The Lisbon Metro, known locally as “Metropolitano de Lisboa,” stands out as one of Europe’s most beautiful and well-maintained subway systems, providing a convenient way to explore the city and beyond. With four lines covering the city, you can easily reach your desired destination with ease by taking advantage of its efficient and accessible services.
Lisbon Metro Guide
Fast and Stylish Travel
Experience the elegant and contemporary Lisbon Metro, adorned with unique artistic touches at each station. Operating since 1959, the metro has expanded its reach, now boasting 56 stations across four lines:
- Blue (Seagull): Amadora este – Baixa Chiado
- Yellow (Sunflower): Odivelas – Rato
- Green (Caravela): Cais do Sodré – Telheiras
- Red (Orient): São Sebastião – Aeroporto
Operating Hours
Metro trains usually run every 3 to 12 minutes between 6:30 am and 1:00 am with reduced frequency at night, on weekends and holidays. However, please note that some smaller stations may close before this time.
During some events such as the Feast of St. Anthony and New Year’s Eve, the metro offers all-night services, but trains may only stop at specific stations.
Navigating the Metro
The metro is equipped with air-conditioned trains, elevators for easy platform access, and clear signage to guide your way. The four color-coded lines help you identify your route with no effort. If you find yourself heading in the wrong direction, no worries – simply hop off at the next station and cross over to the correct side.
Planning Your Journey
Lisbon’s metro map is a useful tool to navigate the city, indicating stations, transfers, and popular attractions. Although it doesn’t cover the entire city, it’s a great option to reach many must-see locations.
Art and Culture Underground
Many stations feature themed tiled walls by contemporary artists, turning your commute into an art gallery experience. The red line stands out with impressive installations, while other lines feature works by renowned Portuguese artists.
Ticketing and Fares
When using the Lisbon Metro, your ticketing experience has been designed to be easy and convenient. To ensure a seamless experience, we suggest using the Viva Viagem card, a magnetic card that costs only €0.50 and is valid for 12 months. You can easily recharge it for future trips or buy a 24-hour unlimited travel ticket.
For individual trips, a single ride within Zone 1, which includes all tourist areas and the airport, costs €1.80. If you want to use the metro, buses and trams, the 24-hour ticket is the best option for only €6.80. It offers a comprehensive choice for your travels in Lisbon.
If you enjoy visiting museums and attractions frequently, the Lisboa Card is a great option for unlimited use of public transport in Lisbon, providing a cost-effective solution for avid sightseers.
The Lisboa Card provides free access to different modes of public transportation in Lisbon, such as the metro, buses, trams, lifts of CARRIS lines, and the CP Train of Lisbon. You can choose from three flexible durations – 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours – depending on your schedule. Aside from transportation, the card also grants you free entry to 39 museums, monuments, and other places of interest, making it an all-in-one pass to explore the city’s cultural treasures.
You can also use your bank card for payments on the platform. Simply touch your card on the reader for easy passage.
For those opting for the Viva Viagem card, remember it’s a personalized journey tool, usable by a single person. Families traveling together should ensure each member obtains their own card.
While the Viva Viagem card simplifies metro transactions, it has limitations regarding fare types. To overcome this, consider charging the card with “Zapping“, a credit option ranging from €3 to €40. This versatile credit can be utilized across all public transportation modes, deducting €1.61 for each metro, bus, or tram ride, and €1.90 for train journeys.
To summarize, the Lisbon Metro offers a variety of ticketing and fare options that cater to different preferences. These include the flexible Viva Viagem card, the all-inclusive Lisboa Card, and simple contactless payment methods. With these options, your journey through the city will be as seamless as the metro’s efficient operation.
Major Stations to Explore
Baixa-Chiado: Connects the green and blue lines, offering access to Baixa’s flat streets and Chiado’s hilltop district.
Marquês de Pombal: A bustling interchange connecting the blue and yellow lines, providing access to Avenida da Liberdade and Edward VII Park.
Cais do Sodré: The green line’s final station, linking to trains for Cascais beaches and ferries to Cacilhas.
Accessibility and Comfort
Priority seating on trains is reserved for pregnant women, passengers with small children, the elderly, and those with disabilities, but not all stations are wheelchair accessible. The metro aims to make your journey comfortable and inclusive.
