Tram 28 in Lisbon: Worth It?

Tram 28 rattles through Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods on a steep, scenic route that takes you past Alfama, Graça, and the viewpoints above the city. Expect a crowded, bumpy ride with lots of standing, abrupt stops, and passengers squeezing on and off. The tram itself is a charming old yellow thing, but it’s still regular public transport, not a polished tour. You’ll get the classic views of narrow streets, tiled buildings, and sudden drops that make the ride famous. It takes about 45-60 minutes end to end if you stay on, though many people hop off to explore and catch it later.

Best time is early morning (before 9am) or late afternoon to avoid the worst crowds; summer is busiest and hottest inside the tram, so spring or fall is more comfortable. Expect to pay around €3-6 for a single ticket or day pass if you ride it like a local. Guided tours that include the tram plus walking segments usually run €15-30. One honest tip: just buy a regular ticket at a machine or kiosk and ride it yourself from Martim Moniz to the end instead of joining the long queues for the “official” tourist version. Skip trying to do it at midday in July or August unless you enjoy being packed like sardines.