How to buy metro tickets in Lisbon

Buying metro tickets in Lisbon is quite simple once you understand the basics. The only confusing part is that Lisbon uses a reusable transport card, so you do not usually buy a paper ticket for each trip.

In this article, you’ll learn how to buy metro tickets in Lisbon, which card you need, how much it costs, how to use the ticket machines, and which option makes the most sense for your trip.

Quick answer: how do you buy Lisbon metro tickets?

To buy a metro ticket in Lisbon, go to a ticket machine at any metro station. Choose English, buy a Navegante occasional card, and load it with either a single ticket, zapping credit, or a 24-hour ticket.

The Navegante occasional card is reusable, so keep it with you during your stay. You can top it up again at the metro machines when needed.

For most visitors, these are the main options:

• Single Carris/Metro ticket: €1.90

• Zapping fare for Carris/Metro: €1.72 per journey

• 24-hour Carris/Metro ticket: €7.25

• 24-hour Carris/Metro/CP ticket: €11.40

• Navegante occasional card: €0.50

The best option depends on how much you plan to use public transport.

What is the Navegante card?

The Navegante occasional card is the reusable transport card used by visitors and occasional travellers in Lisbon.

You need this card to load most metro tickets. It works on the metro and can also be used on other public transport options, depending on the ticket you load.

For example, you can use it for:

• Lisbon metro

• Carris buses

• Carris trams

• Some trains, if you load the right ticket

• Some ferry routes, if you load the right ticket

The card costs €0.50 and is valid for one year. It is not personal in the same way as a monthly resident pass, but each traveller needs their own card. You cannot use one card for two people on the same trip.

So, if two people are travelling together, you need two Navegante occasional cards.

Where can you buy metro tickets in Lisbon?

You can buy Lisbon metro tickets at ticket machines inside metro stations.

You’ll find these machines at all main metro stops, including:

• Lisbon Airport

• Alameda

• Saldanha

• Marquês de Pombal

• Baixa-Chiado

• Cais do Sodré

• Oriente

• Rossio

• Restauradores

At some stations, there may also be a ticket office, but the machines are usually the fastest option.

If you are arriving at the airport, you can buy your first ticket at the metro station inside Lisbon Airport. It is easy to find from the arrivals area by following the metro signs.

How to use the ticket machine

The ticket machines in Lisbon metro stations are not too difficult, but the first time can feel a bit slow, especially if there is a queue behind you.

Here is the basic process:

1. Choose your language.

2. Select “Buy card” if you do not already have a Navegante occasional card.

3. Choose the type of ticket you want.

4. Pay by card or cash.

5. Take your card and receipt.

6. Tap the card at the metro gate to enter.

If you already have a Navegante occasional card, choose the option to top it up instead of buying a new card.

Keep the receipt until the end of your trip, especially if you buy a 24-hour ticket.

Which metro ticket should you choose?

There is no single best ticket for everyone. It depends on your plans.

Single ticket

A single Carris/Metro ticket costs €1.90.

This ticket is valid on Carris and Metro for 60 minutes after the first validation. It is useful if you only need one or two trips.

Choose this if you are only using the metro once, for example from the airport to your hotel.

Zapping

Zapping is prepaid credit that you load onto your Navegante occasional card.

Instead of buying one ticket each time, you add money to the card and the fare is taken from your balance when you travel.

For Carris/Metro, a zapping journey costs €1.72, so it is cheaper than a normal single ticket.

Zapping is a good choice if you plan to use public transport a few times but do not need unlimited travel for the whole day.

It is often the best option for visitors who will mix walking, metro, trams, buses and maybe the occasional Uber or Bolt.

24-hour Carris/Metro ticket

The 24-hour Carris/Metro ticket costs €7.25.

It gives you unlimited journeys on Carris and Metro for 24 hours after the first validation.

This can be worth it if you plan to take at least four or five journeys in one day.

It can be useful on busy sightseeing days, especially if you want to use the metro, buses, trams or funiculars several times.

24-hour Carris/Metro/CP ticket

The 24-hour Carris/Metro/CP ticket costs €11.40.

This includes Carris, Metro and CP urban trains to places like Sintra and Cascais.

This can be useful if you are planning a day trip and also want to use public transport inside Lisbon on the same day.

For example, it may make sense if you are going from Lisbon to Sintra by train and also taking the metro or tram before or after.

Can you pay with contactless card on the Lisbon metro?

Yes, contactless payment is available on the Lisbon metro.

