Riding Tram 28 Like a Local

Tram 28 is Lisbon's iconic yellow tram, rattling from Martim Moniz through Graça, Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, and Estrela in about 45 minutes. It's a genuine joy and a genuine pickpocket magnet. Ride it early from the Martim Moniz terminus to get a seat, load your navegante card first (€1.90 vs €3.30 onboard), and guard your bag.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Can I hop on and off Tram 28?

You can, but every re-board is a new fare unless you're on a day pass, and you may not get a seat again. Many people ride it end to end once for the scenery, then explore neighborhoods on foot. A day pass makes hopping on and off painless.

How do I get a seat on Tram 28?

Board at the Martim Moniz terminus, early in the morning, ideally before 9am. By mid-morning it's standing-room only and you'll be pressed against strangers the whole way. First tram of the day is bliss; midday is a sardine tin.

What are the best stops to get off at along Tram 28?

Graça and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for views, Sé for the cathedral and Alfama, Chiado for shopping and cafés, and Estrela for its basilica and garden. Alfama's tangle of lanes is the classic place to jump off and wander. Just remember re-boarding means a fresh fare.

Is there a less crowded alternative to Tram 28?

Bus 737 covers a lot of the same Alfama and castle terrain with a fraction of the crowd. Tram 12E does a shorter loop through Alfama too. And riding Tram 28 early morning basically gives you the same route without the crush.

How much does Tram 28 cost?

€1.90 if you load a navegante card before boarding, but €3.30 if you buy from the driver onboard (cash only) in 2026. It's also covered by the €7.25 day pass. Always tap a pre-loaded card; paying the driver costs nearly double and slows everyone down.

Is Tram 28 safe from pickpockets?

The ride is safe, but it's the single biggest pickpocket hotspot in Lisbon. Keep your bag zipped and against your chest, nothing in back pockets, and stay alert when doors open at stops. Thieves use the crush and the doorway jostle as cover.

Where does Tram 28 start and what's the route?

It runs between Martim Moniz and Campo de Ourique (Prazeres), passing Graça, Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, and Estrela. End to end takes around 45–50 minutes. Martim Moniz is the terminus where you can actually snag a seat before it fills.

Is Tram 28 worth it or just a tourist trap?

It's touristy, but it's a real working historic tram on a genuinely gorgeous route, so it earns the hype. Go early and it's magic; go at noon in July and it's a sweaty scrum. Manage the timing and it's one of Lisbon's best cheap thrills.

Nearby in Ask Lisbon

• Zé da MourariaRestaurant0.04 km · 1 min walk
• MourariaNeighborhood0.08 km · 1 min walk
• Tasca do CorvoRestaurant0.31 km · 4 min walk
• Miradouro da GraçaAttraction0.34 km · 4 min walk
• São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge)Attraction0.36 km · 4 min walk