) on tram 28E route
While originally the letter ‘E’ appended to the tram number, meant it was an express route, taking the same path as the typical 28 tram but with fewer stops and a quicker ride, it’s meaningless now.
All trams running are trams 28E now (2023). This means that if you see a tram 28E—get in, it’s the tram you are waiting for. No one can really explain why this is happening, but it is just something to know.
There is a lot of confusion among future visitors about the difference between 28 and 28E route. And there is also another common confusion about the 28E regular ride and the tourist red tram 28. Let’s address them here.
17 top popular locations on or near tram 28 route:
Se Cathedral. The cathedral has undergone various architectural styles as it has been reconstructed multiple times because of earthquakes.
Cathedral of Sé, basking in the sunlight and St Anthony’s Church in front of it.
St Anthony’s Church - a cute church on a charming square.
São Jorge Castelo (nearby) is a very fun castle to visit! You would need to walk about 10 minutes from the tramp 28 stop, and you will enjoy every minute of that walk!:)
Is Portugal safe?
Basilica da Estrela a massive dome and twin bell towers of Basilica of Estrela seen from Lisbon tram 28.
National Pantheon (nearby) is a great and underrated attraction. 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... :(
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 is on the tram 28 route. You should check it out!
Praça do Comércio - an iconic square in Lisbon is a short 2 minutes walk from 28 tram stop.
Arco da Rua Augusta (2 minutes’ walk) Grand white elaborately ornamented arch in Baixa neighborhood serves an entrance to Square of Commerce (above).
Assembly of the Republic (5 minutes’ walk) This Parliament buildings is a marvel of architecture
Museum of Decorative Arts, a stunning red building with ornate white entrance on Largo Portas do Sol next to Santa Lucia viewpoint.
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.
Miradouro da Senhora (nearby).
Igreja de Santa Maria Madalena - the church is very impressive inside.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol - stanning view point, decorated with beautiful tiles is located right off of 28 tram stop.
10 Less known attractions on tram 28 route
Jardim da Estrela. This garden is a great green oasis to relax and cool down on a hot summer day.
Fundação Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva - a lavish museum that features exquisite antique furnishings, tapestries, and porcelain from around the world. It’s located a short 7 minutes’ walk from the tram 28 route.
Praça Luís de Camões. This lovely square is a popular meeting point of the locals.
Largo da Graça - the center of life in Graca. I love the energy there!
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.
Feira da Ladra - a fun flee market 10 minutes’ walk from the Tram 28 route
Biblioteca Camoes it has a foyer, beautifully decorated with white and blue azulejos.
Lots of cute shops you can almost touch! But it’s a good thing you can, as there will be much less merchandise left in the shops, and not because it would be sold!;)
Bakeries displaying irresistible sweet pastel de Nata and other delicious treats.
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 new second. This is just exhilarating!
Watch my video about my tram 28 ride in Lisbon above, to see a glimpse of many of the top attractions in Lisbon!
I also really like the portion of Estrela ride, as the more authentic one, 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 ride as we speak. It’s just too fun a part to miss!
Lisbon tram 28 is currently (2023) on tram 28E route
While originally the letter ‘E’ appended to the tram number, meant it was an express route, taking the same path as the typical 28 tram but with fewer stops and a quicker ride, it’s meaningless now.
All trams running are trams 28E now (2023). This means that if you see a tram 28E—get in, it’s the tram you are waiting for. No one can really explain why this is happening, but it is just something to know.
the difference between yellow tram 28 ROUTE and tourist red tram 28.
Tram 28 in Lisbon is a yellow electric carriage. Red tram 28 is a tourist tram, and it follows the yellow tram 28 route closely.
What is the most beautiful tram in Lisbon?
Tram 28, on route E28, is the most beautiful tram. The cars themselves are stunning; yellow or red. The views from the tram are beautiful as well.
What is the most scenic tram in Lisbon?
The most scenic tram is tram 28. It follows the E28 route, which is the most picturesque route in Lisbon.
Watch my video of the ride on route E28, to see why every tourist wants to ride on Tram 28. Read below to learn about all neighborhoods it crosses and what attractions you can find along route 28 Lisbon.
How to Ride Lisbon Tram 28
If you won't start in Estrella and will load the tram in Alfama you will ride in a crowded tram
Useful Tips for Riding Tram 28 in Lisbon
Here I list all the useful insider's tips on riding Lisbon tram 28; what to know, what to watch out for, & how to save money on the ride.
Lisbon 28 tram can get crowded, so either start your trip early, while most tourists are asleep, or start at the first stop, Martim Moniz. If you want to arrive at Martim Moniz from the opposite direction, you will have to disembark first, wait about 10 minutes in the line (enough to make a friend to exchange photos hanging from the window later!:) and then load in. You will have even more chances to get the window seat if you load in on Campo de Ourique- the opposite end (or the beginning?) 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 poor locals with your elbow? :) Seriously, don’t be like this guy on my ride!:)
·It is more economical to buy your ticket in advance.
You can buy a Viva Viagem Card in advance at a metro station to ride with a discount. Read more about Viva Viagem card here.
·Or you can get a 24-hour public transport ticket from any metro station. This costs €6.60, and it is valid in metro, tram and bus services. More on 3 different types of 24-hours ticket is here.
·If you have an active Lisboa card, your ride is free.
Don't be like this guy!:) You will ether hurt someone on a sidewalk, your yourself!
How long does it take to ride Lisbon’s Tram 28?
It takes around 50 minutes to finish the entire route of 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, Tram 28 can become quite crowded, which can slow down the ride.
Tram 28 schedule
Starts at Martim Moniz
Ends at Campo Ourique (or the other way around – yes, tram 28 route is a loop!)
