Lisbon’s Tram 28E

What Makes Lisbon’s Tram 28E Special?

Photos of the trams in Lisbon adorn many travel guides and postcards. No wonder, the cars look like they were transported directly from the museum onto the tracks.

The trams started running through Lisbon in the 1930s and continue to do so today.

A ride on the old streetcars is not only a real experience because of their age but also because of the spectacular route. The trams wind their way through narrow streets where there are only a few inches of space between the facade of the houses and the wagons, and they tackle gradients of up to 13.5%.

Oh, and by the way, Tram 28E passes by many sights in Lisbon, making it a real sightseeing train.

Map of the Tram 28E Route

Tram line 28E runs through almost all of the old town districts and passes by many of the city’s attractions.

The tram’s final stops are Martim Moniz in the Alfama district and Campo Ourique (Prazeres) in the west of Lisbon’s city center.

In total, the tram has 38 stops along its approximately 7-kilometer journey, taking about 55 minutes for the entire route.

For a better overview, we marked the route of Line 28E on a map.

Tickets and Fares

A single ride on Tram 28E costs 3.10 euros and can be purchased directly from the driver. If you don’t plan on using any other public transportation in Lisbon, this is a good option.

It’s cheaper if you have a ticket for public transportation in Lisbon: the Navegante card (formerly Viva Viagem).

There you can easily top up credit and hold the card to the card reader when boarding the tram. A ride then only costs 1.61 euros.

You can also use the tram for free if you have a Lisboa Card. Read more about the Lisboa Card in our article about it: Is the Lisboa Card worth it?

Tram 28E Timetable and Hours of Operation

Tram 28E operates daily from around 6:20 a.m. to around 11 p.m., with the first train on weekends starting a little later. The train officially runs on a 10-minute schedule.

The schedules also differ slightly between winter and summer.

However, you should not rely on the schedule. It is common for the trams to be slowed down by cars parked on the tracks, so the schedule is rarely met.

This often results in two or three trams coming directly after each other, followed by a longer break.

Tips for riding Tram 28E

Taking the 28E is one of the main attractions during a city trip in Lisbon, and the trams are almost always crowded. We have some tips for you on how to make the most of your ride on this popular tram.

Ride as Early as Possible

Like we said before, taking the Tram 28E is one of the most typical things to do in Lisbon for tourists.

So, our suggestion is to go on a tram ride as early as you can. Most tourists are still having breakfast then, which means you’ll have way better chances to actually get a seat on the tram.

Start your Ride at Campo Ourique (Prazeres) Station

It’s definitely not a good idea to hop on the tram somewhere along the route. You’ll most likely end up standing the whole time and the view isn’t great.

Plus, you’ll have to hold on for dear life because the 28E ride can be pretty bumpy, and the driver might have to slam on the brakes suddenly.

That’s why we recommend starting your tram ride at the final station, Campo Ourique. It’s a little bit outside the city center, but you’ll always find a seat here.

Our tip: While you’re there, check out the beautiful cemetery, Cemiterio dos Prazeres, which is right by the final stop. We’ve got more insider tips for Lisbon, so be sure to check them out.

Avoid the Final Stop Martim Moniz

If your hotel in Lisbon is in the historic center, then the other final stop, Martim Moniz, is probably much closer. However, we wouldn’t recommend taking the tram from there.

Lots of people have the same idea, which is why there’s often a long line at the final station. You’ll have to wait a long time and will probably end up standing the whole time anyway.

Don't Board the Tram Just Before the Final Stop

If you’re thinking about just getting on the tram right before the final stop and then staying put, we’re sorry to disappoint you.

At both final stops, all passengers must get off, as the drivers deserve a little break. So, this trick unfortunately doesn’t work.

Avoid Bringing Luggage

There’s very little space in the wagons, which is why bringing large pieces of luggage is prohibited. A small bag in typical carry-on size is no problem, but you shouldn’t bring all of your travel luggage.

If you’re traveling with children in Lisbon, you should also avoid bringing a stroller on the old trams. It just won’t fit. However, a small collapsible travel buggy shouldn’t be a problem.

Watch your Valuables

Where many tourists gather, pickpockets are never far. There are many signs in the trams warning passengers. So, be especially careful with your valuables in these places.

Trams in Lisbon: Which Lines are Worth it?

Line 12E has identical wagons and partially runs the same route as the 28E. It operates in a circular fashion and takes about 20 minutes in total. The end station, just like with the 28E, is Martim Moniz.

The iconic yellow wagons are also used on lines 18E, 24E, and 25E. If you just want to ride in one of the historic trams, these lines are a good alternative.

In addition to the regular lines, there are also two hop-on/hop-off trams in Lisbon that are specifically designed for tourists. Again, the ride is on historic wagons, and many parts of the old town are covered, some of which are also covered by the 28E.

With a hop-on/hop-off ticket, you can use the tram as often as you like, and you can also use various buses and boats that pass many tourist sights.

Book the Hop-on Hop-off ticket Lisbon here

Have you ever been on Lisbon’s 28E tram?

How did you like the ride on the 28E tram in Lisbon? Or did you like another tram line in Lisbon better? Let us know in the comments!