Riding a historic tram in Lisbon is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike. There are several lines that feature historic trams in Lisbon, including Lines 12, 15, 18 and, of course, iconic tram 28. Here’s how you can ride a historic tram in Lisbon:
History of trams in Portugal
Trams have played a significant role in public transportation in Portugal for over a century. The first tram lines were introduced in the late 19th century, and by the early 20th century, trams were a common sight in many Portuguese cities.
One of the first cities to introduce tramways was Lisbon, where the first horse-drawn trams began operating in 1873. The introduction of electric trams in 1901 revolutionized public transport in the city and allowed for the expansion of the tram network. At its peak, Lisbon’s tram network had over 27 lines and over 200 km of track.
In Porto, the first trams began operating in 1872, and the city quickly became known for its extensive tram network. By the early 20th century, Porto had over 70 km of tram lines, and trams were an essential mode of transportation for the city’s residents.
Tram 28 in Lisbon
Line 28 is one of the most famous tram lines in Lisbon and is operated by Carris, the public transport company in Lisbon. It is also known as the “tourist tram” because it takes passengers on a scenic route through some of Lisbon’s most historic and picturesque neighborhoods. However, it’s important to note that Line 28 is not a historic tram line, but rather a regular tram line that operates using modern trams.
Where to get on tram 28 in Lisbon
- Martim Moniz: This is the starting point for Tram 28. Martim Moniz is located in the heart of Lisbon’s historic center and is easily accessible by public transport.
- Graça: The Graça neighborhood is located on a hill overlooking the city and offers stunning views of Lisbon. You can get on Tram 28 at the Graça stop, which is located near the Miradouro da Graça viewpoint.
- São Jorge Castle: Tram 28 passes by the famous São Jorge Castle, and you can get on the tram at the stop located near the castle’s entrance.
- Alfama: The Alfama neighborhood is one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in Lisbon, and Tram 28 passes through its narrow, winding streets. You can get on the tram at the Alfama stop, which is located near the Fado Museum.
- Praça Luís de Camões: This stop is located in the heart of the Chiado neighborhood, which is known for its trendy shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Our experience riding tram 28
Similar to Santa Justa elevator, riding tram 28 was not on our list of activities. After living in Europe for half of my life, it was really difficult for to wrap my head around the fact that people spend hours standing in the line just to run a tram. So, after getting down from the elevator, around 10am, we were wondering around and found ourselves on Martim Moniz plaza. We saw about twenty or so people standing in line and asked what was that line for. Apparently, this was the line for tram 28. So, we decided to ride it.
We got on the train on Martim Moniz plaza and got off at Alfama, then walked around the neighborhood, down to Lisbon Cathedral and got back on tram 28 near the cathedral. To our surprise, the tram was almost empty. Our ride back was amazing, the tram passed many narrow streets, we saw people getting close to the buildings to let the tram pass. It was very unique experience and I’m glad we did it. As we got back to Martim Moniz plaza we saw a huge line near the tram stop. So, if riding tram is one of your must-do activities in Lisbon you need to plan ahead.
Tram 28 is a popular tourist attraction, and it can get very crowded during peak tourist season. Be sure to keep an eye on your belongings and watch out for pickpockets. Also, if you want to take photos, it’s a good idea to try to get a seat near a window or wait for a less crowded tram.
Historic tram lines in Lisbon
Here are some of the historic tram lines in Lisbon and where to get on them
- Line 12 – This line takes passengers on a journey through the historic neighborhoods of Lisbon, including Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela. You can get on Line 12 at Praça da Figueira or Martim Moniz.
- Line 15 – This line takes passengers from the historic neighborhood of Praça da Figueira to Belém, where visitors can see the famous Jerónimos Monastery and sample the famous pastel de nata. You can get on Line 15 at Praça da Figueira or Algés.
- Line 18 – This line takes passengers on a journey through the Graça neighborhood, passing by the famous São Jorge Castle and offering stunning views of the city. You can get on Line 18 at Martim Moniz or Cemitério dos Prazeres.
Tram tickets
To buy tickets for the historic trams in Lisbon, you can purchase them at any Carris ticket booth or on board the tram itself. A single ticket costs €3.00, or you can purchase a 24-hour pass for €6.40, which includes unlimited travel on all Carris trams, buses, and metro lines. Some more popular lines, like Line 28, can get very crowded during peak tourist season, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and try to avoid peak hours if possible.
Overal, riding tram in Lisbon was a unique experience for us. I recommend including this activity into your Lisbon itinerary.
Enjoy your ride!
