6 Tips for Riding the 28 Tram in Lisbon

Lisbon has exploded in popularity as a must-visit European destination in recent years, and for good reason. Mouthwatering cuisine, picturesque surroundings and a laidback vibe make it easy to fall in love with this port city. One particularly popular activity is riding the iconic 1930s “remodelado” trams clattering up and down the hills, with the number 28 passing some of the city’s most famous landmarks.

However, with massive crowds flocking to these nostalgic trams, the experience can become unpleasantly crammed and chaotic. During our last visit to Lisbon, we discovered some tips and tricks to beat the crowds and maximise the enjoyment of this classic experience.

In this guide, we’ll provide our top recommendations for riding the historic trams based on our own trial and error. From ideal routes to take at different times of day to pro tips for getting a seat and avoiding long queues, let us help you make the most of this quintessential Lisbon activity. Read on to explore this charming city in vintage style without the headaches and hassle.

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Get your Tickets Ahead of Time

Buying your tram tickets ahead of time is highly recommended to save money and speed up your boarding process. Paying in cash on board costs €3 per ride and takes time fumbling to pay the conductor. Instead, we recommend buying a Viva Viagem card at any metro station which allows you to preload your tram journeys in advance.

The best value option is adding a 24 hour unlimited pass to your card for just €6.60. This covers unlimited rides on all public transport for a full day, including the scenic Elevador de Santa Justa and Elevador da Glória funiculars. If you don’t think you’ll use public transport enough in 24 hours to justify the pass, you can instead load a cash balance, know as “zapping”, which lets you pay €1.65 euros per tram ride, similar to the Oyster card in London. Note that you can’t simultaneously hold both a pass and zapping balance on the same card, so don’t try to use both at the same time.

Preparing your card ahead of time lets you breeze through the stops and avoid wasting precious time in ticket queues.

Avoid Peak Months and Times

If possible, try to schedule your visit during the off-peak months outside of the height of tourist season, which is June through September. The trams become extremely crowded during these months with tourists eager to have the iconic experience.

If you are visiting in peak season, aim to ride the trams early in the morning or later in the evening when visitor numbers drop off. The middle of the day is prime time which results in very long queues and packed trams with standing room only.

Board at the Start/End of the Line

If you want to increase your chances of snagging a seat on the often crowded trams, we recommend boarding at one of the start or end stops of the line. These are Campo Ourique in the west and Martim Moniz in the Alfama district. Our advice is to ride the full route without hopping on and off in the middle in order to see all of the sights. Trying to board mid-route in the busier downtown areas typically means facing longer queues and being packed into standing room only.

Instead, start or end your journey at one of the terminus stops. You’ll then need to ride to the last stop where you must disembark and reboard for the return trip – you can’t remain aboard the same tram the whole time. Even at the start/end stops, you may still face short waits to board during the busiest times. However, this strategy gives you the best chance of grabbing a seat for the full journey.

Consider Less Busy Alternate Routes

The iconic number 28 tram draws such large crowds because its route passes through downtown and the Alfama district, allowing visitors to see a number of famous landmarks. If your priority is simply having the vintage tram experience rather than seeing the particular attractions on the 28 route, consider the number 24 tram instead. The 24 uses the same charming historic Remodelado trams but typically has shorter queues and more available seats.

If you don’t mind missing out on the vintage element and are more interested in hitting the main sights, route 12 follows a similar section of the 28’s downtown trajectory. If you’re after a more personalised and crowd-free experience, you can book private sightseeing tours that follow similar routes.

Sit on the Correct Side

When boarding the tram, be strategic about which side you sit on to take advantage of the best views. If you’re starting your trip at the Martim Moniz stop in Alfama, make sure to sit on the left hand side of the tram. This side will offer you the best views of the oceanfront and the majority of the major tourist sights as you make your way downtown.

Alternatively, if you’re beginning your journey from the Campo Ourique stop in the west, you’ll want to reverse it and sit on the right side for the best sightseeing experience. Also note that the seats on the right side of the tram are generally singles rather than benches. So if you’re traveling with friends or family, sitting on the right means you won’t be able to sit beside your entire group.

Watch Out for Pickpockets

Due to the massive crowds packed onto the iconic 28 tram, riders unfortunately become easy targets for pickpockets. Be very careful with your belongings, particularly valuables like phones, wallets and cameras. We recommend keeping all valuables securely in bags held directly in front of you, rather than dangling loosely off your shoulder or down by your sides where they are vulnerable.

Avoid keeping anything important in easy-to-reach pockets where they can quickly be swiped without notice and stay alert and aware of your surroundings in the notoriously busy tram environment. Keeping belongings secure and being vigilant is key to avoiding theft.

Wrapping Up

With these tips and precautions, you can beat the crowds and ride Lisbon’s famous 28 tram like a pro. Following our advice will lead to smooth, hassle-free boarding and snagging the best views.

Riding the scenic vintage trams can be a magical experience with proper preparation. We hope our handy tips help you create priceless Lisbon memories while avoiding all the headaches.