Lisbon Metro — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

Lisbon Metro Information

This government owned metro system serves the people of the city of Lisbon, Portugal. It’s history goes back some years, with 56 years under its belt, the metro first began operations on 29 December 1959. With the other reason being that it was the first metro in Portugal. The metro operates on 4 lines, along a track length of 43.3 km, serving a total of 55 stations. As of 2012, it will carry 154 million passengers per year.

The Lisbon Metro has one of the most beautiful stations, beautifully decorated with artistic wall coverings, each station has its own theme and the artwork portrays it through different artists. The metro is also part of a policy of cultural exchange between metros. As part of this policy, the metro has received various works of art from abroad and has also given various works of art by its artists to other metro systems around the world.

The Lisbon Metro is an essential part of the city’s public transport infrastructure, serving around 488,000 passengers every day. It doesn’t operate 24 hours a day, but from 6:30am to 1:30am (M-D).

The Lisbon Metro does not have air conditioning, but does allow passengers to walk between platforms. The service does not have driverless trains or screen doors on the platforms.

Lisbon Metro Map

Map of Lisbon Metro showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Lisbon Metro map in PDF format.

Lisbon Metro – Interactive Map

Overview of Lines and Stations

Lisbon’s metro system, a major mode of transport in Lisbon, consists of four different lines. Together, these lines cover approximately 44.2 kilometres (27.5 miles) and include 56 stations along their routes. Each line is uniquely identified by its colour, name and logo. Historically, the lines were known by their distinctive names. Today, these names are mainly used as secondary identifiers, with colour being the primary differentiator. In keeping with tradition, the logo of each line reflects its historical name. For example, the Blue Line, formerly the Gaviota Line, is now identified by a seagull emblem on a blue background.

Blue Line details

The Blue Line is unique in that it is entirely underground. It runs from Reboleira to the eastern part of the city, crossing central Lisbon before terminating at Santa Apolónia station. Interestingly, the current Blue Line partially mirrors the route of the city’s first metro line.

Line Color: Blue
Name: Linha da Gaivota (Seagull Line)
Logo: Blue seagull soaring over the ocean
Station Count: 18
Length: 14 kilometers (8.7 miles)
Complete Trip Duration: 28 minutes
Operating Hours: 6:30 am to 1:00 am

Stations: Reboleira, Amadora Este, Alfornelos, Pontinha, Carnide, Colégio Militar/Luz, Alto dos Moinhos, Laranjeiras, Jardim Zoológico, Praça de Espanha, São Sebastião, Parque, Marquês de Pombal, Avenida, Restauradores, Baixa-Chiado, Terreiro do Paço, Santa Apolónia

Yellow Line Details

The Yellow Line extends 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) from north to south, starting at Odivelas station and ending at Rato station. It was the second line to be added to the Lisbon Metro system.

Line Color: Yellow
Name: Linha do Girassol (Sunflower Line)
Logo: A Yellow Sunflower
Station Count: 13
Length: 11 kilometers (6.8 miles)
Complete Trip Duration: 20 minutes
Operating Hours: 6:30 am to 1:00 am

Stations: Odivelas, Senhor Roubado, Ameixoeira, Lumiar, Quinta das Conchas, Campo Grande, Cidade Universitária, Entre Campos, Campo Pequeño, Saldanha, Picoas, Marquês de Pombal, Rato

Green Line Details

The Green Line, which runs from Teheiras to Cais do Sodré, has 13 stations. It’s the shortest line in the Lisbon metro system.

Line Color: Green
Name: Linha da Caravela (Caravel Line)
Logo: A Green Caravel
Station Count: 13
Length: 9 kilometers (5.6 miles)
Complete Trip Duration: 18 minutes
Operating Hours: 6:30 am to 1:00 am

Stations: Telheiras, Campo Grande, Alvalade, Roma, Areeiro, Alameda, Arroios, Anjos, Intendente, Martim Moniz, Rossio, Baixa-Chiado, Cais do Sodré

Red Line Details

The Red Line, often shown in pink on maps, extends 10 kilometres from the airport station and connects Humberto Delgado Airport with São Sebastião station. It is the quickest and most convenient route from the city centre to the airport.

