One of Lisbon’s most attractive aspects for Remote Workers is undoubtedly the city’s excellent infrastructure. So if you're wondering how remote workers get around Lisbon, the city’s public transportation system is one of Europe’s best, with a wide range of methods available for different parts of the city. You can use the city’s Metro, Tram and Bus system using the Viva Viagem card - this public transportation card has a cost of only 0.5 EUR and allows you to take single rides around the city for as little as 1.5EUR or you can buy day tickets at discounted prices. This remote worker's Guide to Lisbon's public transport looks to highlight some of the main transit options available in the city.
This is certainly Lisbon’s most popular method of transportation, with 4 lines connecting towns and streets across the entire city. We recommend always carrying a copy of the city’s Metro Map to ensure you know where you are going and how to manage connections between lines at the main stations. All the Metro stations in Lisbon can be easily identified by the “M” located at their entrances, and you can use your Viva Viagem card to swipe into the station area. The Metro here is considered largely safe and is one of the most convenient ways for remote workers to get around Lisbon, although all users are seriously advised to be careful with personal belongings during busy periods.
No public transport guide to this city would be complete without mention of its emblematic tram network. This is one of the best ways for remote workers to get around Lisbon. During the 19th century, Lisbon’s transportation system was defined by its network of trams and funiculars connecting the city. A mark of the city’s industrial past, a few tram lines remain. A couple of these lines are largely touristic, but others are relied on heavily by locals to get around the city. Particularly in steeper areas and those were Metro access is limited, the Tram is essential to communities. We strongly recommend taking the historic Tram line 28 at least once during your stay in Lisbon, as it will give you incredible views of Old Lisbon. Beware that this line can often be crowded with tourists.
Operated by Carris, the company that also operates the city’s Trams, buses in Lisbon are plentiful and easy to use! Remote Workers will love this way of navigating Lisbon as it can be more picturesque and revealing of a more authentic side to the city. The city’s yellow buses have designated stops across the city and you can even download an app to see the estimated waiting times at each stop! To board the bus, you can wave it down to make sure it doesn’t drive past the stop, and to get off press the “stop” button to alert the driver. You can ride the bus using your Viva Viagem card!
While remote workers get around Lisbon mainly using the methods above, the city also has three funicular routes, or ascensores, which provide access to the certain steep parts of the city. The three routes are - Ascensor de Lavra, Ascensor da Bica and Ascensor da Gloria. The Elevador de Santa Justa, Lisbon’s only vertical lift, is less of a public transport option but certainly provides excellent views of the city from above and is worth a visit.
For more information about living in Lisbon as a remote worker, check out our complete Lisbon section.