Lisbon Elevators and Funiculars: Routes, Tickets & Tips

Lisbon’s historic elevators and funiculars are part public transport, part sightseeing experience. They were built to deal with the city’s steep hills, and several are still useful if you would rather save your legs than climb another cobbled street.

For most visitors, the main ones to know are Elevador de Santa Justa, Ascensor da Bica, Ascensor da Glória, Ascensor do Lavra and the newer Funicular da Graça.

Quick comparison

Elevador de Santa Justa

Santa Justa is the most famous of Lisbon’s lifts and the one that attracts the longest queues. It connects Baixa with the higher Carmo area and is a striking piece of iron architecture in its own right.

The ride is very short. Unless using the lift is important to you, it can be more enjoyable to approach the upper level from Largo do Carmo and enjoy the area without spending a long time waiting below.

For a wider route through the centre, see our 2 days in Lisbon itinerary.

Ascensor da Glória

Glória is arguably the most practical historic funicular for first-time visitors. It climbs from Restauradores towards the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint and Bairro Alto.

If you are already exploring Baixa, Avenida da Liberdade or Rossio, it can save a steep climb and drop you close to one of the best-known viewpoints in central Lisbon.

Ascensor da Bica

Bica is the most photogenic of the traditional funiculars. The narrow street, yellow carriage and view downhill towards the Tagus make it one of Lisbon’s classic images.

The actual journey is short, so think of it as a useful local ride rather than a major attraction. The street can become congested with people taking photos; stay off the tracks when a carriage is approaching.

Ascensor do Lavra

Lavra is older and considerably quieter than Bica or Glória. It links the Avenida area with the hill around Jardim do Torel.

Choose it if you want to experience one of Lisbon’s historic funiculars without the same level of tourist traffic.

Funicular da Graça

The Graça Funicular is the newest addition to the network. CARRIS states that it runs for roughly 134 metres between Rua dos Lagares in Mouraria and the upper area close to Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen.

It is particularly useful if you are combining Mouraria with Graça and would prefer not to tackle the steep climb on foot.

Lisbon funicular ticket prices

CARRIS publishes separate on-board fares for historic lifts and funiculars.

For 2026, the official on-board prices are:

• Funiculars/ascensores: 4.30€ for up to two journeys.

• Santa Justa: 6.20€ for up to two journeys.

• CARRIS/Metro single ticket: 1.90€.

• 24-hour CARRIS/Metro ticket: 7.25€.

• Zapping: 1.72€ per journey under the relevant conditions.

The important detail is that paying the tourist-oriented on-board fare is not always the cheapest way to ride. If you already use a Navegante occasional card or a valid 24-hour ticket, check whether your journey is covered.

Prices can change annually, so confirm the current tariff on CARRIS before publishing or travelling.

Can you pay contactless?

Yes. CARRIS currently supports bank card/contactless payment on board, alongside other payment methods on much of the network. The Graça Funicular is specifically cashless.

Which Lisbon funicular is most worth it?

Choose Glória for usefulness, Bica for the classic Lisbon setting, Lavra for fewer crowds and Graça if your route already includes Mouraria and Graça.

Santa Justa is worth seeing, but the queue-to-ride ratio is often poor. You do not need to ride every one.

FAQ - Lisbon elevators and funiculars

Are Lisbon’s funiculars included in public transport passes?

Many standard CARRIS tickets and valid passes can cover them, but the conditions depend on the ticket. Check CARRIS before travel.

Can I pay by card?

Contactless bank-card payment is available on CARRIS services. Payment conditions can vary by vehicle.

How long are the rides?

Very short. These are practical hill-climbing services, not long scenic railways.

Which funicular has the best view?

Bica has the most recognisable downhill street view, while Glória gives easy access to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.