Line Color: Red/Pink
Name: Linha do Oriente (Orient Line)
Logo: A Compass Rose
Station Count: 12
Length: 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
Complete Trip Duration: 20 minutes
Operating Hours: 6:30 am to 1:00 am

Stations: São Sebastião, Saldanha, Alameda, Olaias, Bela Vista, Chelas, Olivais, Cabo Ruivo, Oriente, Moscavide, Encarnação, Aeroporto

Operating Hours and Frequency

Lisbon’s four metro lines run from 6:30 am to 1:00 am. The first metro leaves the starting station at 6:30 a.m. and the last metro arrives at the finishing station at 1:30 a.m. This means that passengers can board the metro after 1:00am if they get to the station before that time. All four lines operate daily, including Sundays and public holidays.

While most stations on the four lines operate from 6:30 am to 1:00 am every day (including weekends and holidays), a few stations follow a different schedule:

Blue Line:

Restauradores: 6:30 am to 9:30 pm
Avenida: 6:30 am to 9:30 pm. Closed on weekends and holidays.
Marquês de Pombal: 6:30 am to 9:30 pm. Closed on weekends and holidays.
Praça de Espanha: 6:30 am to 9:30 pm

Yellow Line:

Picoas: 6:30 am to 9:30 pm. Closed on weekends and holidays.
Campo Pequeno: 6:30 am to 9:30 pm. Closed on weekends and holidays.

Green Line:

Rossio: 6:30 am to 9:30 pm. Closed on weekends and holidays.
Intendente: 6:30 am to 9:30 pm. Closed on weekends and holidays.
Anjos: 6:30 am to 9:30 pm. Closed on weekends and holidays.

Frequency:

On weekdays, the metro runs every 5 to 7 minutes from 7am to 9pm. Outside these hours, the metro runs every 8 to 10 minutes. On weekends, the metro runs approximately every 8 minutes throughout the day.

Interchanges

Inter-line Connections:

Transfers between lines are free and don’t require any special procedures. As long as you stay inside the station and don’t leave the turnstiles, you can change lines freely.

Blue to Yellow Line: You can change lines at Marquês de Pombal station.

Blue to Green Line: You can change lines at Baixa-Chiado station.

Blue to Red Line: Interchange possible at São Sebastião station.

Yellow to Green Line: Interchange possible at Campo Grande station.

Yellow to Red Line: Interchange possible at Saldanha Station.

Green to Red Line: Interchange possible at Alameda station.

Connections to Other Transport Systems:

The Carris/Metro ticket allows unlimited transfers between the metro and bus network within 60 minutes of the first validation of the ticket. Some tickets also include transfers to other systems such as regional trains.

Pricing, Tickets, and Passes

Tickets can be bought at ticket offices in major stations or from ticket machines in all 55 metro stations. The machines give instructions in several languages and accept coins, notes and credit cards. A reloadable Viva Viagem card is required to purchase a ticket from the machine. The card costs €0.50 ($US 0.62) and is added to the cost of the ticket. This card can be obtained at any station when purchasing your first ticket and can be recharged with subsequent ticket purchases.

Ticket Options:

Carris/Metro Ticket: €1.45 ($US 1.79)

This ticket provides unlimited transfers between buses and metro within 60 minutes of the first validation. However, be aware that two consecutive metro journeys (exiting one station and entering another without taking a bus) are not permitted.

Carris/Metro 1-Day Ticket (24 hours): €6.30 ($US 7.76)

This ticket allows unlimited usage of Carris’ bus services and the metro for 24 hours from its first validation.

Carris/Metro/Transtejo (Cacilhas) 1-Day Ticket (24 hours): €9.35 ($US 11.50)

This ticket gives you unlimited access to the Carris bus services, the metro and the Cacilhas river connection for 24 hours from the time of first validation.

Carris/Metro/CP 1-Day Ticket (24 hours): €10.40 ($US 12.80)

This ticket offers unlimited travel on Carris buses, the metro and the CP urban train network for 24 hours after the first validation.

Zapping:

Instead of loading the Viva Viagem card with specific tickets, you can also add cash value to the card. The cost of each journey is deducted from the card’s balance, depending on the journey and the operator’s tariffs. This method, known as “zapping”, can be used on different modes of transport, including buses, metro and trains.

Using this method, each metro journey costs €1.31 ($1.61).

