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Getting Around Lisbon Without a Car: Tips from My Experience
Lisbon looks like a city you can walk everywhere—until you actually try.
With charming streets, cobbled lanes, and ocean viewpoints, it feels perfect for slow travel.
That was my plan too—walk everywhere and take the occasional tram.
But after 4 days in Lisbon during my 3 week Portugal trip with my husband and child, I realised getting around is not that simple.
Short distances feel much longer because of the hills in Alfama, Moorish quarter.
We ended up using a mix of public transport—metro, trams, buses, and taxis, which made things much easier.
If you are visiting Lisbon for the first time and wondering how to get around without exhausting yourself + without a car, this guide will help.
I will show you exactly how to get around Lisbon—from metro, buses, and trams to tourist options like tuk-tuks and Hippo trips—plus when to use each, what to skip, and why a car is not worth it.
Best tips for getting around Lisbon as a tourist
Car vs Public transport in Lisbon: what you really need to know
Do you need a car in Lisbon?
No, you don’t need a car in Lisbon. Roads are narrow, traffic is busy, parking is limited, and the hills make driving stressful.

During my 4 days in Lisbon, I realised most of your time as a traveller will be spent in areas like Chiado, Baixa, and Alfama, all built on steep hills.
Even short distances involve constant ups and downs, and the roads are shared with trams, tuk-tuks, minibuses, and crowds of people.
So honestly, renting a car just for Lisbon city would probably be one of the biggest mistakes of your trip.

Parking makes it worse. You will stop often at viewpoints and attractions, and finding a spot quickly becomes frustrating.
Paid parking adds extra cost, so having a car does not help keep your Lisbon trip budget low.
When a car might actually make sense in Lisbon?
A car only makes sense for trips outside Lisbon to places not easily accessible by bus or train.
Places like Sintra, Cascais, Óbidos and Fátima, which you are very likely to consider for a quick trip from Lisbon, are well connected by train and bus, so you do not need a car.
We did not drive within Lisbon at all.


We rented a car only when leaving Lisbon—first to Nazaré, with a stop at Moita dos Ferreiros windmills.
And we continued the car in Sintra, where we wanted to visit outskirt beaches.
The best way to get around Lisbon for tourists
The best way to get around Lisbon is a mix of buses, trams, and walking.



Buses are best for distances over 2 km. Trams work well for short, hilly routes, and walking is ideal in flatter areas.
When you are tired or short on time Bolt taxi is the easiest option.
Walking helped us notice details like street art by Bordalo II, quieter streets to photograph Lisbon famaous yellow trams.
Even, we ate less famous Portuguese special sweet-treats in Lisbon because we walked a lot, despite it being hilly.

Buses were most useful for places like the Thursday flea market, and when it rained, taxis were the easiest option.
Is Lisbon walkable for tourists?
Lisbon is walkable in terms of size, but not in how it feels.

Most people do not think twice about walking 5–6 km in a city. But in Lisbon, even short distances can feel difficult because of the hills.
For example, a 1.6 km walk from Alfama to the Glória Funicular might look easy on paper—but it felt like a full-on hike.
Lisbon has well-maintained footpaths and many car-free areas in historic neighbourhoods.
Walking remains the best way to experience many of Lisbon’s free attractions, viewpoints and hidden corners.
But the terrain makes walking tiring, especially across different viewpoints.

I noticed this when comparing it to Vienna, which is bigger but easier to walk as it is flat. Even Athens felt easier with gentler slopes.
For example, Praça do Comércio near the river is one of the lowest points, while Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is about 100 metres higher. The distance is under 3 km, but the climb makes it feel much longer.
Most streets are cobbled. Walking is manageable when dry, but slippery when it rains. I slipped once in late October, so I had to be more careful.
Is Lisbon streets stroller friendly?
Lisbon is manageable with a stroller, but not comfortable, as most streets are cobbled and the city is hilly with few flat areas.

Going uphill or into older neighbourhoods gets tiring, and pushing a stroller on cobbled streets is not smooth.
Public transport was more stroller-friendly than I expected, with foldable seats creating space for strollers on buses and the metro, making it easier to get around with our 10-month-old.


One thing I wish I knew earlier was how to choose stroller-friendly routes.
Google Maps often shows the shortest route, which includes stairs.
On our first walk from Alegria to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, we had to fold the stroller and carry our child.
Later, another traveller showed us the “wheelchair accessible” option, which made a big difference.

There will still be some rattling on cobbled streets, but the right route helps.
What to expect from public transport in Lisbon
Is public transport in Lisbon reliable?
Yes, you can depend on buses, trams, and the metro in Lisbon. They run frequently and connect most parts of the city well, with small delays of around 5–10 minutes, especially for buses and trams.

Most bus and tram stops have digital displays showing arrival times, updated in real time, so we were never left guessing.
The Carris app makes it easy to track schedules and routes, with live updates on delays.
Does Lisbon have 24/7 public transport?
No, Lisbon does not have full 24/7 public transport. Most buses and metro run from around 6:30 am to 1 am, while trams usually stop earlier.

So if you travel very early or late at night, you will need cabs – Bolt & Uber.
We used Bolt to return to our hotel in Alegria from Chiado at night, and it was affordable, safe, and convenient.
Is public transport in Lisbon affordable?
Yes, public transport in Lisbon is affordable, with single rides costing around €2–€2.50, though they can feel expensive for short distances due to flat pricing.

We noticed this on short bus rides in hilly areas—paying €2 for 1 km did not feel worth it, but it saved us from a steep walk.
When we bought single tickets onboard, the driver suggested a 24-hour pass, which works across buses, trams, and the metro and works much cheaper.

How to pay for public transport in Lisbon
How to buy tickets and pay for Lisbon buses, trams, and metro

We tried three of these options—here is what worked best.
After struggling with single tickets on the first day, we switched to a 24-hour pass, which made everything much easier.
Navegante card (how it works)
There are many types of Navegante cards for locals, but the yellow occasional card with a Carris/Metro 24-hour pass works best for short stays and can be recharged if you plan to use it again.

We bought it at Avenida metro station using a vending machine, with help from staff, and paid in cash.
The card costs about €0.50, and the 24-hour pass costs around €7–€8, so roughly €8–€10 in total.
Once you tap it, it works for the next 24 hours across all modes.
Once you tap it for the first time, it works seamlessly for the next 24 hours across all modes.
I have also explained why this is better than the Lisboa Card in a separate post
Best options to get around Lisbon for tourists
Carris City buses
Lisbon city buses are one of the most practical ways to get around. Locals use them daily, and they work well for short rides and longer trips like Belém.

There are around 80 routes. We mainly used 759, 711, and 738, which connected our hotel to most places.
Buses are easy to use, usually less crowded, and help avoid tiring uphill walks.

We also found them convenient with a stroller, as many buses have foldable seats for extra space.
Things to know about taking citybuses in Lisbon

Using trams in Lisbon
Trams are one of the most iconic ways to get around Lisbon, especially in historic areas.

There are two types: vintage trams with a traditional feel and modern trams that are larger and more comfortable, which we saw mostly in Belém.
There are two types: vintage trams with a traditional feel and modern trams that are larger and more comfortable – we saw them in Belem more.
We used trams only twice, mainly route 24 to reach Príncipe Real near our hotel.

We tried taking Tram 28, but it was always crowded, even in late October.
By evening, it did not feel worth it just for the views. Watching trams pass through the city felt just as charming.
Things to know before taking trams in Lisbon

Lisbon funiculars

Lisbon’s famous funiculars — Glória, Bica, and Lavra — have been temporarily suspended since a crash in September 2025.
When we visited in October 2025, the Glória tracks were empty.

Bica still stood there charmingly, and tourists could take photos, but it was not running.

Check the official Carris website to know when these historic funiculars, considered national monuments, will reopen.
Underground metro in Lisbon
The Lisbon metro is simple and fast, with four lines covering key areas where trams and buses can’t go.

Compared to cities like London & Tokyo with complex metro networks, Lisbon’s metro is very easy to use.
I used the Blue Line once from Avenida station but did not need it much, as most attractions are easier to reach by bus or tram.
It was easy to check Metropolitano de Lisboa website to plan the route.

Know these before using Lisbon metro as a tourist

Our hotel staff advised us to stay alert here due to occasional petty crime and a slightly uneasy atmosphere.
Bolt taxi in Lisbon
Bolt is the best fallback option in Lisbon when public transport feels inconvenient—especially in bad weather, late nights, or routes with multiple changes.

It is also affordable and usually cheaper than Uber.
One evening, we took a ride from the Oceanarium to our hotel for €8, avoiding multiple bus and metro changes.
Do children need a car seat in a taxi in Lisbon?
By law, a child car seat is required for babies in Portugal. In Lisbon, you can usually get away without a child car seat in taxis, especially for short rides.
We sat in the back seat with our baby in a carrier, and drivers were generally fine with it. We also saw locals doing the same and were never questioned.
Alternative ways to get around Lisbon (tuk-tuks, tours, and more)
Tuk-tuks of Lisbon
Tuk-tuks are one touristy option I would recommend in Lisbon, as the city is hilly and not easy to walk everywhere.