This means you may be able to tap your bank card or phone at the metro gate instead of buying a Navegante card. However, this is mainly useful for simple metro journeys.

If you plan to use buses, trams, trains, or 24-hour tickets, the Navegante occasional card is still the safer and more flexible option.

For most visitors, I would still recommend buying the Navegante card if you are staying more than one day.

Can you use the same metro ticket on buses and trams?

Yes, but only if your ticket covers Carris and Metro.

A standard Carris/Metro ticket can be used on the Lisbon metro, Carris buses and Carris trams within its validity period.

This is useful if you need to combine metro and bus on the same journey.

However, you should always check what type of ticket you loaded. Some tickets are only valid for certain transport networks.

Also, remember that you must validate your card every time you travel.

Can you use Lisbon metro tickets to go to Sintra or Cascais?

Not with a normal Carris/Metro ticket.

To travel by train to Sintra or Cascais, you need a ticket that includes CP trains, or you need to use zapping if accepted for that journey.

If you want unlimited travel for one day including Carris, Metro and CP urban trains, choose the 24-hour Carris/Metro/CP ticket, which costs €11.40.

This can be useful if you are planning to visit Sintra or Cascais from Lisbon.

For more detail, you can also read the guides on how to get from Lisbon to Sintra and best day trips from Lisbon by train.

Best option for most tourists

For most visitors, the best option is usually one of these:

If you only need one trip

Buy a single Carris/Metro ticket.

This works well if you are just going from Lisbon Airport to the city centre and do not plan to use public transport much after that.

You can also read the full guide on how to get from Lisbon Airport to the city centre.

If you will use public transport a few times

Use zapping.

It is simple, flexible and cheaper than buying single tickets each time.

This is probably the best option for many travellers staying in central Lisbon.

If you will use transport a lot in one day

Buy the 24-hour Carris/Metro ticket.

This is useful if your day includes several metro rides, buses, trams, funiculars or sightseeing stops across the city.

If you are visiting Sintra or Cascais

Consider the 24-hour Carris/Metro/CP ticket.

It can make sense if you are using trains plus Lisbon public transport on the same day.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Buying a new card every time

You do not need to buy a new Navegante occasional card for every journey. Keep the same card and top it up.

2. Throwing away the card

The card is reusable and valid for one year. Keep it in your wallet during your trip.

3. Buying the wrong ticket type

Before paying, check if your ticket is valid only for Carris/Metro or if it also includes trains or ferries.

This matters if you are going to Sintra, Cascais or across the river.

4. Trying to use one card for two people

Each person needs their own card. You cannot tap the same card twice for two passengers on the same journey.

5. Forgetting to validate

Always tap your card before entering the metro and when boarding buses or trams. If you do not validate, your ticket may not be considered valid.

Is the Lisbon metro easy to use?

Yes, the Lisbon metro is one of the easiest ways to move around the city.

The network is simple, the stations are clearly marked, and the airport is connected directly to the metro system.

It is especially useful for areas like:

• Lisbon Airport

• Saldanha

• Marquês de Pombal

• Baixa-Chiado

• Cais do Sodré

• Oriente

• Alameda

That said, the metro does not cover every part of Lisbon. For places like Alfama, Graça or Belém, you may need to combine the metro with walking, buses, trams, trains or a taxi.

For a wider overview, read the guide on how to use public transport in Lisbon.

Final thoughts

Buying metro tickets in Lisbon is easy once you know what the Navegante occasional card is.

If you are only taking one ride, a single ticket is fine. If you will use transport several times, zapping is usually better. If you have a full sightseeing day planned, the 24-hour ticket can save money and make things simpler.

The main thing is to keep your card, choose the right ticket for your plans, and validate it every time you travel.

FAQ

1. How much is a metro ticket in Lisbon?

A single Carris/Metro ticket costs €1.90. If you use zapping, a Carris/Metro journey costs €1.72.

2. Do I need a Navegante card for the Lisbon metro?

Usually, yes. Most visitors buy a Navegante occasional card and load it with a single ticket, zapping credit or a 24-hour ticket.

3. How much does the Navegante occasional card cost?

The Navegante occasional card costs €0.50 and is valid for one year.

4. Can I buy Lisbon metro tickets at the airport?

Yes. Lisbon Airport has a metro station, and you can buy tickets from the machines before entering the metro.

5. Is the 24-hour Lisbon transport ticket worth it?

It can be worth it if you plan to take several journeys in one day. The Carris/Metro 24-hour ticket costs €7.25, so it usually makes sense if you expect to use public transport at least four or five times.