Question 1: Can the "zapping" card be purchased at the Lisbon airport and is the "zapping" card valid for the train between Lisbon and Belem and the train between Lisbon and Sintra?
Question 2: If one purchases admission on line to the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, is the ticket for a timed entry, and does one have to stand in a queue with such admission (e.g. is there a voucher that has to be redeemed? We'd be there October 28, a Sunday, are visiting hours different on a Sunday?
Jon
I can partially answer question 1. I did not purchase the "zapping" card at the airport but at the Rossio station. I successfully used the "zapping" card to take the train between Lisbon and Sintra. I did not load any passes on the card, just cash.
FYI, you might find it more convenient to take a tram to Belem, not the train. The train station for Belem is not right in the center (Baixa/old town). It depends where you are staying. It is true that the trams were pretty mobbed in May (not just to Belem) and that the train may be less crowded and a little faster to Belem, but once you get to the train station and have made the connection, how much time have you saved?
Lisbon's train stations are poorly connected to each other. It would be nice if you could hop on a train at say Rossio and go to Belem - but you can't. You have to go to a completely different station.
I didn't do "zapping" with my Viva Viagem cards at all - I bought day passes most days in Lisbon for unlimited transport within Lisbon (including Belem) for the metro, trams, and buses, and I bought individual tickets for Sintra and Cascais. I had two different Viva Viagem cards as a result (different colors), one for Lisbon, one for the trains out. Buying day passes for unlimited use is just a personal preference of mine - I like to be able to hop on and off different trams and buses even for just a few stops and not worry about the cost of each ride.
Thanks for the prompt responses. I'm considering the train to Belem this visit as we were in Lisbon last April (on Freedom Day) and the tram to Belem was something bordering mayhem. The 15E didn't seem to be on any kind of schedule. When we finally boarded, crowded-standing-room only, then, after a relatively brief ride, the tram made an abrupt turn left and everyone was ordered off. It turns out that tram was being taken out of service, with none to replace it. All passengers on the very packed tram we directed across the street to wait on a bus. The locals were as befuddled as the tourists. Wait we did. After 3 or 4 buses sped by (crammed with people), we eventually squeezed onto the next bus for a "stuffy" ride to Belem. That was the good part of the trip. The journey back was worse, the tram was full within less than a minute of the doors opening for the trip back to Lisbon with people beginning to get aggressive with one another as more people shoved their way on (we hadn't left Belem yet). The aggressive behavior became more pronounced between those on the tram and those attempting to get on the tram as it stopped on the way back to Lisbon. Those trying to board were unsuccessful, and very grumpy when the doors wouldn't close (with their toes on the step but the rest of their bodies outside the tram).
This time we'll try the train.
Yes, Jon, I had a similar experience with the 15E in May (when our tram stopped halfway to Belem, though, there was an empty bus waiting for us and we got right on and departed immediately). I also took the train to Cascais that stops in Belem (in fact, I got on the train in Belem to head out there). Even though the train would surely be much quicker point to point vs. the tram, as I said you have to get to the train in the first place and wait for the next one. So it's not clear it would really save a lot of time.
Yes, you can use the zapping card to Belem and Sintra. And, even though the train station is a little further from Jerónimos, I would never take the tram in lieu of the train. Cais do Sodré is an easy metro ride from most places and pretty much any tram in town is a zoo these days!
And, when you walk from the train station along the streets, you pass by Pasteis de Belem on the way to Jerónimos!
And, when you walk from the train station along the streets, you pass by Pasteis de Belem on the way to Jerónimos!
Ah yes, Pasteis de Belem. When we were in Belem in April, we had (optimistically) thought we'd stop in for the delicious treat. The queue for this place was at least as long as the queue for the Mosterio dos Jeronimos (which was very, very long).
This trip I thought we might head to Belem later in the day, maybe arriving there around 16:00 hr. hoping the line to the Mosterio is shorter, and maybe, just maybe, get in the Pastels de Belem too. We'll see.
Love all the information as we are booked for Lisbon in February. Just going to watch Rick’s presentation now. Read one of his new shows this seaon is in Portugal. Already getting excited.
Re: Long line up at Pasteis de Belem, we've eaten their Natas twice because they were so good. The line up is for take out which many locals buy boxes of the tarts to take home. You can also walk inside into a very large café with multiple rooms to have coffee and the tarts or other meal items. One of the coffee rooms has a large window where you can see the ovens and multiple racks of tarts. Lots of traditional painted tiles on walls, good washrooms and a European atmosphere to the cafes. Highly recommend a visit.
Don't rule out a cab! They are cheap & only take 15 minutes or so from Rossio to Belem. In 2014, cost was €7.
Just returned from Portugal, we were in Belem Sunday Sept 9, there was a huge line for the Mosterio dos Jeroimos. We had not purchased tickets on line, wish we had, and standing in the sweltering sun was Not our idea of fun so unfortunately we missed it. If you have your online tickets walk right up and go in. No restricted hours on Sunday, that I could see. Going into the church, while no ticket is necessary, services restrict the number of people who can enter at any one time. They have an informal "greeter" who stands at the door and regulates the crowd. He will chat you up before you enter while watching over his shoulder to see how many people leave. There is a line, but it moves quickly. Lisbon was great and we really enjoyed Rick's audio walking tour! Highly recommend it!
I attempted to purchase admission to the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos online, but alas, couldn't. Received an email from them that the only way to purchase tickets at this time is "on site".
Jon
