While in Lisbon, any suggestions about getting and loading a card? We'll be in Lisbon 10 days.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1826 posts
You can purchase the Via Viagem at any metro or train station. However, the machines at the airport seem to always have big lines. And, depending on what time of the year, you may run into lines most places. There are machines that you can choose English as your language and just follow the directions. I did it the first time I visited with no problems.. Or the bigger stations will have staff from which you can purchase it.
The actual card costs .50 cents. You then add whatever amount in addition to the .50 cents. Each metro ride is 1.31 and the commuter trains around 2.00 - I think. Each time you use your card, the amount of the ride is deducted from your card. I usually tell visitors to start with 10.00€. You can easily check the amount left on your card at any machine in any metro or train station. Then add more money when it gets low.
The Via Viagem is also good for trams, ferries and trains to Sintra or Cascais.