How to top up a Navegante Card in Lisbon
Learn how to top up a Navegante card in Lisbon, where to reload it, how zapping works and which ticket option is best for tourists.
If you are using public transport in Lisbon, you will probably need to top up a Navegante card at some point. The process is simple, but the ticket machines can feel confusing the first time.
In this article, you’ll learn how to top up a Navegante card in Lisbon, where to do it, which option to choose, and what mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer: how do you top up a Navegante card?
You can top up a Navegante card at ticket machines or ticket offices in Lisbon metro stations.
Insert or place your card on the machine, choose English, select the ticket or zapping credit you want to add, pay, and keep your receipt.
For most tourists, the easiest option is usually zapping or a 24-hour Carris/Metro ticket.
Where can you top up a Navegante card?
The easiest place to top up a Navegante card is at a metro station.
You can do it at ticket machines in stations such as:
Lisbon Airport
Baixa-Chiado
Rossio
Cais do Sodré
Saldanha
Alameda
Marquês de Pombal
Oriente
You can also top it up at metro ticket offices when available. The official Metro website says the navegante occasional card can be purchased and loaded at ticket vending machines and ticket offices.
Step-by-step: how to top up your card
Here is the simple version:
Go to a metro ticket machine.
Choose English.
Place or insert your Navegante card.
Choose the top-up or reload option.
Select the ticket or credit you want.
Pay by card or cash.
Take your card and receipt.
After that, your card should be ready to use.
On the metro, tap it at the gate. On buses and trams, tap it on the validator when you board.
What can you load onto a Navegante card?
For tourists, the most useful options are:
Carris/Metro single ticket
Zapping credit
24-hour Carris/Metro ticket
24-hour Carris/Metro/CP ticket
24-hour Carris/Metro/Transtejo ticket
The Metro lists these options for the navegante occasional card, including Carris/Metro tickets, 24-hour tickets and pay-as-you-go zapping credit.
Option 1: top up with zapping
Zapping is prepaid travel credit.
You add money to your card, then each journey is deducted from your balance.
For 2026, a zapping journey on Carris/Metro costs €1.72. This is cheaper than a normal Carris/Metro single ticket, which costs €1.90.
Zapping is usually the best option if you plan to use public transport a few times but do not need unlimited travel.
It is flexible and works well for most visitors.
Option 2: top up with a single ticket
A Carris/Metro single ticket costs €1.90.
It is valid on Carris and Metro for 60 minutes after the first validation, but it cannot be used for consecutive metro journeys.
This is fine if you only need one simple journey.
For example, if you are just taking the metro from Lisbon Airport to your hotel, a single ticket may be enough.
Option 3: top up with a 24-hour ticket
A 24-hour Carris/Metro ticket costs €7.25.
It gives you unlimited travel on Carris and Metro for 24 hours after the first validation.
This can be worth it if you plan to use several metro, bus, tram or funicular journeys in one day.
There are also wider 24-hour tickets:
Carris/Metro/Transtejo: €10.35
Carris/Metro/CP: €11.40
The CP version can be useful if you plan to travel by train to Sintra or Cascais and also use public transport in Lisbon on the same day.
How much does the Navegante card cost?
The navegante occasional card costs €0.50.
You only need to buy it once. After that, you can reload it during one year after purchase.
Do not throw it away after one journey.
Keep it in your wallet and top it up when needed.
Can you check the balance on your Navegante card?
Yes. The easiest way is to use a metro ticket machine.
Place or insert your card into the machine. It should show your current ticket or balance and offer top-up options.
This is useful if you are using zapping and want to know how much credit you have left.
Can you top up a Navegante card online?
For most tourists using the occasional Navegante card, the easiest and safest option is still to top up at a metro ticket machine.
Online and app-based systems can be more confusing for visitors, especially if you only need occasional travel during a short stay.
If you are visiting Lisbon for a few days, use the machines. They are available in metro stations and are usually the simplest option.
Can you use one Navegante card for two people?
No.
Each person needs their own Navegante card.
You cannot top up one card and use it for two travellers on the same journey. If two people are travelling together, each person needs a separate card with their own ticket or credit.
This is one of the most common tourist mistakes.
Common mistakes to avoid
Buying a new card every time
You do not need a new card for every journey.
Buy one Navegante card, keep it, and top it up when needed.
Loading the wrong ticket
Before paying, check what you are adding to the card.
If you are only travelling inside Lisbon, Carris/Metro may be enough. If you are going to Sintra or Cascais, you may need a CP train option or zapping.
Forgetting the receipt
The official Metro advice is to keep your purchase or load receipt in case the card stops working.
Trying to use one card for several people
Each person needs their own card. One card cannot be shared for the same trip.
Mixing ticket types without checking
Sometimes you may not be able to load a different ticket type until the current one is used or expired.
If you are unsure, zapping is usually the easiest choice.
Best option for tourists
For most visitors, the best top-up option is zapping.
It is cheaper than a single Carris/Metro ticket and more flexible if you are not sure how many journeys you will take.
Choose a 24-hour ticket if you already know you will use public transport many times in one day.
Choose a single ticket only if you need one simple journey.
For more detail, read Navegante Card Lisbon: what tourists need to know and How to buy metro tickets in Lisbon.
Final thoughts
Topping up a Navegante card in Lisbon is easy once you understand the options.
Use a metro ticket machine, choose English, select zapping or the ticket you need, and keep your receipt. For most tourists, zapping is the best balance between price and flexibility.
If you plan a busy sightseeing day, a 24-hour ticket may be better. If you only need one ride, a single ticket is enough.
FAQ
1. Where can I top up a Navegante card in Lisbon?
You can top up a Navegante card at metro ticket machines and ticket offices.
2. How much does a Navegante card cost?
The navegante occasional card costs €0.50 and can be reloaded during one year.
3. What is the best top-up option for tourists?
For most tourists, zapping is the best option because it is cheaper than single tickets and flexible for occasional journeys.
4. Can two people use the same Navegante card?
No. Each person needs their own card.
5. Should I keep the receipt?
Yes. Keep the receipt in case the card does not work or there is a problem with the top-up.
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.
