Which Lisbon metro card is best for tourists?

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)



For most tourists in Lisbon, the Navegante Occasional card (formerly known as Viva Viagem) used with the "Zapping" method is the best option. This is a green, rechargeable paper card that costs €0.50 to purchase. The "Zapping" feature allows you to pre-load a cash balance onto the card (between €3 and €40), and it automatically deducts a discounted fare for every trip you take across the Metro, Carris (buses/trams), CP (trains to Sintra/Cascais), and even the ferries. In 2026, Zapping remains popular because it provides the flexibility to jump between different transport companies without needing separate tickets. However, if you plan to visit many museums in a single day, the Lisboa Card might be better, as it includes unlimited transport plus free entry to major attractions like the Jerónimos Monastery. If you are staying for exactly 24 hours and plan to use the famous Tram 28 and the Santa Justa Lift multiple times, a 24-hour unlimited pass (approx. €6.80) is the most economical way to avoid the high "onboard" prices of individual tram tickets.

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Sintra is part of the Lisboa Card coverage network. However, the card does not allow you to access the monuments. It is also possible to go to Cascais by taking the train from Cais do Sodré in the city center.

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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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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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The Lisbon Airport has a Metro (subway) station with a direct line to the city centre. The 'Aeroporto – Saldanha' line takes you to downtown Lisbon in about 20 minutes. The Metro network will allow you to move around the city at ease.

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Travel for free and enjoy free access to Lisbon's best museums and attractions with the Lisboa Card. The card includes free admission to the Torre de Belem, Jeronimos Monastery and the Santa Justa Elevator among others. The Lisboa Card also includes free transport by metro to and from the airport.

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One of the main services included is a Hop on Hop off Bus Tour (€15 - €20 value) which you can use to travel around the city to all of the most notable and historic landmarks. In addition to this, the Lisbon Day Pass also includes admission to the following locations for free: Belém Tower | €6. Jerónimos Monastery | € ...

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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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How much is a taxi from Lisbon Airport to the city center? Portela Airport is only 7km away from Lisbon downtown. Thus, a taxi ride from LIS Airport to the city center lasts only 20 minutes and costs 10€-15€/10$-15$ during the day, while night rides and transfers on weekends and holidays cost 18€/18$.

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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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