Cable cars, also known as funiculars or aerial trams, are a popular mode of transportation in Portugal, particularly in the cities of Lisbon and Porto. These cable cars offer a unique way to explore the city, offering stunning views of the surrounding areas and a fun and exciting way to get around.
The history of cable cars in Portugal
Cable cars history dates back to the early 19th century when the first cable car system was built in Porto to transport goods and people up and down the steep hills of the city. Today, cable cars are a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, with several lines running throughout the cities of Lisbon and Porto.
How to ride the Santa Justa Elevator
To ride the elevator, you can either purchase a ticket at the elevator entrance or use a public transportation card, such as the Lisboa Card or Viva Viagem card, to tap on the electronic readers at the entrance.
Opening Hours
The Santa Justa Elevator is open daily from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm.
Santa Justa Elevator Tickets
The cost of a ticket to ride the Santa Justa Elevator varies based on the age of the passenger and the type of ticket purchased. As of 2022, the cost for a round-trip ticket was €5.30, and a one-way ticket cost €3. Children under 6 years of age ride for free. You can purchase tickets online or at the entrance.
Santa Justa Elevator History
The Santa Justa Elevator was built in 1902 by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a Portuguese engineer, and disciple of Gustave Eiffel, the famous French engineer who designed the Eiffel Tower. The elevator was originally powered by steam and was later converted to electricity in 1907. The design of the elevator is a unique blend of Gothic and Moorish styles, featuring a towering metal structure with ornate details and a viewing platform at the top. Today, the Santa Justa Elevator remains an iconic symbol of Lisbon’s history and architecture.
Our experience riding Santa Justa Elevator
Unlike tram 28, riding Santa Justa Elevator was on my to-do list for Lisbon. So, I did a research, read about huge lines, talked to a friend who spent 1,5 hours in line during non-peak tourist season in April and almost gave up but still wanted to give it a try. The elevator open 7am until 11pm, so we decided to give it a try first thing in the morning. We got to the elevator by 7.10am and there was no line. In fact, there was no people, at all. We just walked in, paid 5.30 euros and enjoyed the ride.
Santa Justa elevator ticket
The elevator is included in Lisbon public transport network, so you can get your One day public transport ticket that cost 6.40 euros and use it to ride Santa Justa Elevator.
Other cable cars in Lisbon
There are also several other cable car lines in Lisbon, including the Lisbon Cable Car, which runs from Parque das Nações to the Oceanarium, and the Gloria Funicular, which connects the Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto district.
So, to ride the Santa Justa Elevator, you can purchase a ticket at the entrance or use a public transportation card. It is open daily from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm, and the cost of a ticket varies based on the age of the passenger and the type of ticket purchased. The Santa Justa Elevator is a fascinating example of Lisbon’s history and architecture, and it is definitely worth a visit.
