Short answer
Tram 28 is a lovely ride, but in summer you can queue 30–45 minutes at Martim Moniz and then stand in a packed carriage. If you want to see Alfama and the old town's viewpoints without the wait, ride Tram 28 early in the morning or after 8 pm, or use a hop-on hop-off tuk tuk pass, which picks you up at 8 stops on the old town hills with an average wait under 10 minutes.
What is Tram 28?
Tram 28E is Lisbon's most famous tram line. The yellow 1930s-style carriages run about 7 km between Martim Moniz and Campo de Ourique (Prazeres), passing through Graça, Alfama, the Sé (cathedral), Baixa, Chiado and Estrela. The full ride takes around 40–50 minutes.
It's a normal public transport line run by Carris, so locals use it too, which is part of the charm and part of the problem.
How much does Tram 28 cost?
- Ticket bought on board: €3.30. Pay the crew in cash, or use a contactless card or MB Way at the validator.
- With a Navegante card: €1.90 per ride, or €1.72 with "zapping" credit.
- 24-hour Carris/Metro ticket: €7.25, good value if you'll also use the metro and buses.
- Lisboa Card: includes free travel on the tram.
Fares checked on carris.pt in November 2026. Prices change, so check before you go.
Why is Tram 28 so crowded?
- It's on every "top 10 things to do in Lisbon" list.
- The carriages are small, with only around 20 seats.
- Cruise passengers and day-trippers all arrive between 10:00 and 16:00.
- Most visitors board at the same stop, Martim Moniz.
In high season, the queue at Martim Moniz often takes 30–45 minutes. Boarding mid-route is harder: trams can pass full. Crowded trams are also where pickpockets work, so keep bags in front of you.
How to ride Tram 28 smarter
If you still want the classic ride (and it is worth doing once), these tips help:
- Go early or late. The first trams leave Martim Moniz before 6:00 on weekdays. After 20:00 is also much calmer.
- Board at a terminal. Start at Martim Moniz or Campo de Ourique for the best chance of a seat.
- Sit on the left heading west (towards Campo de Ourique) for the best views.
- Ride one way only. Get off at Portas do Sol or the Sé and walk downhill through Alfama instead of riding back.
- Avoid peak cruise hours, roughly 10:00–15:00, when the queue is longest.
Alternatives to Tram 28
Walk (downhill only)
Alfama is best explored on foot, but it sits on steep, cobbled hills. The trick is to get to the top and walk down. Walking up from Baixa to Graça or Senhora do Monte is hard work, especially in summer heat.
Tram 12E
Tram 12 does a short loop through the same old town streets (Martim Moniz, Sé, Portas do Sol). It's shorter and sometimes less crowded, but it has the same small carriages and still fills up.
Taxi or Uber/Bolt
Useful for getting to the top of a hill, but cars struggle in Alfama's narrow lanes, there's no commentary, and you'll pay every time you move.
Hop-on hop-off bus
Comfortable and good for longer distances, but the big buses stay on the main avenues. They can't get into Alfama or up to most viewpoints, and you usually wait around 30 minutes for the next one.
Hop-on hop-off tuk tuk pass (our pick for the old town)
The Lisbon Visitor Pass covers the same old town area as the best part of Tram 28, without the queue:
- 13 stops from Praça da Figueira and the Sé up to São Jorge Castle, Portas do Sol, Graça and Senhora do Monte, the highest viewpoint
- Request a ride from your phone at any of the 8 pickup stops; the average wait is under 10 minutes
- Small groups, maximum 6 people per tuk tuk, with a local driver-guide who tells you what you're looking at
- Electric tuk tuks that fit the narrow lanes buses can't reach
- 4 hours (€39) or a full day (€46); your time starts at your first ride, and tuk tuks run 11:00–17:30
It's especially useful if you're on a cruise stop, travelling with older relatives, or simply don't want to spend half your day in a queue.
Tram 28 vs tuk tuk pass: quick comparison
| Tram 28 | Lisbon Visitor Pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical summer wait | 30–45 min at Martim Moniz | Under 10 min on average |
| Seat guaranteed | No | Yes |
| Reaches the hilltop viewpoints | Passes some (Graça, Portas do Sol) | All major ones, incl. Senhora do Monte |
| Commentary | No | Local driver-guide |
| Hop off and back on | Pay again or use a pass | Unlimited within your hours |
| Price | €1.72–3.30 per ride | €39 (4h) or €46 (full day) |
| Best for | The classic experience, early or late | Seeing the old town in one relaxed day |
So, is Tram 28 worth it?
Yes, once, at the right time. Ride it early in the morning for the experience, then use a tuk tuk pass (or your legs, going downhill) to actually explore Alfama and the viewpoints during the day.
FAQ
How long is the queue for Tram 28?
In summer, the queue at Martim Moniz often takes 30–45 minutes between mid-morning and late afternoon. Early mornings and evenings are much quicker.
What's the best time to ride Tram 28?
Before 9:00 or after 20:00, starting at a terminal (Martim Moniz or Campo de Ourique).
Can I pay by card on Tram 28?
Yes. Tap a contactless bank card at the validator on board and you pay the on-board fare of €3.30. Load a Navegante card at a metro station to pay less: €1.90 per ride, or €1.72 with zapping credit.
Is there a tram-like way to see Alfama without the crowds?
A hop-on hop-off tuk tuk pass covers Alfama, the castle hill and the main viewpoints, with pickups on request and small groups.
Is Tram 28 good for people with limited mobility?
It's tricky: there are high steps, it's often standing room only, and it can be crowded. A tuk tuk is easier, although you still need to step up into it and the cobbles are bumpy.
