Lisbon's variety of transportation contributes to its unique charm. Old trams and turn-of-the-century elevators explore the oldest quarters, and the modern subway lines are decorated with contemporary art. Central Lisbon is compact enough to explore on foot, and most sights in Baixa, Bairro Alto, and Alfama are within walking distance.

See the links on the left for more information about the underground (Metro) system, trains, trams, buses, and taxis. Which option you take depends on where you want to go in the city, and how much you want to pay.

MAJOR TRANSPORTATION HUBS

Cais do Sodré - Major bus, metro, train, and ferry terminal. This is where trains depart to Cascais and Estoril, and trams pass by on their way to Belem. The ferries link to Cacilhas across the river (a 10-minute journey worth taking for views of the city's skyline from the Tagus), where buses depart to towns south of the capital such as Setubal and Sesimbra, and bus 101 takes visitors to the Monument to Christ.

Oriente Station- This is the city's main station. Located in the heart of Parque das Nações, it is a metro and bus terminal, and an obligatory stop for just about every train that passes by Lisbon.

Rossio Station - The city's most central station (located downtown right between Rossio and Restauradores squares), is now closed for major renovation and is scheduled to reopen in 2007. When it reopens, it will once again serve the city's suburbs, and be your starting point for a daytrip to Sintra. In the meantime, trains to Sintra pass by the Entrecampos train station, easily reached by metro.

Santa Apolonia Station - Located at the foot of the Alfama district, this is the starting point for most international trains, and where they end their journeys in the Portuguese capital. Other trains depart to the largest Portuguese cities, although most passengers now hop on board at Oriente Station, the train's second stop.
The station is a short walk from downtown, but is also well served by buses and taxis that line up outside.

Figueira Square - This busy square is the starting point for many bus and tram routes. To guarantee a seat in popular tram 15 that reaches Belem, this is where you should get on board.

Marquês de Pombal Square - This traffic circle is also a point of departure and arrival for several bus routes.

Sete Rios - This bus terminal, easily reached by metro ("Jardim Zoologico" stop), is where express buses depart to all over Portugal.

Click here for a professional airport shuttle service to Lisbon, Cascais, or Estoril (Prices start at just 8 euros per person)