Do you need cash for Lisbon trams?

Fares and Types of Tickets Lisbon metro fare tickets can be purchased with a credit card or cash. The prices are 1.50 euros for a single fare and 6.40 euros for 24-hours of unlimited travel. This fare includes all Lisbon buses and trams.



As of 2026, you do not need cash for Lisbon's iconic trams, and in fact, it is much more expensive to pay with cash. If you pay the driver in cash (a "board fare"), a single trip on a vintage tram like the 28E typically costs around €3.10. However, the modern and preferred way to pay is using a Viva Viagem or Navegante card, which can be topped up at any metro station or "Ponto" kiosk. Using the "Zapping" method on these cards reduces the fare significantly to approximately €1.60. Furthermore, in 2026, most modern trams in Lisbon now accept contactless credit/debit cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) directly at the validators, similar to the London Underground. While cash is still technically accepted on the older wooden trams for tourists who arrive unprepared, the system is designed to discourage it. For the best experience in 2026, buy a 24-hour unlimited public transport pass for around €6.80, which covers all trams, buses, and the famous Santa Justa Lift.

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Cash, card and ATMs When travelling to big cities like Lisbon and Porto, you can usually use a card in most places. However, be prepared to come across smaller shops and restaurants that do not accept cards. Especially in smaller towns, you are expected to pay with cash for small purchases.

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Cards are by far the most popular cashless payment method in Portugal, including international cards from Visa and Mastercard. Both credit and debit cards are used, but debit cards are much more common. It's worth noting that Multibanco cards – which we'll explain below – can be used as both debit and credit cards.

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The price of the ticket for the Lisbon tramway on board is € 3 ( US$ 3.20), while if you use the 7 Colinas Card, the price is € 1.50 ( US$ 1.60) per trip.

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The Lisboa Card is ideal for Lisbon visitors looking to get the most out of their Portuguese romp. Lisboa Card holders can take advantage of: Free unlimited travel by public transport (bus, tram, metro, elevators and funiculars) Free travel on CP train lines to Sintra and Cascais (popular daytrip destinations)

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You can buy your ticket from the tram driver (cash) or from ticket machine. If you plan on using the tram a lot or other transportation (bus, metro, train, funicular, Santa Justa Elevator) it cost 6,50 for the first day, and 6,00 Euro for every day after that. The 24 hour pass is rechargeable.

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The appeal of Lisbon's Tram 28 is not just its historic appearance, but also its route, which passes through some of the city's most iconic neighbourhoods, like Alfama, Baixa, and Chiado.

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The most widely known is Tram no. 28 that runs from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique. Although you can hop on at any point, the route starts in the historical centre, Largo Martim Moniz (square), heading to the Graça quarter and continuing to the Church of São Vicente de Fora.

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Drinking tap water in Portugal is considered safe in all regions and the water meets all EU standards. Lisbon tap water is of a medium hardness, rich in minerals and has chlorine added during treatment. It can have a strong taste, so most Lisbon residents drink bottled water and use tap water for most everything else.

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Tipping is not mandatory, and you should only do so if you feel comfortable about it and if you want to reward truly exceptional service. Tipping for great service is very much appreciated.

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If you prefer dealing in cash, then by all means get some euros out before your trip. But there are alternatives available, such as debit and credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in most European cities. American Express is too, but perhaps less widely.

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The currency of Portugal is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted.

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The best bet is to use an ATM/Cashpoint to obtain Euros from your home bank account, or use a non-fee credit card where possible. To read more about fees associated with exchanging currency, using credit cards, etc. take a look at this extensive information posted on the Flyerguide wiki.

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