Riding Lisbon's Historic Trams: Route 28 and Beyond
Tram 28 is Lisbon's most photographed ride and its most pickpocketed — here's how to enjoy it, and the quieter routes that cover similar ground.
Tram 28's yellow carriages, climbing Lisbon's steepest hills through Graça, Alfama and Estrela, are one of the city's defining images — and, as a working public transport line rather than a tourist shuttle, also one of its most crowded rides.
When to actually ride it
Boarding at the Martim Moniz terminus first thing in the morning is the only reliable way to get a seat in peak season; by mid-morning, queues form and standing room fills fast.
Pay attention to belongings
Route 28's popularity with visitors has made it a known target for pickpockets, particularly in the crowded standing sections — keep bags zipped and to the front of the body, as local guidance consistently advises.
Quieter alternatives
Tram 12 runs a shorter loop through much of the same historic terrain with a fraction of the passengers, and the funiculars — Glória, Bica and Lavra — climb individual hills for a similar experience without the full-line crowding.
Tickets and passes
A single tram fare bought on board costs noticeably more than the same ride paid for with a rechargeable Viva Viagem card, which also covers the metro, buses and the funiculars — worth buying at any metro station before boarding.