Lisbon transport

We use the Navegante Ocasional card for transportation in the Lisbon area, Metro, transit buses, ferries and commuter trains.
We load money into it and use the zapping function.
https://www.metrolisboa.pt/en/buy/viva-viagem-card/

Lisbon card is good if you're going to use enough of the free attractions and transportation to justify the price, otherwise not so good.

Edit: the cards work on the funiculars but not the elevator ( Carmo).

Barbara, I used the transportation card, Via Viagem, for busses, metro, and the ferry to Cacilhas. It did not work for the funicular and I didn’t try using it on elevators as they weren’t in my plans this time. Maybe someone else will respond with a more definitive answer about the elevators.

I used the Via Viagem card in Lisbon. I was pretty sure I wouldn't use the Lisbon Card enough to get my money's worth out of it. I did not use an elevator, but my card did work on the funiculars. I also used it to ride the train to Cascais.

Sounds like I'm skipping the Lisboa card - not sure I'd go to enough sites to have it pay for itself. Thanks so much!

There is no such thing as Via Viagem card. It hasn't been for a while. Most blogs and tour books are outdated when it comes to Lisbon specifics anyways

The card is now called Navigate Occasional. It is different from the plastic card that locals use.

But cardboard card works same way. It costs 0.50 eurocents to get.
Then it could be used in one of the two ways (but only one way at a time)
1. Load money and zap for travel and money will be deducted. It works on bus, metro, funicular, tram, even trains to Sintra/Cascais.
2. Load 24 hour pass

If you are going to take more than 4 rides than 24 hour pass is cheaper.

Each person in your party needs to get their own individual card.

Of course, for most short local rides or when you are 3-4 people in your party, Bolt is cheaper and lot more convenient.

Thanks Kenny

Three advice about Lisbon/Sintra transport (other than to enjoy trams)

1. Use Bolt
2. Use Bolt
3. Use Bolt

(Uber is ok too except it is not more expensive and less drivers available as Uber takes much larger cut)

Does the Via Viagem cover the elevators too?

Yup. I just returned from Lisbon and used the navegante card for the santa justa elevator.

I’m in the middle of writing my trip report. Look for it later this week or early next week. I always try to include practical info., especially for public transportation.

Castello elevator is free
New Graca funicular is free.
St Luzia elevator is free and so is Carmo. Lift.

Santa Justa costs money only if you make mistake of standing in line and actually take it. There is nothing to see while inside the lift

View is spectacular from the top viewpoints but you don't have to take lift to go there.

As Rick shows in his walk, you can simply walk in from Chiado.

Best way (both free and faster) to from Baixa to Chiado is to take the free Metro escalators.

Three most common mistakes uninformed tourists make in Lisbon are:
1. Stand in long line at Martin Moniz for Tram 28
2. Doing same for Santa Justa elevator
3. Taking train to Sintra

Hi Barbara, I just posted my Lisbon trip report. You might find it helpful for your upcoming trip.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-lisbon-portugal-my-trip-report

Why is it a mistake to take the train to Sintra?

Why is it a mistake to take the train to Sintra?

It isn't. It's just that some prefer to take Bolt or Uber instead as their form of transportation. Nothing wrong with either way. I've taken the train from Lisbon to Sintra many times and for me, that's my preferred way. It's a nice and easy train ride. Rossio station is a beautiful building too.

Three most common mistakes uninformed tourists make in Lisbon are:

1. Stand in long line at Martin Moniz for Tram 28

2. Doing same for Santa Justa elevator

3. Taking train to Sintra

These are not necessarily mistakes, but perhaps items that one should think about. I've done all 3 and have no regrets.
My thoughts.

1. Tram 28 is very crowded, but can be lots of fun to ride from end to end, if you can sit. It runs from Martim Moniz to Campo Ourique. The lines are shorter at the Campo Ourique end. However, I have had luck boarding at Martim Moniz without waiting in line, but that was early morning in April.
   
2. Santa Justa elevator. You can walk to the viewing platform if all you are interested in is the views. No reason to wait in line. However, if you want to ride in a historical, innovative, Neo-Gothic style iron lift, it's pretty cool. I thought it was worth standing in line. And I had some nice conversations with those in front and behind me that helped pass the time. But this was on a sunny day in December.
   
3. Train to Sintra: Pena tends to be on an individual's list when they think of Sintra. Once getting off the train at Sintra station, to get to Pena one can take a bus, tuk tuk, or walk (path via Vila Sassetti). If time is limited another option is to take Bolt directly from one's hotel to Pena's main entrance.
   

These are all good tips! Thanks!