Tram 12 Lisbon: route, tickets and tips
A practical guide to Tram 12 in Lisbon, including the route, best stops, tickets, prices and how it compares with Tram 28.
Tram 12 is one of the best alternatives to Tram 28 in Lisbon. It is shorter, easier to fit into a day of sightseeing, and still passes through some of the city’s most interesting historic areas.
In this article, you’ll learn where Tram 12 goes, which stops are useful, how tickets work, and when it makes sense to ride it instead of Tram 28.
Quick answer: is Tram 12 worth taking?
Yes, Tram 12 is worth taking if you want a short classic tram ride through old Lisbon without doing the full Tram 28 route.
It is especially useful for reaching areas around Portas do Sol, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Lisbon Cathedral and Chiado.
It is not as famous as Tram 28, but that can be a good thing. It gives you a similar old-Lisbon feel, often with less pressure to plan your whole day around one tram ride.
Where does Tram 12 go?
Tram 12, officially 12E, runs between Martim Moniz and Praça Luís de Camões.
According to Carris, the route from Martim Moniz includes stops such as:
Martim Moniz
Socorro
Largo do Terreirinho
Rua dos Lagares
São Tomé
Portas do Sol
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Limoeiro
Sé
Rua da Conceição
Chiado
Praça Luís de Camões
In the opposite direction, it returns from Praça Luís de Camões to Martim Moniz, passing again through central and historic areas, including Sé, Santa Luzia, Portas do Sol, Graça, Anjos and Rua da Palma.
Why take Tram 12 instead of Tram 28?
Tram 28 is more famous, but it is also much busier.
Tram 12 is a good option if you want:
A shorter tram ride
A route through historic Lisbon
Easier access to Alfama viewpoints
A simpler plan than waiting for Tram 28
A classic yellow tram experience without making it the whole day
It does not replace the full Tram 28 route, but it covers some very useful areas for visitors.
If you are comparing options, read the guide to Tram 28 alternatives in Lisbon.
Best stops on Tram 12
Martim Moniz
Martim Moniz is one of the main starting points for Lisbon’s classic tram routes.
It is central, easy to reach, and close to Baixa, Mouraria and Rossio. If you want to start Tram 12 from the beginning, this is the easiest place.
Just remember that this area can be busy, especially because Tram 28 also starts nearby.
Portas do Sol
This is one of the best stops on the route.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol has one of the most famous views over Alfama, with rooftops, churches and the river in the background.
It is a good place to get off, take photos, and continue exploring on foot.
You can read more in the full guide to Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
This stop is very close to another beautiful viewpoint: Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
It is smaller than Portas do Sol, but very popular because of its tiles, terrace and river view.
This is a good stop if you want to walk down into Alfama after the tram ride.
You can also read the guide to Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
Sé
The Sé stop is useful for visiting Lisbon Cathedral.
This is one of the city’s oldest landmarks and a good stop if you want to combine Tram 12 with a short walk through Alfama or Baixa.
Read the full guide to Lisbon Cathedral.
Chiado and Praça Luís de Camões
The final part of the route takes you towards Chiado and Praça Luís de Camões.
This is useful if you want to finish near cafés, shops, Bairro Alto, or the lower part of Chiado.
From here, you can walk to Baixa, Cais do Sodré, Príncipe Real or Bairro Alto.
How much does Tram 12 cost?
Tram 12 uses the normal Carris fare system.
For 2026, the main prices are:
Carris/Metro ticket: €1.90
Zapping fare: €1.72
24-hour Carris/Metro ticket: €7.25
Navegante occasional card: €0.50
The Navegante occasional card can be bought and loaded at metro ticket machines. It costs €0.50 and can be reloaded during one year.
For most visitors, zapping is usually the best option if you will use public transport a few times. The 24-hour ticket can be better if you plan to use several trams, buses or metro journeys in the same day.
For more detail, read how to buy metro tickets in Lisbon.
Can you use the Lisboa Card on Tram 12?
Yes. The Lisboa Card includes Lisbon public transport, so you can use it on Tram 12.
That said, the Lisboa Card is only worth it if you also plan to visit paid attractions. If you only need transport, a Navegante card with zapping or a 24-hour ticket is usually cheaper.
You can compare both options in Lisbon Card: is it worth it?.
Best way to use Tram 12
The best way to use Tram 12 is not to stay on it just for the sake of the ride.
Use it as part of a simple route.
A good plan is:
Start at Martim Moniz.
Take Tram 12 towards Portas do Sol or Santa Luzia.
Get off for the viewpoints.
Walk down through Alfama.
Continue to Lisbon Cathedral or Baixa.
This gives you the tram experience, the views and the old streets, without spending too much time waiting or sitting inside the tram.
Is Tram 12 better than Tram 28?
It depends on what you want.
Tram 28 is better if you want the famous full route across several Lisbon neighbourhoods.
Tram 12 is better if you want a shorter and easier ride through the historic centre.
For many visitors, Tram 12 is the smarter choice if Tram 28 has a long queue.
Tips before riding Tram 12
Try to ride earlier in the day if you want a quieter experience.
Keep your phone and wallet secure, especially if the tram is crowded.
Do not build your whole day around the tram. Service can change, queues can happen, and walking is often just as good in this part of Lisbon.
Check the Carris route page before going, especially if there are works or temporary changes.
And most importantly: get off and walk. The areas around Portas do Sol, Santa Luzia, Alfama and Sé are better when you explore them slowly.
Final thoughts
Tram 12 is a useful and simple alternative to Tram 28.
It gives you a short classic tram ride through historic Lisbon, with easy stops for viewpoints, Alfama, Lisbon Cathedral and Chiado. It is not a full replacement for Tram 28, but it can be a better choice if you want less waiting and more time exploring.
For most visitors, the best plan is to take Tram 12 for one section, then continue on foot.
FAQ
1. Where does Tram 12 go in Lisbon?
Tram 12 runs between Martim Moniz and Praça Luís de Camões, passing through areas such as Portas do Sol, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Sé and Chiado.
2. Is Tram 12 the same as Tram 28?
No. Tram 12 is shorter and follows a different route, but it still passes through some historic areas that many visitors want to see.
3. Is Tram 12 worth it?
Yes, especially if you want a shorter tram ride through old Lisbon and an easier alternative to Tram 28.
4. Can I use a Navegante card on Tram 12?
Yes. You can use a Navegante occasional card with a valid Carris ticket, zapping credit or a 24-hour ticket.
5. What is the best stop on Tram 12?
Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia are two of the best stops, especially if you want views over Alfama and the river.
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.