They are not used by locals, but they work well as a comfortable way to cover more ground with a local guide. So think it as a comfortable alternative to walking tour.

I took a 4-hour tuk-tuk tour around Belém and Chiado, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions—I learnt a lot about Lisbon’s history and could easily reach hilly areas, even in the rain.

The driver takes you through narrow streets, stops at viewpoints, and shares useful context along the way.
Hippotrip
Hippo Trip is an amphibious bus tour in Lisbon that runs on both land and water.

The transition from road to river feels unique and fun.
I was excited to try this and had pre-booked tickets on two different days, as children under 5 are not allowed.

But due to bad weather in late October, the tours were cancelled as a precaution. But I did watch how they land on water.
It starts near Doca de Santo Amaro, takes you through the city, and then into the Tagus River.
Tickets cost around €25–€30 per person, depending on the season.
In good weather, this is a fun way to see Lisbon and take a break from walking.
Tourist transport which aren’t worth taking in Lisbon


How to get from Lisbon airport to the city
Why Bolt is the best option from Lisbon airport to the city centre
Bolt or a taxi is the best way to get from Lisbon airport (LIS) to the city centre, as it is direct, comfortable, and affordable (usually around €8–€15).
With the metro, you often need to change lines at stations like Oriente or Rossio, then switch to a bus or walk.

This can feel exhausting after a long flight and passport queues—we took 1.5 hours to clear immigration at Lisbon airport.
Regular city buses ( Number 744) also have luggage limits, making them less practical. Aerobuses work better than citybuses.
So we took a Bolt at around 8:30 am from the airport. We chose a larger car as we had two trolleys and a stroller.

It cost around €10.22 for a 9 km ride, dropping us right at our hotel—no dragging luggage uphill in Alegria where we stayed.
Using public transport from Lisbon airport (metro + bus)
If you want to use public transport from Lisbon airport, the metro (red line) is the best budget option.

The metro takes about 20–30 minutes to reach central areas. Take the Red Line from the airport and change at Alameda or São Sebastião.
We saw long queues at the airport metro station just to buy the rechargeable card.

Buses like 744 run from the airport, but were not practical for us due to luggage limits. They can be crowded and often require additional transfers.
How to get from Lisbon airport at night
Bolt, Uber, or pre-booked taxis are the only reliable options from Lisbon airport at night or early morning.

Public transport runs until around 1 am and starts again at 6:30 am, so it is not available in between.
After 9 pm, bus frequency drops, so taxis become a more common choice. As a result, Bolt and Uber can be harder to find, with higher prices and longer waits.
From our experience, pre-booking with services like Welcome Pickups works better.
You can choose the car size, get driver details in advance, and avoid waiting at the airport.
We used them in Vienna and London and found them reliable across Europe, including Lisbon.
Safety tips for using public transport in Lisbon

My honest experience getting around Lisbon (what actually worked)
After 4 days of exploring Lisbon without a car, this is what actually worked for me.
What worked best for me

What I would avoid next time

FAQ: Getting around Lisbon for first-time visitors
How many days do you need in Lisbon without a car?
You need at least 4 days in Lisbon to see the main highlights. In summer, longer daylight helps you cover more. But in late October, I needed 2 extra days to explore offbeat places. The city is hilly, so getting around takes more time and energy.
Is Lisbon safe at night for walking?
Lisbon is safe in most areas, but some places can feel uncomfortable late at night. We avoided areas like Intendente, Anjos, and Martim Moniz. Instead, we stayed around Alfama, Príncipe Real, and Chiado in the evenings and felt safe.
can you use contactless payment for public transport in lisbon?
Contactless works in some cases in Lisbon, but not everywhere. On buses, you can usually pay onboard with a card. For the metro, you need a pre-purchased ticket or day pass. On trams, onboard tickets often require cash, so it is better to carry a transport card.
Is Uber cheaper than Taxi Lisbon?
Bolt is usually cheaper than Uber and regular taxis in Lisbon. In our experience, short rides were often very affordable, sometimes even cheaper than public transport for two people.
Should I buy 24 or 72 hr public transport pass in Lisbon?
If you are in Lisbon for 3 days, start with a 24-hour pass. You will not be using public transport all day, every day, as you will spend time exploring areas, visiting museums, or taking tours.
If you plan to travel frequently each day, then a 72-hour pass may be worth it. Otherwise, use a 24-hour pass and top it up as needed.
Is the metro free in Lisbon?
No, the metro is not free. A single ticket costs around €1.60–€1.80 and is valid for 60 minutes, allowing transfers. You can also use a Navegante transport card.
