What are the benefits of Viva viagem card in Lisbon?

A Viva Viagem is a transport card designed for occasional travellers and visitors. It's a quick and easy way to pay for journeys on metro, bus, tram, funicular, ferry and train services in Lisbon. It can hold pay as you go credit through the Zapping option, one day tickets, or single tickets.



In 2026, the Viva Viagem card remains the most essential tool for navigating Lisbon's extensive public transit network efficiently. This contactless smart card costs only €0.50 and can be loaded with various ticket types, including single journeys, 24-hour passes, or the popular "Zapping" credit. One of its primary benefits is the intermodal flexibility, allowing you to switch seamlessly between the Metro, Carris buses, historic trams (like the iconic No. 28), funiculars, and even the suburban trains to Sintra or Cascais. By using the "Zapping" method, you pay a significantly discounted rate compared to buying individual paper tickets from drivers (e.g., a tram ride that costs €3.00 on board is roughly €1.61 with Zapping). Additionally, it eliminates the need to carry loose change or wait in long ticket lines. For 2026 travelers, the card is also compatible with the Viva Viagem mobile app, allowing you to check your remaining balance and top up via your smartphone, making it a highly cost-effective and "hassle-free" companion for exploring both the city center and the beautiful surrounding coastline.

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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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A reusable Viva Viagem card is valid for a year and costs just €0.50, plus the price of your pass or ticket. Available from any Lisbon urban train ticket offices or ticket vending machines. Keep your receipt as proof of purchase as long as the ticket or pass is still valid.

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On bus, tram and funicular, only swipe your Viva Viagem card across the yellow reader near the driver at the start of your journey. Don't swipe it when you get off a bus or tram.

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Keep in mind that you need to swipe the Viva Viagem card in the turnstiles as you enter AND exit the Lisbon Metro. The Viva Viagem card is also used for the train to Sintra; add an extra ?3-?5 per person to cover the train expense to Sintra.

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Can I get a Viva Viagem and a Lisboa Card at the airport? Yes, you can buy both cards at Lisbon Airport. You can buy a Viva Viagem card at the airport's metro station. You can buy a Lisboa Card at the Tourist Office desk (Ask Me Lisboa) at Lisbon Airport.

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Keep in mind that you need to swipe the Viva Viagem card in the turnstiles as you enter AND exit the Lisbon Metro. The Viva Viagem card is also used for the train to Sintra; add an extra ?3-?5 per person to cover the train expense to Sintra.

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Where to purchase the Lisboa Card? You can buy the Lisboa Card at the Lisbon Airport, in the Praça do Comércio and Restauradores Square. However, to avoid the long lines which form to get the card, we recommend that you buy yours in advance by clicking here.

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Comboios De Portugal operates a train from Lisboa - Sete Rios to Sintra every 30 minutes. Tickets cost €1 - €3 and the journey takes 35 min. Alternatively, FlixBus operates a bus from Lisbon to Sintra once daily. Tickets cost €6 - €9 and the journey takes 1h 5m.

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The card Lisboa Viva is a card, personal and intransmissible, equipped with contactless technology that allows the loading of Transportation Tickets of up to four contracts/Transportation Tickets, valid for access to various transportation operators in the Metropolitan Area of Lisbon.

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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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The simplest combination – known as Carris/Metro – allows you to travel using the same ticket on buses, trams, elevators, funiculars and the metro for €6.60. CityMapper is the best map and public transport app for travelers to Lisbon, and locals use it frequently.

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Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip. Some tourists feel like they just have to have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

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Viva Viagem: A card costs only €0.50. For the types of tickets it can hold and fares, see our page on Viva Viagem Card. Lisboa Card: A card costs from €21 for one day to €44 for three days. It includes 26 free museums, namely Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and free public transport.

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If you want to save a few euros, consider taking an Uber instead. This rideshare service ranges from €7 ($7.80) - €15 ($16.71) per transfer from the airport to the city centre. Although you could end up spending just as much for an Uber as you would for a taxi, there's a chance you'll save some money this way.

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