Where is Tram 28

Tram 28 is an iconic tram that operates in the streets of Lisbon, Portugal’s fascinating capital city.

The starting point of the famous tram route is situated at the heart of downtown Lisbon, about 5 minutes away from Praça Dom Pedro IV. 

To be exact, Tram 28 departs from Praça Martim Moniz

Although the above is the official starting point of Tram 28, you can jump aboard the iconic yellow tram at just about everywhere in the popular tourist areas of Graca, Alfama, Baixa and Estrela, as well as Campo Ourique, which is the final stop of the route.

Tram 28 timetable

First things first, Trams 28 runs every day of the week and operates during public holidays too. 

However, there are some slight differences in terms of its schedule, which I listed down below.

• Monday to Friday | From 05.40 to 23.30
• Saturday | From 05.45 to 22.30
• Sunday | From 06.45 to 22.30

Typically, the tram journey should take no more than one hour from start to finish, and a tram will arrive at one of the many stops just about every 10 minutes.

For up-to-date timetables or additional information, make sure you check out the official Lisbon Tram website here.

Tram 28 in Lisbon | The cost

When it comes to the cost of a ride on Tram 28 in Lisbon, there are a few things you should take into account before deciding which ticket you’re about to opt for.

To help you find the right option, I’ve listed the options with some useful insights down below:

Lisbon Travel Card | If you’re planning to explore Lisbon inside and out, it is wise to get your hands on a Lisbon Travel Card, which will give you access to nearly all the highlights of the city, while also providing you with free use of Lisbon’s public transport system, including the icon yellow tram. If this sounds appealing to you, make sure you check out the other benefits of the Lisbon Travel Card here.

Single ride | A single ride is the perfect option for those who do want to experience Tram 28, yet are limited on time since they’re on a shorter trip in Lisbon. A one-way ticket will set you back €3,- (€1,50 if you purchase a Viva Viagem Travel Card for €0,50) and can be bought onboard.

24-Hour Pass | If you’re in the city for a weekend break and plan to hop on and off of the iconic tram, yet don’t plan to purchase a Lisboa Travel Card, a 24-Hour Pass will be a great alternative. Since a single-ride ticket is one-way only, I would highly recommend a 24-Hour Pass for €6,40 as you can also use it for your return back to the city centre from Campo Ourique.

Tram 28 in Lisbon | How to beat the crowds

Since Lisbon has become one of the most popular cities in Europe, visiting Lisbon during the peak European summer months of June to September will provide quite a few challenges for your ride on Tram 28.

During these months, the tram is often packed like a can of sardines, and while Alfacinha’s do love their sardines, this is not exactly what you want, as obtaining a seat or even some space to stand is merely impossible.

Of course, going early in the morning or later in the evening will make somewhat of a difference, however, I believe it will still be challenging to find a seat.

A great alternative, and the best option if you ask me, would be to take the tram at Campo Ourique, and follow the iconic journey in the opposite direction. 

You see, most travellers tend to start the journey from Martim Moniz or other popular stops within the downtown area, resulting in unbearable queues for trams whose capacity has already been tested to the limits.

Alternatively, during the shoulder months of March to May and October to November, you will probably find a seat on an early morning or late afternoon ride. If not, I would recommend falling back on the option that I mentioned above instead.

Tram 28 Lisbon Route + Highlights

To help you get a good overview of the Tram 28  route and the highlights you will encounter along the way, I sorted out all the stops and landmarks in the map down below.

The best things to see on Tram 28 in Lisbon

Seeing the main sights of a city has never been easier, as a ride on tram 28 in Lisbon follows the perfect sightseeing route, making it the ideal option for those short on time.

Starting at Praça Martim Moniz, the iconic yellow tram will slowly take you to some of the absolute highlights found in the time-worn streets of the old town, before venturing further to the popular tourist areas of Graca, Alfama, Baixa and Estrela.

It’s a truly scenic ride that sometimes feels as if you were time-travelled to an old movie set. 

My highlights along the famous Tram 28 route include:

• Monastery of São Vicente de Fore | Get out at Voz Operário

• Portas do Sol viewpoint | Get out at Portas do Sol

• Lisbon Cathedral | Get out at Sé

• Praça do Comércio + Arco da Rua Augusta | Get out at Rua Conceição
• Basilica da Estrela | Get out at Estrela
• Prazeres Cemetery | Get out at Campo Ourique

If you’re looking to get on and off to see these highlights, I’d recommend getting your hands on a 24-hour Pass or a Lisbon Travel Card, since a single-ride ticket is simply not suited for this. 

Best spots to photograph Tram 28 in Lisbon

When I was doing my research on how I wanted to document Tram 28, I came to one particular idea; jumping aboard the tram and getting off after a few stops, so I could follow the tram tracks through the picturesque streets in search of both unusual and iconic shots.

I feel confident to say my plan of attack was triumphant.

It’s an excellent tactic for those into photography, as it will provide you with heaps of unique photo opportunities and intriguing vantage points – while also getting a good feel for Portugal’s charming ‘City of Seven Hills’.

Some of my favourite spots to photograph Tram 28 from include:

• Monastery of St. Vincent | The Monastery of St. Vincent makes for an epic backdrop.
• R. Escolas Gerais | Only a short walk from the Monastery of St. Vincent, this charming street was easily my favourite to photograph Tram 28.
• Lisbon Cathedral | The stunning Roman Catholic Cathedral is one of the best landmarks in Lisbon, and combining it with Tram 28 makes for a truly incredible photo.
• Rua Conceição | The heart of downtown Lisbon, Rua Conceição is easily one of the most iconic places to frame Tram 28.

To get the best shots possible, I’d highly recommend getting out at Voz Operário and following the trails all the way to Rua Conceição. By doing so, you can take in all the above-mentioned spots, while also having the flexibility to find your own unique angles.

Where to stay in Lisbon

Like most popular destinations in Europe, Lisbon is home to a plethora of excellent accommodations. 

Whether you’re after a cheap sleep in a hostel, a cosy private apartment, or a luxurious boutique hotel, there are plenty of options catering to all sorts of budgets and travel styles.

During my time in Lisbon, I was fortunate to spend some days in the elegant Valverde Hotel.

With rooms crafted to perfection, spacious public living areas teeming with fascinating art objects, and an excellent and diverse breakfast spread, Valverde makes the ideal base from which to explore the lively city.

Starting at €338,- a night, staying here is somewhat of a splurge, yet easily one of the best options if you’re looking for comfort, impeccable hospitality and discreet luxury in the heart of Lisbon.

Additionally, you could find a lot of excellent alternatives that might suit you better. Some great options include The 8 – Downtown Suites, Castello Prime Suites, and Hotel Sete Colinas.

Prefer finding an awesome place yourself, make sure you check the options available on Booking.com here.

What to do in Lisbon

Lisbon is often mentioned in the same breath as the world’s most famous capital cities.

Though it’s relatively small in size, Lisbon is an incredibly vibrant city with a wide array of fascinating things to see and do, more than you can likely squeeze into one trip here. 

Those on a shorter trip to Lisbon will be delighted to hear that a ride on Tram 28 is one of the easiest ways to see a lot of the city in just a short amount of time. 

If you’re keen to gain insights on more unforgettable experiences in Portugal’s charming ‘City of Seven Hills, make sure you give my guide ‘The best things to do in Lisbon’ a read too.