Transport Options for Expatriates Living in Lisbon, Portugal

Transport Options in Lisbon for Expats

As with most big cities, various public transport options are available to get around. Fortunately, Lisbon has an adequate public transport system. There is no need for a car.

Metro

The Metropolitano de Lisboa is the rapid transport system in Lisbon. It has four lines, totalling 27.7 miles (44.5 kilometers) and serving 56 stations. It operates every day, including the weekends, and the first train leaves at 6.30 am. The last train leaves the terminal at 1.00 am.

Your journey begins once you enter through the gates and ends once you exit. You must validate your ticket at both ends of your journey, touch in and touch out.

An electronic travel card is required and can be loaded as needed. You can choose either the Viva Viagem or the Lisboa Viva.

The Viva Viagem is the card for the occasional traveler, while the Lisboa Viva is the best choice for frequent commuters.

Check here for all information on the two different cards and pricing, as well as planning your trip. Information is in English.

Buses

The bus operator is Carris. You can use the same card as for the metro. That makes things convenient and easy. Check here for all information on schedules, tickets, and the location of stops.

Funiculars

Yes, due to Lisbon’s notoriously hilly landscape, a funicular does come in handy, and there are a few.

Ascensor da Gloria also known as the Gloria Elevator, connects the Pombaline downtown area with the Bairro Alto area. It is the most popular one used by tourists and carries around three million passengers every year. You can take it at the metro station Restauradores on the Blue Line, Linha Azul.

Ascensor do Lavra, also known as Elevador do Lavra is the oldest funicular in Lisbon. This funicular was opened in 1884. You will find it at the Metro station Restauradores on the Blue Line, Linha Azul. It will transport you from Câmara Pestana streets to Largo da Anunciada. At the top, you will find the enchanting gardens Jardim do Torel.

Ascensor da Bica, also known as Elevador da Bica, follows Lisbon’s most scenic route and connects Baixo with Bairro Alto. You will find it at the metro station Cais do Sodre on the Green Line, Linha Verde. This charming ride will transport you through old houses, potted balconies, and picturesque narrow streets.

Top Tips

01	When renting a flat, be sure to ask about heating. Portuguese homes are notoriously cold in winter as usually there is no heating. Houses aren’t insulated, and electricity costs are expensive. Therefore, people forgo heating. But be aware, winters are freezing as well as humid. Many ex-pats are surprised at just how severe a Portuguese winter can be.
02	Why not start your day like a local with a café and pastel de nata (traditional custard tart) sitting on an outdoor terrace. What better plaza than Lisbon’s main square Praça do Comércio.
03	Take the Ascensor da Gloria to the top arriving in Bairro Alto. Turn to your right, to find the famous viewpoint of San Pedro de Alcantara. This scenic lookout offers sensational views over the city.
04	Be very vigilant while traveling on the funiculars. Pickpockets are rife, especially in the high season. They will sit close to you, engage in conversation while a partner will take your wallet.

Useful links

https://www.visitlisboa.com/en

The official tourist information site for Lisbon. Find out everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.

https://www.lisbon.net/

Here is another site with information about activities and day trips from Lisbon.

https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/

The official website for Portuguese immigration matters. Find out about visa requirements and how you can gain Portuguese citizenship.

https://www.meetup.com/cities/pt/lisbon/
For information about residence and all immigration-related questions.

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/

Lisbon has a large expatriate community. This a great resource to find like-minded people in Lisbon. Whatever your interest, there is probably a group that meets up.

https://www.metrolisboa.pt/en/

This is the Lisbon Metro website in English. You can plan your journey here.

Interesting Facts

1. Portugal produces 50% of the world’s cork. Portuguese cork from the Algarve region is superior and used by Moet Chandon for bottling its famous champagne. Other famous companies like NASA, Rolls Royce, and Airbus prefer to use Portuguese cork.

2. The book shop, Bertrand, is the oldest in the world and you can visit it in Lisbon. It has been doing business since 1732.

3. Nazaré, a coastal town north of Lisbon is famous for its epic waves. It is well-known among surfers to have some of the best and biggest waves in the world. The waves are known to get as high as 30 meters or 100 feet.