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Getting around in Lisbon for 2 days from cruise ship

I am trying to decide whether I should buy a 2 day transportation card or the Lisbon card that includes transportation and some must-see places. They give 50% discounts at many museums, castles, etc. for 65+, but do you have to be an EU resident to get the discount? We are American. Or since we will only be there 2 days should we walk into town from Santa Apolonie cruise terminal and just pay single journey prices when needed?

Posted by
1878 posts

I think it's worth it to buy the transit pass, taking transit can and should be part of the fun in Lisbon. Don't look at it as just transportation, think of it like taking a cable car in San Francisco. The Trolleys, the Elevator de Santa Justa, and the funicular that goes up from the lower town to the upper town. I doubt that I would pony up for the Lisbon Card with so brief of a visit. I don't remember the sights in Lisbon being that expensive to begin with, but I last visited in 2008.

Posted by
80 posts

Hello carol_seiler,

I agree... don't buy the Lisbon card since two days aren't worth it... you can visit some of the main POIs like Jerónimos Monastery and Torre de Belém (these for example have a combined ticket if you want to visit them both ;)

Enjoy your short stay in Portugal ;)

Posted by
7180 posts

Use Google Maps to estimate walking distances, and find out if the ship will have a shuttle bus to/from the pier. That's your biggest issue and cost. You have to balance limited time, waiting for multiple "seats" of public transit, and cost, including foregone prepaid ship meals. You may also decide to fork over for a pricey ship excursion to, say, Sintra, just because it is more efficient than doing it on your own. If this is the start or end of the cruise, you're better off spending some time in Lisbon on your own.

Posted by
7595 posts

Taxis are cheap in Lisbon. Combine a couple of Rick Steves walks with taxis is best.
Don't miss St. George's Castle and that walk.