Lisbon Card: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Pass

Traveling to Lisbon? The Lisbon Card offers an excellent way to see the city’s highlights without breaking the bank. For a fixed price, you get unlimited access to public transportation, along with free admission to over 50 museums and attractions, plus discounts at shops and restaurants. Whether you’re here for a quick weekend or a longer stay, choosing between the 24, 48, or 72-hour options makes it flexible to fit your itinerary.

What we love most about this card is how seamlessly it combines convenience and savings—no need to buy separate tickets or worry about carrying cash. Plus, the inclusion of transport on buses, trams, metro, and some trains means you can hop around Lisbon with ease—especially handy given the city’s charming but sometimes confusing public transit system. However, a word of caution: public transportation can be a bit chaotic, with occasional delays and buses not always punctual, according to reviews. Still, the access it grants to major sights is hard to beat.

This pass is perfect if you’re eager to visit major landmarks like the Jerónimos Monastery, Belem Tower, or the Santa Justa Lift. It’s also great for travelers who want the flexibility to explore at their own pace while enjoying discounts on other attractions or experiences. If you like saving time and money while discovering authentic Lisbon, this card could be your best travel buddy.

Key Points

• Unlimited public transport on metro, buses, trams, and some train lines.
• Free entry to 52 museums and historical sites.
• Discounts and special offers at restaurants, shops, and additional attractions.
• Flexible validity of 24, 48, or 72 hours to suit your itinerary.
• Easy pick-up options, including at the airport.
• Good value for money with many travelers saving significantly compared to individual tickets.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Lisbon Card: An in-depth look

What is the Lisbon Card?

The Lisbon Card is a prepaid, rechargeable card designed to make your city visit smoother and more affordable. It’s valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours from the time you activate it, giving you unlimited rides on Carris metro, buses, trams, and cable railways. It also covers essential train routes between Lisbon and nearby destinations like Sintra, Cascais, and other scenic spots, making day trips straightforward.

Beyond transport, the card grants free access to 52 museums, historic buildings, and attractions. Among the most popular is the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belem Tower (though note it’s temporarily closed for refurbishments starting April 22nd), the National Tile Museum, and the National Coach Museum. You’ll also get to ride the Santa Justa Lift, a steep elevator offering fantastic views over the city.

How does the card work?

After purchasing through GetYourGuide, you’ll exchange your voucher for the magnetic Lisboa Card, which must be signed and dated. When you’re ready, you activate your chosen duration (24, 48, or 72 hours). The card works by simply tapping it on entry points—no need for multiple tickets or queues. This ease of use is a big plus, especially when you’re eager to maximize your sightseeing time.

Transportation details

The bus, tram, and metro system in Lisbon are often described as a bit chaotic, and some reviews mention waiting times of 40 minutes or more. Yet, this is offset by the convenience of free unlimited travel during the card’s validity period. The tram 28, for example, is a scenic classic route that many travelers love, and the metro is the fastest way to cover distances across the city.

The inclusion of train routes to Cascais, Sintra, and Oriente is a major perk; it means you can venture outside Lisbon’s core without additional tickets. For instance, many travelers find that the train to Sintra is a highlight, allowing easy access to Palaces, castles, and lush landscapes.

More Great Tours Nearby

What’s included with the Lisbon Card?

• Free admission to top museums and landmarks, including Palaces and historic sites.
• Unlimited travel on selected public transport within Lisbon.
• Discounts and vouchers at restaurants, shops, and additional attractions.
• A handy guide explaining how to get the most from your card, available via mobile.

What are the downsides?

While the value is evident, there are some considerations. Public transit can be unpredictable, with reviews mentioning buses that are late or sometimes do not arrive. For example, one reviewer noted waiting 40 minutes for a bus that should have arrived every 15 minutes. Plus, some attractions like the Belem Tower are temporarily closed for refurbishment, reducing the number of sites accessible with the card at certain times.

Another point is that not all museums are free, only those designated as included, and some offer only discounts. Also, buses in Sintra are operated by different companies and are not covered by the card, so plan your day trips accordingly.

Who will love this?

This card is ideal for first-time visitors eager to see Lisbon’s highlights without hassle. It’s particularly great if you plan to visit multiple museums or want the flexibility of unlimited transport. Families, solo travelers, and those wanting a cost-effective way to cover a lot of ground all find it useful. If you like to have all your tickets sorted beforehand and prefer easy, tap-and-go transport, the Lisboa Card makes sense.

A few practical tips

• Pick up your card early—at the airport or city centers—for maximum convenience.
• Plan your visits around museum closures on Mondays and certain holidays.
• Start your activity mid-day if you purchase the 48-hour option, to get full value.
• Remember that some attractions might be closed or under renovation, so check in advance.

Authentic experiences from travelers

Many reviews talk about how the Lisbon Card saved them money and made city exploring simpler. One traveler said, “We used the Metro, trams, and trains, and really enjoyed having the ease of just tapping in and out.” Others appreciated the access to iconic sites like the Castle and Jerónimos Monastery, noting it was “great value for money.”

However, some highlighted the timing issues—buses and trams not always on schedule—which can be frustrating. For example, one review mentions waiting 40 minutes for a bus that was supposed to come every 15 minutes. Still, the overall consensus favors the convenience and cost savings, especially for those planning to maximize sightseeing within a limited timeframe.

Final thoughts

The Lisbon Card offers a smart way to explore one of Europe’s most charming cities without the hassle of buying individual tickets. Its strength lies in unlimited transport and free access to many top attractions, making it perfect for travelers who want to see the highlights without spending hours in queues or dealing with multiple tickets.

While transportation can sometimes be less predictable, the value, flexibility, and convenience outweigh the minor inconveniences for most visitors. The card shines brightest when your plans include multiple museums, scenic rides, and day trips outside Lisbon.

If you’re visiting for a short stay, eager to soak up sights efficiently, and want peace of mind with transport and entry included, this could be your best investment in Lisbon. On the other hand, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or plan to stay outside the main tourist areas, weigh the benefits accordingly.

FAQ

Can I use the Lisbon Card for trains?
Yes, the card covers trains between Cais do Sodré and Cascais, and between Oriente, Rossio, and Sintra, making day trips more convenient.

Is the card valid for multiple days if I buy the 48 or 72-hour options?
Yes, the 48 and 72-hour options are valid for consecutive days starting from your activation time. You can use it for as many trips as you want during that period.

Can I pick up the card at the airport?
Absolutely. Many travelers find it easiest to collect their card at the airport, which speeds up the start of their Lisbon adventure.

Are all museums free with the card?
Most major museums and landmarks are included, like the Jerónimos Monastery and National Tile Museum. However, note that some attractions may be closed on certain days or during holidays.

What about attractions that are under renovation?
The Belem Tower will be closed for refurbishment starting April 22nd, so plan accordingly and check for updates before your visit.

Is this card suitable for families?
Yes, families generally find it valuable, especially with children aged 13-15, who are usually not eligible for free entrance at some sites. It’s also easy for kids to navigate Lisbon’s public transport.

Can I use the card for hop-on-hop-off tours?
While the card covers traditional transport, it does not include specific hop-on-hop-off bus services unless explicitly mentioned. You might consider this if you want guided city tours.

How do I know which attractions are included?
A guide explaining how to use the card is provided, and many reviews recommend reviewing the list of free sites beforehand to plan your visits efficiently.

In all, the Lisbon Card is a practical and cost-effective way to experience Lisbon’s essentials—saving you time, money, and some hassle. Whether you’re a museum lover, a scenic explorer, or a food enthusiast, this pass helps you make the most of your time in this lively city.

You can check availability for your dates here: