Hop-on-Hop-Off vs Trams in Lisbon

Posted by rmill.ace (Texas, USA) on 10/16/25 10:24 PM

I will be in Lisbon at the end of October for 2 1/2 days then procedure to other places in Portugal. For day trips, I am trying to decide between using the Tram system or Hop-on-Hop bus. We have used Ho-Ho in other countries and it worked well for our needs. We have never used a "tram" system.

We are well traveled and like the flexibility of doing our own thing when it comes to picking and choosing where to get off of either form of transportation. The Ho-Ho offers a three day package that include the Tagus River boat and Tran 28 which we have on our to-do list. But, the Ho-Ho in Lisbon has mixed reviews. The Tram reviews are better.

I would like some advise on these two Lisbon systems. Specifically toward our being flexible and the fact that we are not going to rely on either to check off every tourist attraction box. I guess what I am saying that we want to see as much as possible, but if we don't then we don't care.We just want the best shot at it.

Posted by nsbtraveler

10/17/25 10:10 AM

103 posts

We were in Lisbon last week (oct 7 thru 11). We opted for the hop on hop off because the tram had very long lines and was standing room only. Better to look at trams from the sidewalk! The hop on hop off has several lines and you can choose your package (the green line takes you into the old town, the red line takes you to the monastery). We thought it was a good value. Enjoy!

Posted by acher

10/17/25 02:33 PM

58 posts

We were in Lisbon at the end of July, and we used only the trams/subways. We also walked a lot--easy to get around and discover new things. I saw no reason for the HOHO bus for our group of 3. We did stay near the end of the Tram 28 line and got on on a weekday in the morning--no crowding issues. Saturday was more backed up (as expected!)

Posted by isn31c

Lake District, England

10/17/25 03:15 PM

10655 posts

The thing is that Tram 28 is the only route the vast majority of tourists use. Yet the City has 5 other routes, all (even the 28) are part of the public transport network. Route 15 out to Belem uses very modern tram cars.

It won't make much sense on it's own, but this is the Carris (the City transport operator) network of buses and trams - https://www.carris.pt/en/travel/maps/, not to mention the Metro (subway) and suburban rail network. There are several really useful suburban overground rail lines.

The HoHo will give you a good quick introduction to the City, much of which is pretty walkeable anyway in my opinion, but it's the subway, bus and trams you will use to get around. From memory the HoHo just gives you one of the boats on the Tagus. There are a number of different ferry lines across the river, all part of the city transit system and used extensively by the locals.

For a first time visitor there is nothing at all wrong with using the HoHo's included cruise, but it is far from the only option,

On my first visit I planned to use the HoHo, but on the spot decided to use the metro first and picked the entire system up just like that, in minutes. I never did get on the HoHo then or any other time in spite of having a free (yes, free) ticket for it- picked up in Madeira. Now I'm a very experienced public transport use, so it's intuitive to me.

I will cede that if you are not so experienced then the HoHo probably has real merits- how reliable it is I don't know. My suspicion is that frequency may become a bit of an issue, but am very willing to be proven wrong.

Posted by rmill.ace OP

Texas, USA

10/17/25 08:44 PM

85 posts

Thank all of you for the insights. After your info and looking into both, I think that we will do a Ho Ho package. We are experienced travelers and could use the tram system, but the bus has audio guidance and usually a map of the route that we can use when needed. Plus Lisbon is not the primary focus on our tour of Portugal. We will only be in Lisbon for 2 1/2 days before proceeding out on tour.

Just in case, we will download the carris system map. BTW isn31c, we have been to England three times. The second time we did a hire car and traveled 1200 miles all over to include Wales. Great trips and we meet some wonderful people. A bit of humor. At most of the restaurants and advertisements we discovered a common theme. They all claim to have the best fish and chips in the country. LOL