Do trams in Lisbon take cash?

Fares and Passes. Flat fare on the buses is ?1,80 - cash paid on board. Flat fare on the trams (streetcars) is now 2,85 Euros with the object being to make more users buy pre-pay passes. A single ticket on the metro is ?1.90 without a rechargeable card, ?1,40 with.



In 2026, the famous yellow trams in Lisbon (like the iconic Tram 28) still technically accept cash, but it is the most expensive way to travel. If you pay the driver in cash, a single ticket (called an "on-board fare") usually costs around €3.00 to €4.00, which is nearly double the price of using a pre-paid card. Furthermore, cash payments are often discouraged because they slow down the boarding process in the narrow, crowded streets. The much smarter and cheaper option is to use a Navegante (formerly Viva Viagem) card, which you can "top up" with "zapping" credit at any Metro station or kiosk. Using a pre-paid card or a contactless bank card (which is now widely accepted at the validation gates) drops the fare significantly and allows you to "tap and go" quickly. While the historic trams maintain their old-world charm, the payment systems have modernized, so having a contactless card or a pre-loaded transit pass is the "local" way to save both time and money.

Yes, trams in Lisbon do accept cash for onboard ticket purchases. However, there are some important details to keep in mind:

  1. Onboard Payments – You can buy a single ticket (Bilhete Único) directly from the tram driver using cash (euros). The price is typically higher than purchasing in advance (around €3.00 as of recent updates).

  2. Better Alternatives – To save money and avoid long lines, it’s recommended to buy tickets in advance: - Viva Viagem Card (reloadable card available at metro stations, kiosks, or vending machines). - 24-hour public transport passes (unlimited rides on trams, buses, metro, and some elevators). - Contactless payments (some newer trams and buses accept contactless bank cards).

  3. Popular Tram Lines – Cash payment is most common on tourist-heavy routes like Tram 28, but queues can be long.

Tip: If you plan to use trams frequently, consider a day pass or the Viva Viagem card for cheaper fares and convenience.

Would you like details on specific tram lines or ticket options?

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