If you’re planning a trip to Portugal’s vibrant capital, you might have heard about the Lisbon Card. This all-in-one tourist pass promises free access to top attractions, unlimited public transport, and discounts at various sites. But is it worth the price? In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the Lisbon Card, including its benefits, prices, how to use it, and tips to get the most out of your purchase.
What is the Lisbon Card?
The Lisbon Card is an official city pass designed for tourists visiting Lisbon. It grants free or discounted entry to many of the city’s top attractions and provides unlimited travel on public transportation. It is available in three durations:
- 24 hours
- 48 hours
- 72 hours
The Lisbon Card is issued by Turismo de Lisboa, the city’s official tourism board, ensuring its legitimacy and widespread acceptance.
What’s Included in the Lisbon Card?
1. Free Public Transport
One of the main perks of the Lisbon Card is unlimited access to Lisbon’s public transport system, which includes:
2. Free Entry to Attractions
The Lisbon Card provides free entry to over 40 attractions, including key attractions like:
- Jerónimos Monastery (€12 value)
- Belém Tower (€8 value)
- Santa Justa Lift (€5.30 value)
- Lisbon Story Centre (€7 value)
- National Tile Museum (€5 value)
- National Pantheon (€4 value)
- Ajuda National Palace (€5 value)
- MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology) (€9 value)
See here full list of attractions.
3. Discounts at Other Attractions and Shops
The card also offers discounts of 10-50% at various attractions, museums, restaurants, and shops. Some of the discounted attractions include:
- Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Aquarium) – 15% discount
- Fado Museum – 20% discount
- Pilar 7 Bridge Experience – 20% discount
- Lisbon Zoo – 15% discount
- River cruises and guided tours
4. Free Train Travel to Sintra & Cascais
If you’re planning a day trip to Sintra or Cascais, the Lisbon Card covers your train fare from Lisbon’s Rossio and Cais do Sodré stations, saving you additional travel costs.
Lisbon Card Prices (2025)
- 24-hour card: €27 (adult) / €18 (child 4-15 years)
- 48-hour card: €44 (adult) / €24.5 (child)
- 72-hour card: €54 (adult) / €30.5 (child)
Where to Buy the Lisbon Card
You can purchase the Lisbon Card at various locations, including:
- Online
- Lisbon Airport (Tourist Information Desk)
- Tourist information offices in the city (Restauradores, Belém, Santa Apolónia, etc.)
If you buy it online, you can pick it up at the designated counters at Lisbon Airport or other tourist offices.
How to Use the Lisbon Card
- Activate the card: The Lisbon Card activates the first time you use it at an attraction or on public transport.
- Show it at attractions: Simply present your card at participating attractions for free entry or discounts.
- Validate it on transport: Tap your card on metro, tram, bus, and train validators to travel for free.
- Keep track of the time: The card is valid for consecutive hours from the first use (not calendar days).
Is the Lisbon Card Worth It?
The Lisbon Card is ideal if you plan to visit multiple attractions and use public transport extensively. Here’s a breakdown:
Example savings (24-hour card)
- Jerónimos Monastery: €12
- Belém Tower: €8
- Santa Justa Lift: €5.30
- Train to Sintra: €5
- Metro, tram, and bus rides: €6-8 Total: €36.30 (vs. €22 for the card)
If you plan well, the Lisbon Card can save you a significant amount of money. However, if you only visit a couple of attractions and don’t use public transport much, buying tickets separately might be a better option.
Tips for Maximizing the Lisbon Card
- Start early: Use the card as early as possible to maximize its validity.
- Plan ahead: Check attraction opening hours and locations to avoid wasting time.
- Use it for transport: Even if you visit fewer attractions, unlimited transport can make it worthwhile.
- Visit Sintra or Cascais: A single train ticket to Sintra or Cascais costs around €5, so using the Lisbon Card can save you money.
- Skip the queues: At some attractions, the card allows you to bypass ticket lines.
Alternatives to the Lisbon Card
If you’re unsure whether the Lisbon Card fits your itinerary, consider:
- Viva Viagem Card: A prepaid transport card for buses, metro, trams, and trains.
- Attraction-Specific Passes: Some attractions offer bundled tickets at a discount.
- Walking or Cycling: If you prefer to explore on foot or rent a bike, you may not need the transport benefits.
Final Verdict
The Lisbon Card is a fantastic option for travelers who want to explore Lisbon’s top attractions and make use of public transport. If you plan your trip well, you can save time and money, while also making your visit more convenient. However, for slower-paced travelers or those who only visit a few places, individual tickets might be a better deal.
Should You Buy the Lisbon Card?
✅ Yes, if:
- You plan to visit at least 3-4 paid attractions
- You’ll use public transport frequently
- You’re taking a day trip to Sintra or Cascais
❌ No, if:
- You prefer a leisurely trip with few paid attractions
- You mainly walk or cycle
- You’re staying in Lisbon for more than 3 days and don’t need unlimited transport
