Best time to ride Tram 28 in Lisbon
Find the best time to ride Tram 28 in Lisbon, when to avoid the crowds, where to board and what to do if the queue is too long.
Tram 28 is one of the most famous rides in Lisbon. It passes through old neighbourhoods, narrow streets, viewpoints, churches and classic city streets that many visitors want to see.
In this article, you’ll learn the best time to ride Tram 28, when to avoid it, where to board, and what to do if the queue is too long.
Quick answer: when is the best time to ride Tram 28?
The best time to ride Tram 28 is early in the morning, ideally before 9:00.
This gives you the best chance of finding a shorter queue and a less crowded tram. It is still not guaranteed, especially in high season, but it is usually much better than late morning or afternoon.
If you do not want to wake up early, another option is to try later in the evening, when many day visitors have finished sightseeing.
When is Tram 28 busiest?
Tram 28 is usually busiest from late morning to afternoon.
The worst time is often between 10:30 and 16:00, especially in spring, summer, weekends and holidays.
This is when many visitors try to ride it from Martim Moniz, which is the most famous starting point. The queue can be long, and even if you get on, the tram may be crowded.
If your goal is a relaxed ride, this is the time to avoid.
Is early morning really worth it?
Yes, if Tram 28 is important to your Lisbon plan.
Going early does not mean the tram will be empty, but it gives you a better chance of enjoying the ride instead of spending too much time waiting.
Early morning is also better for walking around areas like Graça, Alfama and Baixa before they get busier.
A good plan is to ride Tram 28 early, then continue exploring nearby viewpoints and old streets on foot.
Should you start at Martim Moniz?
Martim Moniz is the classic starting point for Tram 28, but it is also where many tourists go first.
If you want the full route, Martim Moniz makes sense. But if the queue is too long, do not wait forever just because it is the famous starting point.
You can try boarding at another stop, but there is a risk: the tram may already be full.
For many visitors, a better plan is to ride a short section, then walk the rest.
Which direction is better?
Most tourists start at Martim Moniz and ride towards Campo de Ourique.
This is the classic direction and works well if you want to pass through Graça, Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, Estrela and Campo de Ourique.
However, if the queue at Martim Moniz is too long, you can try the opposite direction from Campo de Ourique or another stop along the route.
Just remember that service changes can affect the route. Before going, check the official Carris page for the 28E.
How long does Tram 28 take?
The full Tram 28 route usually takes around 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic, crowds and service conditions.
However, you should not only count the ride time. The queue can add a lot more time, especially during the busiest part of the day.
If you only have a short stay in Lisbon, do not let the queue take over your morning.
How much does Tram 28 cost?
Tram 28 uses the normal Carris fare system.
For 2026, these are the main prices:
On-board tram ticket: €3.30
Carris/Metro ticket: €1.90
Zapping fare: €1.72
24-hour Carris/Metro ticket: €7.25
The cheapest option is usually to use a Navegante occasional card with zapping or a valid Carris/Metro ticket. Buying directly on board is more expensive.
For more detail, read how to buy metro tickets in Lisbon.
Is the 24-hour ticket worth it for Tram 28?
It can be.
The 24-hour Carris/Metro ticket costs €7.25 and includes Carris trams, buses, funiculars and the metro.
It can be worth it if you plan to use Tram 28 plus other public transport on the same day.
For example, it may make sense if your day includes:
Tram 28
Metro
A bus
A funicular or another tram
If you only want one Tram 28 ride, zapping is usually better.
You can compare the options in Lisbon 24-hour transport ticket: is it worth it?.
Best months to ride Tram 28
Tram 28 is popular all year, but some months are easier than others.
Best months
The best months are usually:
January
February
March
November
Early December
These months tend to have fewer visitors than peak spring and summer.
Busiest months
The busiest months are usually:
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
Lisbon is very popular in spring and autumn, not just summer, so do not assume October will be quiet.
Best way to ride Tram 28
The best way to ride Tram 28 is to treat it as one part of your day, not the whole plan.
A simple route could be:
Start early at Martim Moniz.
Ride towards Graça or Alfama.
Get off near Portas do Sol or Santa Luzia.
Continue on foot through Alfama.
Walk down towards Lisbon Cathedral and Baixa.
This gives you the tram experience without spending too long sitting inside.
You can combine it with Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Lisbon Cathedral.
What to do if the queue is too long
If the queue is too long, do not force it.
You have good alternatives:
Take Tram 12 for a shorter route through historic Lisbon.
Walk from Graça to Alfama.
Use the metro to Baixa-Chiado and walk up towards the viewpoints.
Try Tram 25 for Estrela, Lapa and Campo de Ourique.
Come back later in the day.
For more options, read Tram 28 alternatives in Lisbon.
Is Tram 28 worth it?
Yes, Tram 28 can be worth it, but only if you manage expectations.
It is a public tram, not a private sightseeing tour. It can be crowded, slow and uncomfortable at busy times.
But if you ride it early, choose a shorter section, or use it as part of a walking route, it can still be a fun Lisbon experience.
If the queue is huge, skip it. The neighbourhoods along the route are often better explored on foot.
Tips before riding Tram 28
Go early if you want the best chance of a better ride.
Use a Navegante card instead of buying an on-board ticket.
Keep your phone and wallet safe, especially when the tram is crowded.
Check the Carris website before going, because Tram 28 can have temporary route changes.
And do not worry if you miss it. Lisbon has many better moments than standing in a queue for a packed tram.
Final thoughts
The best time to ride Tram 28 is early in the morning, ideally before 9:00.
Avoid late morning and afternoon if you want a calmer experience. Use a Navegante card, check for route changes, and have a backup plan in case the queue is too long.
Tram 28 is a classic Lisbon experience, but it is not the only way to enjoy the city. Sometimes the best version of the route is the one you walk.
FAQ
1. What is the best time to ride Tram 28 in Lisbon?
Early morning is best, ideally before 9:00. This gives you the best chance of a shorter queue and a less crowded tram.
2. What is the worst time to ride Tram 28?
Late morning and afternoon are usually the worst times, especially between 10:30 and 16:00.
3. Where should I board Tram 28?
Martim Moniz is the classic starting point, but it can have long queues. If it is too busy, try another stop or choose Tram 12 instead.
4. Is Tram 28 included in the 24-hour transport ticket?
Yes. The Carris/Metro 24-hour ticket includes Carris trams, including Tram 28.
5. Is Tram 28 worth the wait?
It depends on the queue. If the wait is short, yes. If the queue is very long, you may enjoy Lisbon more by walking through Graça, Alfama and Baixa instead.
Rafael Rocha
The Author
Having lived and studied in Lisbon for many years, a deep connection to the city grew naturally over time. Here I share practical guides and local recommendations to help you experience Lisbon better.
