Tram 28 Tips: When to Ride, What to Expect, and How to Avoid the Crowds
No trip to Lisbon is complete without a ride on the iconic Tram 28. This bright yellow vintage tram clatters through the city’s most historic neighbourhoods—from Mouraria to Graça to Alfama to Baixa-Chiado and Estrela—offering postcard-perfect views around every turn. But while it’s one of Lisbon’s top attractions, Tram 28 is no secret. Long lines, packed cars, and tourist overload can make the experience feel more like a box to check than a memory to savour.
Here’s how to ride smarter—with tips on when to go, what to expect, and how to avoid the crowds. And for those craving a more meaningful experience? We’ve got a one-of-a-kind audio tour that transforms your ride into a time-travelling adventure through Lisbon’s soul.
When Is the Best Time to Ride Tram 28?
Early morning or late evening is key if you want to avoid the crowds. Aim for:
Before 9:00 AM on weekdays
After 7:00 PM for a more relaxed evening ride
Weekends, especially midday, are the busiest. During peak hours, trams fill quickly and you may have to stand—sometimes packed shoulder to shoulder.
Insider tip: Catch the tram at the stop after Martim Moniz (that way you don’t have to line up!)
What to Expect on the Ride
Length: About 40–50 minutes end to end
Route highlights: Graça, Alfama, Sé Cathedral, Baixa, Chiado, and Estrela
Tram type: Historic Remodelado trams from the 1930s—small, charming, and occasionally bumpy
It’s not a luxury ride, but that’s part of the charm. Windows open to the breeze, wood-paneled interiors, and the occasional screech of the tracks—it’s all part of the Lisbon experience.
How to Avoid the Crowds
Ride in reverse: Start at Prazeres Cemetery in Campo de Ourique instead of Martim Moniz (but if you take our tour, note you will have to manually choose each story).
Hop on mid-route at less crowded stops like Estrela or Rua da Conceição
Skip the queue: Don’t wait in long lines—Tram 28 runs frequently, and a few stops down, it’s often easier to board
Use a Viva Viagem card: Avoid paying the onboard fare by loading up a transit card in advance
Want a Better Way to Experience Tram 28?
Let’s be real—just riding Tram 28 gives you sights, but very little context. Without a guide, you’re likely to miss:
Ancient Moorish ruins tucked into the hills of Alfama
The legends behind Lisbon’s earthquake-shattered churches
The stories of poets, queens, revolutionaries, and saints
That’s why we created the Tram 28 Time Traveller Tour—a self-guided audio experience you can download and take with you as you ride.
Bonus: It’s completely flexible—start and stop whenever you like, and take it at your own pace.
Ready to Ride Smarter?
Riding Tram 28 is one of the best things to do in Lisbon—but riding it with context is unforgettable. Avoid the crowds, skip the stress, and step into the story of the city.
