We’re going to Lisbon later this month and I’m devouring the RS Lisbon Snapshot book. There it says “The Lisboa card covers all public transportation…”. Then it says that this may be unnecessary for ‘seniors’, of which we are :). Later it says we need a Viva Viagem card for the metro, trolleys, etc., so I’m confused as to what we need. Can anyone explain the difference, as well as what a ‘senior’ is in Lisbon.
After 2 1/2 years I’m so excited to be back on the forum!
Shay
I found this information on Senior discounts on Lisbon Metro:
Senior customers are entitled to benefit from discounts in some travel passes in the Lisbon region.
Aged 65 years or older:
25% discount on Navegante Rede and Intermodal passes;
60% on Navegante Urbano.
So, presumably you wouldn't want to pay for a Lisboa card to get a discount on transportation that you can already get as a senior simply by buying the discounted pass directly. You'll want to check the requirements on the linked Lisbon metro page for how to get that discounted pass.
We’re going to Lisbon this month as well and one thing I’ve learned to check is the cost of public transit for two people + the time involved in walking to the closest stop and waiting + the crowds on transit + the time involved in getting from the transit stop to my next site and…sometimes I just take an Uber or a cab.
Uber fares I’ve checked:
My Baixa hotel to the Belem area - 12 Euros
My Baixa hotel to the Tile Museum - 9 Euros.
Just in case that’s helpful:)
The Viva Viagem card is a refillable transportation card like the metro/buss card that many cities have. It saves you the time and delay of having to buy a ticket every time you use a metro, tram, bus etc. It is not for museum admission or other sightseeing entrance fees.
In contrast, the Lisboa card is a sightseeing card that also covers transportation. It is only worth it if one plans to go to enough of the sights it covers in the time allotted. Because many museums and sightseeing venues offer senior discounts, it is especially unlikely that it would be worth if for a senior.
The Viva Viagem is the card you want. You purchase it at any train station or metro station. It can be purchased from machines or a person. But, not all metro stations have staff. It’s commonly called a zapping card because it deducts money from your total when you use it. It can be used on all buses, metro, trains (just in the metro area) and ferries. I usually buy mine from a staff person and tell them ‘senior’ - over 65. The machines are great to check your balance and top them up with money.
Unless you plan to go to a lot of museums, the zapping card is the best IMO. Museums also give senior discounts.
The Navagante cards are for residents.
You all are super! Thanks so much for all the great information!
Great info, Kathrynj!
Does the machine allow us to choose senior passes or do we need to go to a staff person to get it? We will arrive in Lisbon but go to Sintra, but not sure if we’ll take a train or taxi. After Sintra, we will travel by train to Lisbon. When would we be able to buy the pass and where? We’ll be in Lisbon for 6 nights in May.
Hello from Wisconsin,
The trams...the trams...what great fun. We arrived in mid-February and the trams were wonderful. Then we left Lisbon for 3 or 4 weeks and when we got back the tourist season was obviously ramping up. To ride a tram from Rossio Square was a wait in line for two or three trams before it was out turn. True this was maybe THE most crowded tourist stop for trams, but it was a change from February.
Maybe they add trams come high season I don't know. On February 14th you could pick your seat and go. By March 20 you waited inline and took the seat that was available or stood in the back of the tram.
wayne iNWI
We’re in Lisbon right now. The trams are packed full - we’re not even tempted to use them. The main flat core area is walkable but it’s all limestone tile and it’s quite slippery - especially after a rain shower. The hilly areas are harder in the rain - and I even find them taxing when dry. Bring shoes with good grips.
