Tram Guide - Summary of Routes

 

Lisbon possess a delightful tram network though many of the routes have been upgraded to soulless modern trams there are still many tradition trams which bump and screech around the network.

 

It is a true experience of Lisbon to see the city by one of these quaint old trams with their wooden interiors and lurching motion.

 

The main routes are either east or west from Rossio; East goes up hill past Castle of Saint Jorge to the district of Graca while west follows the river Tejo towards Belem.

For much of Lisbon’s tram network the rails have placed in the roads and this causes much amusement for tourist while frustration to the tram drivers as the trams are frequently subjected to the poor parking skills of Portuguese drivers. 

 

Commonly on the routes to the east trams are delayed, causing grid lock, while the owners of vans and cars are sought to move their badly parked vehicles.

 

Tickets can be bought on the trams but it is much easier to be in possession of one of the multi journey swipe tickets which can be purchased from any metro station. These tickets need to be presented to the automated ticket machine on boarding for the journey to be registered. A cash single ticket costs €2.85, the price has dramatically risen in the last year due to Portugal's poor financial status.

Always keep an eye on your wallet and bags while on busy trams as tourist make for easy pickings for thieves who operate on the busy tourist routes.

 

The smaller trams can get very crowded especially on the popular tourist routes during the summer months, sometimes it is better to plan a trip on the tram early or later on in the day to guarantee a seat. The image on the right shows what quiet often happens in Lisbon, a badly parked car blocks the tram and a very large traffic jam backs up.

Tram Guide - Summary of Routes