In a nutshell
- Riding the Tram 28E is one of the top things to do in Lisbon and a absolute must if you’re visiting Lisbon for a weekend.
- It’s a truly unique experience as the historic cars rattle through Lisbon’s narrowest alleys, often with just a few inches of clearance between the tram and the house walls.
- The tram runs every 10 minutes, connecting Martim Moniz to Campo Ourique.
- Pro tip: Start your journey at Campo Ourique to have a better chance of snagging a seat. To save a few Euros, use the Navegante card instead of buying a ticket from the driver.
- If the 28E is too crowded, line 12E is a great alternative—it covers some of the same scenic sections but is usually much quieter.
What Makes Lisbon’s Tram 28E Special?
The iconic yellow trams in Lisbon are practically the face of the city, gracing countless postcards and travel guides. It’s no wonder—these vintage cars look like they’ve rolled straight out of a museum and onto the tracks.
The “Remodelado” trams first started clattering through the city streets in the 1930s, and they’re still going strong today.
A ride on these wooden streetcars is a highlight not just because of their history, but because of the breathtaking route. The trams squeeze through tiny alleys with only a few inches to spare between the windows and the house walls, all while tackling steep hills with gradients of up to 13.5%.
Plus, the 28E passes many of the most famous sights in Lisbon and several stunning viewpoints, making it a fantastic (and cheap) alternative to a sightseeing bus.
Map of the Tram 28E Route
Tram line 28E passes through almost all of the historic districts and stops near many of the city’s main attractions.
The line runs between Martim Moniz in the Alfama district and Campo Ourique (Prazeres) on the western edge of the city center.
The entire 7-kilometer route includes 38 stops and takes about 55 minutes from start to finish.
To help you get your bearings, we’ve marked the full route of the 28E on a map.
Tickets and Fares
A single ticket bought directly from the driver costs 3.10 euros. This is a fine option if you only plan on taking this one ride and won’t be using any other public transport in Lisbon.
However, it’s much cheaper to use the Navegante card (which you might remember as the Viva Viagem card).
If you use the “Zapping” credit on your card, you just tap it against the reader when you board, and the fare drops to just 1.61 euros.
You can also ride the tram for free if you have the Lisboa Card. You can find out if that’s the right choice for you in our city pass comparison: Is the Lisboa Card worth it?
Tram 28E Timetable and Hours of Operation
The 28E runs daily from roughly 6:20 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., though it starts a little later on weekends. Officially, the trams are scheduled to run every 10 minutes.
There are also slight differences between the summer and winter timetables.
That being said, don’t set your watch by the schedule! Trams are often held up by double-parked cars or delivery trucks on the tracks, so delays are very common.
It’s quite typical for two or three trams to arrive at once, followed by a much longer gap.
Tips for Riding Tram 28E
Since the 28E is one of the most popular things to do on a trip to Lisbon, the cars are almost always packed. Here are our best tips for making your ride as smooth as possible.
Ride as Early as Possible
As we mentioned, the 28E is a classic Lisbon experience and top of every tourist’s list.
Our advice: go as early as you can. Most visitors are still at their hotel breakfast, so you’ll have a much better shot at getting a seat and enjoying the view without someone’s elbow in your face.
Start at Campo Ourique (Prazeres) Station
Trying to hop on at a stop in the middle of the route is usually a losing game. You’ll almost certainly have to stand, which makes it harder to see out of the small windows.
Plus, the ride is surprisingly bumpy! The driver often has to brake suddenly, so you’ll be clinging to the handrails for dear life.
That’s why we recommend starting at the terminus, Campo Ourique. It’s slightly outside the main tourist hub, so your chances of getting a seat are much higher.
Our tip: While you’re at the end of the line, take a stroll through the beautiful Cemiterio dos Prazeres right next to the stop. We have plenty more insider tips for Lisbon if you want to escape the crowds.
Avoid the Martim Moniz Terminal
If your hotel is in the historic center, Martim Moniz might seem like the obvious place to start. We’d suggest otherwise!
Because it’s so central, there is almost always a massive line at the terminal. You’ll likely wait through several trams only to end up standing anyway once you finally board.
You might think you can outsmart the system by getting on one stop before the terminal and just staying in your seat for the return journey. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work!
At both ends of the line, all passengers must get off so the driver can take a break and the car can be cleared. You’ll have to join the back of the queue like everyone else.
Leave the Big Bags at Home
The trams are tiny and get incredibly crowded, which is why large luggage is not allowed. A small backpack or a standard carry-on bag is fine, but don’t try to bring your full-sized suitcases.
If you’re exploring Lisbon with kids, avoid bringing a full-sized stroller on the historic trams—it simply won’t fit. A small, foldable umbrella buggy is usually okay, though.
Keep an Eye on Your Valuables
Unfortunately, where there are crowds of tourists, pickpockets aren’t far away. You’ll see signs in the trams warning you to be careful. Just keep your bag in front of you and stay aware of your surroundings.
Trams in Lisbon: Which Lines are Worth it?
Line 12E uses the same vintage wagons and follows a good chunk of the 28E route. It runs in a shorter loop (about 20 minutes total) starting and ending at Martim Moniz. It’s often much less crowded!
The beautiful yellow heritage cars are also used on lines 18E, 24E, and 25E. If you just want the experience of riding a historic tram without the 28E crowds, these are great alternatives.
Besides the public lines, there are also two hop-on/hop-off trams specifically for tourists. These also use historic cars and cover the most scenic parts of the old town.
A hop-on/hop-off ticket lets you skip the long lines for the regular trams and often includes access to various buses and boats around the city as well.