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 for Tram 28 in Lisbon?
The wait for Tram 28 can be anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the time of day and a season. Tram 28 is busiest in the summer months when tourists flock to Lisbon to enjoy the city’s sights and sounds. However, Tram 28 is also popular with locals, who use it as a convenient way to get around the city. As a result, the Tram can be quite crowded during peak hours.
How often does tram 28 run in Lisbon?
Tram 28 in Lisbon Portugal is scheduled to run every 15minuts, but in reality it runs as often as the traffic permits.
How late does tram 28 run?
Tram 28 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 ride length, intervals between and why it is not always true in practice.
How long is the Tram 28 ride in Lisbon
It costs 3 euro in cash to the driver to ride Tram 28 in Lisbon, or less if you pay with the rechargeable Viva Viagem pay as you go card.
Or it can be free, with the purchase of the Lisboa card or the 24-hour Lisbon ticket.
Free ride on tram 28 in Lisbon if you use this cards.
Below are 2 different cards and tickets available to tourists who want to enjoy a free ride on trams. It’s Lisboa card or 24-hour Lisbon public transport ticket.
How much is Tram 28 in Lisbon and how to pay for the ride
Lisboa card
Lisboa card is a prepaid one-time charged card, meant for a one or a multiple day’s discount on many attractions, including free entrances to the most prominent tourist attractions. It also provide free rides on all means of public transport within Lisbon, as well as trains to Cascais and Sintra.
You can buy Lisboa card for periods of 24, 48, or 72 hours. 24-hours Lisbon public transport or 1 day ticket.
Lisboa cards lets you ride the train to Sintra for free (complimentary), where you should visit the best palace there - Sintra National Palace! In Palacio Nacional de Sintra you will see some great examples of rare and unusual Mudejar style of architecture.
Alternatively, you can use Lisboa card to take a bus to Sintra. You can learn how to travel in a bus in Portugal here.
24-hours Lisbon public transport or 1 day ticket.
24-hour Lisbon public transport ticket is valid on metro, tram and bus services (including tram 28) and could be bought from any metro station.
You have 3 different options to choose from for 24-hours Lisbon ticket.
3 Options of 24-hours Lisbon ticket
Carris/Metro 6,60€ This 24-hours ticket is valid for unlimited journeys on Carris and Metro networks for 24 hours following the first validation.
Carris/Metro/Transtejo (Cacilhas) 9,70€ This ticket is valid for unlimited journeys on Carris, Metro and Transtejo and Cacilhas river connection for 24 hours following the first validation.
Carris/Metro/CP 10,70€ Valid for unlimited journeys on Lisbon public transport for 24 hours following the first validation. It is valid for Carris, Metro and CP (including Sintra, Cascais, Sado or Azambuja lines).
What card gives a discount on tram 28 ride in Lisbon?
You can use a Viva Viagem card on the Tram 28 and it will give you a discounted ride. To ride Tram 28, simply tap your Viva Viagem card on the fare reader as you board the train.
FAQ about Lisbon tram 28 ride price and how to pay
Does the Lisboa Card include Tram 28?
Yes , Lisboa card includes unlimited free rides on tram 28. Most other websites give you the wrong answer to this question, see above! Make sure to ride tram 28 on the days your Lisboa card is still valid, if you are staying in Lisbon longer then the duration of your Lisboa card.
Insider's tip. Almost all other websites give you the wrong advice. They say that a free tram 28 ride is either not included in the Lisboa card, or that Lisboa card is a rechargeable public transport card, neither of which is true!
How do you pay for Tram 28 in Lisbon?
You can pay for tram 28 in Lisbon with cash to the driver, or using Lisboa card (for free) or using 24-hourse unlimited rides ticket
Does Tram 28 take cash?
Tram 28 does take cash. The fare is €3.00 per ride, and you can purchase a ticket from the driver. Or, it might be free for you if you have these cards.
Lisbon VIVA Viagem card
It is a reusable card that can be loaded with money or discount tickets. VIVA Viagem card could be bought from any metro ticket machine for 50 cents (the card only). You can top it off with cash or card.
Viva Viagem card is valid for unlimited journeys on Carris and Metro networks, during 60 minutes following the first validation. It can’t be used for consecutive journeys in the Metro.
Green and Lisbon white VIVA Viagem cards
Lisbon VIVA Viagem card comes in two colors; green and white! Either of viva viagem cards are the best option for the tourists in Lisbon who don’t want to buy daily tickets or the Lisboa card.
It can be topped up with tickets or money to be used as pay as you go ‘zapping’ credit and tickets.
What is the difference between green and white viva viagem cards?
Both green and white VIVA Viagem cards have exactly the same functions, but cover different transport operators.
The green VIVA Viagem card can be used in all member operators.
The white VIVA Viagem card is not valid on Metro Transportes do Sul. If you want to use these operators, top up your tickets on the green card.
Which card to buy for your needs depends on how many days you plan to be in Lisbon, and what your plans are.
So, in conclusion, 2 cards let you ride tram 28 for free and one with a discount.
Read more on everything about public transport in Lisbon on Carris website.
Insider tip. Just do a rough estimate of the number of the rides (including funiculars, elevators, metro, buses, trams) you will take. Multiply by 1.5 . Load this amount on the card after you bought it. You can always load more later!
Often, you can only buy the VIVA Viagem card itself in one machine at the metro, but you need to load it with money in another one. This often creates confusion. Luckily, there is usually an officer at every major metro station that will help you with this. Inform the officer if you’re paying with cash or a card, as this operation is often possible on separate machines as well.
I hope you'll be able to take this ride soon!
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