Passes:

In addition to single or unlimited day tickets, the Lisbon Metro offers passes for frequent commuters. These can be bought at ticket offices, from vending machines at each station, or online. They must be loaded onto a card, similar to other types of ticket. However, they are not compatible with the Viva Viagem card and require the Lisboa Viva card instead.

Most passes offer unlimited travel for one month, but the area covered and the means of transport available vary depending on the type of pass purchased. Some offer unlimited travel on the metro and Carris buses only, while others include certain CP train connections.

Most passes come with discounts for low-income households (known as Social+). There are also discounted passes for senior citizens, pensioners and children. For more detailed information on prices, conditions and coverage of these passes, please visit the ticket offices at major stations or the metro’s official website.

Rules, Tips, and Warnings

A Metro journey begins when you pass through the turnstiles to enter the station and ends when you leave the station. Your card must be swiped at the reader when entering and exiting the metro.
You must carry a Viva Viagem card with a valid ticket when travelling by metro. Always keep your card or ticket handy in case you need to show it to an inspector during your journey.
You can change lines as often as you like, as long as you don’t leave the station through the turnstiles.
The official website of the Lisbon Metro has an English version where you can enter your departure and arrival stations to find out which metro lines to take and how long the journey will take. Visit: http://www.metrolisboa.pt/en/travel/plan-a-journey/ for more information.
Children under 3 years of age always travel free when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.
Discounts for the over-65s and pensioners apply only to residents of Lisbon.
Not all stations are equipped for people with reduced mobility. Check the official website before you travel to see which stations have lifts.
Bicycles are always allowed on the metro, provided there is enough space for other passengers.
Pets are always allowed, provided they are in suitable carriers and do not cause inconvenience to other passengers.
Keep an eye on your personal belongings and avoid displaying valuables on the metro.
Be aware of thieves during peak hours, especially near tourist attractions.

Interesting Facts

The Lisbon Metro was the first metro system in Portugal.
Lisbon’s metro stations are renowned for their artistic elements, making them visually appealing and welcoming to passengers.
Each metro line has a unique logo. Initially, instead of naming the lines according to their colour, they were given picturesque names. While the names have fallen into disuse, the logos remain.

Future Developments

While some proposed projects have been completed in recent years, such as the extension of the blue line to the terminal station of Reboleira in 2016, there are no current expansion plans.

However, an ongoing project involves the construction of two new stations that will connect the green line at Cais do Sodré to the yellow line at Rato, creating a circular route. This project is expected to be completed by 2021.

There are also plans to extend the green line from Telheiras-Horta to Nova-Pontinha and the red line from Moscavide to Sacavém and from São Sebastião to Campo de Ourique.

Access to the Airport

Lisbon Airport, also known as Aeroporto da Portela, Humberto Delgado Airport or simply Lisbon Airport, is located approximately 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) from the city centre.

Passengers wishing to travel to the airport by public transport can take the Red Line of the Lisbon Metro, which runs directly to the airport. There is no extra charge for this journey and you don’t need to buy a special ticket. A regular 1-day ticket or a basic single ticket for €1.45 ($1.79) is sufficient.

The journey from São Sebastião station, at the start of the red line, to the airport takes about 20 minutes. The other three lines connect to the red line, so you can get on the metro at any of them and transfer to the red line to get to the airport. The red line runs from 6.30am to 1.00am.

Touring Lisbon via Metro

Castelo de São Jorge (São Jorge Castle): This iconic Lisbon tourist attraction sits on a hill and offers panoramic views of the city. Visitors can explore the archaeological remains, visit the museum, take guided tours and enjoy the views from the castle walls. The castle is a 15-minute walk from Rossio station on the Green Line, or you can take bus 737 from the metro station.
Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium): One of the best oceanariums in Europe and one of the largest in the world, the Lisbon Oceanarium is divided into four sections, each representing a different ocean and containing hundreds of unique species. It’s the perfect destination for families. The Oceanarium is about a 15-minute walk from Cabo Rubio station on the Red Line.
Alfama: One of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods, Alfama is full of quaint streets, historic architecture, restaurants and charming churches. It also offers a spectacular view of Largo das Portas do Sol, the city’s oldest port, which was used by the Moors. To get there, take the blue and green lines to Baixa-Chiado and immerse yourself in the neighbourhood.