Tram 28

Lisbon's rolling landmark

Tram 28 is the city's most famous tram line, run by the municipal transport operator Carris. It's worked by the historic Remodelado cars (series 541-585), rebuilt in 1995/96 from wooden trams dating back to the 1930s and 40s. At just over 8 metres long with room for around 58 passengers, only 20 of them seated, these small, agile yellow cars can squeeze through narrow, steep lanes that modern trams can no longer manage. The ride is moving sightseeing at a public-transport fare.

The route from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique

The line connects Martim Moniz with Campo de Ourique, terminating at the Prazeres cemetery. Across around 30 stops in each direction it passes the city's highlights: up to Graça, through Alfama and past the Sé Cathedral, on through Baixa and Chiado to Estrela and its basilica. End to end, the ride takes about 40 to 45 minutes, with trams running roughly every 8 to 12 minutes at peak times.

When to ride and where to board

During the day the 28 is often hopelessly overcrowded, queues at Martim Moniz included. It's a much more pleasant ride early in the morning or late in the evening, the first tram leaves around 5:40, the last around 23:30. If you want a seat, board at the starting stop, Martim Moniz, and accept the wait; if you're flexible, hop on along the way in Graça or Estrela. For the views alone, you don't need to ride the whole route, a stretch through Alfama is enough for the experience.

Tickets and fares

There's no online pre-booking per ride. Paying the driver, the single fare is most expensive at €3.30. Get a rechargeable Navegante/Viva Viagem card from a machine or kiosk and you pay just €1.90 per ride, or €1.72 with Zapping credit. For several rides, the 24h ticket (Carris/Metro) at €7.25 is worth it; the Lisboa Card is also valid. Full fare details are in the public transport guide.

Good to know

The 28 is not wheelchair accessible: high steps, narrow doors, no room for a wheelchair or pushchair. Carris names only the 15E to Belém as an accessible tram line. The line is also a well-known hotspot for pickpockets, in the crush at popular stops, take care: keep valuables close to your body and wear backpacks on your front. If it's too crowded for you, the quieter Line 12E is an alternative, a short loop from Praça da Figueira that shares some of the same tracks and passes Portas do Sol and the cathedral in around 21 minutes.