5 Tips to Ride Tram 28 in Lisbon

Want to ride Tram 28 without the crowds? Then this blog post is for you! I share my 5 tips to ride Tram 28 like a pro: discover the ideal routes, learn pro techniques for securing a coveted seat, and master the art of avoiding long queues.

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To ride, or not to ride, that is the question!

Lisbon’s iconic trams serve as both as beautiful backdrop and an essential mode of transportation in Lisbon. Their distinctive squeaks and rattles echo through the narrow streets of the city while the famous yellow trams have become emblems of the city. But Beyond their tourist allure, Lisbon’s trams are a lifeline for locals, offering convenient connections across the city’s sprawling terrain, including its notorious hills.

Riding Tram 28 in Lisbon is one of the most iconic things to do in the City, but it can also be a flop if not done right.

Keep Reading // 11 Amazing Things to do in Lisbon

But fear not, I have uncovered the secrets to enjoying this classic adventure to the fullest. Drawing from my own experiences, I share some tips and tricks to beat the crowds and savor every moment aboard these nostalgic trams.

So, is Tram 28 really worth the hype? The answer yes, but you need to do it right!

HERE ARE 5 TIPS TO RIDE TRAM 28 LIKE A PRO

… BUT FIRST, SOME HISTORY

The Lisbon tram system entered service on 17 November 1873 as a horsecar line. At the time, the “trams” were only available in the flat parts of the city where horses were capable of hauling their passenger loads. However, if you know anything about Lisbon, you’ll know that it is nothing but flat…

Keep Reading // To learn why Lisbon as the nickname “City of Seven Hills” check out the blog post about 14 Things to Know Before Visiting Lisbon

To remediate this problem, the City Council proposed the use of funiculars : the first one came into service in 1884. This marked a significant milestones in the city’s transportation history.

In 1890, the first cable tram route was put into operation. This was a 1,7 kilometer route between Praça Camões to Largo da Estrela. This innovative technology offered an alternative to funiculars for navigating Lisbon’s longer and curved routes. A few years later, in 1901, Lisbon’s first electric tramway commenced operations. Within a year, all of the city’s routes had been converted to electric traction.

But what about route 28?

Trams 28 dates back to 1914 when horse drawn carriages were replaced by the now iconic yellow trams. If some lines use newer trams cars, Tram 28 looks very much the same as it at the beginning of the 20th century with wooden floors, timber window frames and yellow bodies.

But why is this route so popular? The 7km long route passes through the districts of Graça, Alfama, Baxia, Chiado, Santa Catarina and Estrela : basically all the popular districts of Lisbon. It takes about 50 minutes to travel the entire route between Largo do Martim Moniz and Campo Ourique.

TIP 1: DON’T WAIT TO GET ON THE TRAM TO BUY YOUR TICKET

To save both time and money, and to avoid feeling like everyone is annoyed with you, I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance. Of course it is possible to buy your ticket on the tram itself for a fee of €3 in cash. But imagine if all the passengers did that… what a hassle.

Instead, consider buying a Viva Viagem card from any metro station, allowing you to preload your tram journeys beforehand. For maximum convenience and value, adding a 24-hour unlimited pass to your card for just €6.60 provides unlimited access to all public transport for a full day, including the picturesque Elevador de Santa Justa and Elevador da Glória funiculars.

Alternatively, if you anticipate using public transport less frequently, you can opt for the “zapping” option, loading a cash balance onto your card at €1.65 per tram ride. All you need to do is tap your card when you get in the tram.

If you have the  Lisbon Card public transportation is free, including Tram 28.

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TIP 2 : DON’T GO AT THE SAME TIME AS EVERYONE ELSE

It’s 10am on a Saturday, should I ride tram 28? Absolutely not!

Fun Fact // Did you know that it is estimated that Tram 28 transports around 4,5 million passenger every year? But get this… each tram can sit 20 people and about another 25 standing. If you do the math, that means very cramped cars.

Knowing when to ride Tram 28 is a bit complicated because peak time is anytime between 9am and 7pm. And conductors often skip stops when there is no more space for additional passengers…

During peak time, particularly at Praça Martin Moniz, it can take an hour or more to get in, particularly in the busy summer season.

So when should you get on? Try early in the morning, before 9am or at the end of the night around 9pm.

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TIP 3: GO THE OPPOSITE WAY AS EVERYONE ELSE

To maximize your chances of securing a seat on the often crowded trams in Lisbon, consider boarding at one of the start or end stops of the line, such as Campo de Ourique in the west or Martim Moniz in the Alfama district. Riding the full route without hopping on and off in the middle allows you to experience all the sights.

However, as I’ve mentioned above, Praça Martin Moniz can get extremely busy since it’s right in the middle of the city center. That is particularly true in peak tourist season where the wait time can be more than an hour.

For that reason, I highly recommend riding in the opposite direction. Rather than waiting in endless lines at Martim Moniz, start your journey at the other end, in Campo de Ourique. By starting in Campo de Ourique, a square in a less touristy neighborhood of Lisbon, you’ll be able to get a seat next to the window and enjoy the entirety of the Tram 28. Get there by taxi, on the #25 tram, or enjoy the 45-minute walk from Chiado.

Warning // Tram 28 is renowned for being a hotspot for pickpockets. Make sure you hold on to your belonging, especially if you are doing the ride standing.

TIP 4 : KNOW WHERE TO SIT

When boarding the tram, choose your seat strategically to optimize your sightseeing experience. If you’re starting your journey at the Martim Moniz stop in Alfama, opt for the left-hand side of the tram to enjoy panoramic views of the oceanfront and key tourist attractions as you travel downtown.

On the other hand, if your journey begins at the Campo Ourique stop in the west, select the right side for the best sightseeing opportunities. Keep in mind that the seats on the right side of the tram are typically singles rather than benches. If you’re traveling with friends or family, sitting on the right may mean sacrificing sitting together as a group.

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TIP 5: WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, TRY ANOTHER ROUTE

If all of the tips above have not worked, consider opting for tram 12 instead of the iconic tram 28. Both trams use charming historic trams carts, but the number 24 typically has shorter queues and more available seats, allowing for a more relaxed journey.

Tram 12 follows a similar route to tram 28, but does not cover as much ground. Instead of the 7km route of Tram 28, Tram 12 covers only 4km and the entire route takes around 20 minutes.

Still, tram 12 offers a delightful journey along some of the same tracks in Alfama as the famed tram 28, making stops at iconic landmarks such as São Jorge Castle, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, the Se Cathedral, and more.

READ THESE POSTS BEFORE VISITING LISBON!

LISBON GUIDES | 11 Amazing Things to do In Lisbon; 14 Things to Know Before Visiting Lisbon;  How to make the best of your visit to Belém; 1 day, 3 castles: How to make the best of your day in Sintra; Where to Stay in Lisbon?

LISBON PHOTOS | 30 amazing photos of Lisbon

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