Funiculars and lifts in Lisbon

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is known for its hills and narrow streets. In order to facilitate travel and improve the quality of life of its inhabitants, the city has developed a network of funiculars, lifts and other means of vertical urban transport. Since many people seem to be interested in these typical means of transport in Lisbon, in this article I will give you an overview of the history, operation and prices of the funiculars in Lisbon, as well as the best views and 5-star guided tours you can book to discover them during your visit to Lisbon, the city of 7 hills.

Transport in Lisbon ? Don’t forget the Lisboa Card

If you are coming to visit the city of Lisbon and you plan to travel by yourself by public transport, then don’t forget the Lisboa Card. I think it’s a must-have for those who come to visit the city as it offers many advantages and can be chosen to be valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours to suit the time you want to spend in the capital.For a detailed description of the advantages, I invite you to consult my guide to the Lisboa Card or to click below to order it online.

• Free public transport: The Lisboa Card gives you unlimited access to public transport in Lisbon, such as the metro, buses, trams, funiculars and trains to Sintra and Cascais.
• Free admission to museums and monuments: The card gives you free entry to more than 30 museums, monuments and cultural sites in Lisbon, such as the Belem Tower, the Hieronymites Monastery and the National Museum of Azulejos.
• Discounts on attractions and activities: The Lisboa Card also offers discounts on many tourist attractions and activities, such as multi-stop bus tours, Tagus river cruises and Fado shows.
• Free guided tours: Some free guided tours are included with the Lisboa Card, allowing you to discover the history and culture of Lisbon with a local guide.
• Queue Cutters: The card gives you access to priority queues at certain tourist sites, allowing you to save time and avoid long queues.
• Discounts in shops and restaurants: The Lisboa Card also offers you discounts and special offers in selected shops, restaurants and bars in the city.
• Flexible validity: The card is available in different validity periods, ranging from 24 hours to 72 hours, allowing you to choose the option that best suits the length of your stay in Lisbon.
• Savings: By taking advantage of all the offers included in the Lisboa Card, you can make significant savings on the costs of transport, entry to tourist sites and activities during your stay in Lisbon.
• Convenience: The Lisboa Card is easy to use and allows you to enjoy your stay without worrying about transport tickets or entrance fees.
• Included Tour Guide: A free tour guide is included with the Lisboa Card, providing you with information on included attractions, opening times, maps and other useful information to help you plan your stay in Lisbon.

Best Lisbon Tours

The best way for those who want to discover the heart of the capital with English-speaking guides, to find out more about Lisbon’s funiculars, is through guided or private tours.I’ve selected some of them for you below, they are the best you can find, just look at the reviews of those who went before you! These are just a few examples but you can click on the button below the tours to choose exactly what you are looking for.

Elevador da Glória, Bica Funicular and Elevador da Lavra

These three funiculars are the oldest and most emblematic in the city.TheElevador da Glória connects the Praça dos Restauradores to the Bairro Alto, one of the liveliest areas of Lisbon. Inaugurated in 1885, it is 265 metres long and has a maximum gradient of 18%.TheAscensor da Bica, also known as the Funicular da Bica, is another emblematic funicular of the city. It was inaugurated in 1892 and connects the São Paulo district to Rua de São Domingos. The line is 245 metres long and has a maximum gradient of 12%.The third funicular is theElevador da Lavra, also called Ascensor do Lavra. Inaugurated in 1884, it is the oldest funicular in Lisbon and connects Largo da Anunciada to Rua Câmara Pestana. The line is 188 metres long and has a maximum gradient of 23%.

Santa Justa Lift, Funicular dos Guindais and other lifts

The Santa Justa Lift, also known asElevador de Santa Justa or Elevador do Carmo, is a neo-Gothic lift built in 1902. It connects the Baixa Pombalina to the Largo do Carmo and offers a panoramic view of the city.The Funicular dos Guindais, located in Porto, is another example of a funicular in Portugal. It connects the Ribeira to the Sé hill and also offers magnificent views of the Douro and the city.Other notable lifts include theAscensor da Estrela,Ascensor do Elevador Panorâmico, Funicular de São João,Ascensor da Nazaré,Elevador da Liberdade,Ascensor do Monte,funicular da Ribeira,Ascensor da Vila, Funicular da Batalha,Ascensor da Glória,Elevador do Castelo,Ascensor de Santa Luzia,Ascensor do Bom Jesus,Ascensor da Penha andAscensor da Sé.

Operation and fares of funiculars in Lisbon

Lisbon’s funiculars are run by the public transport company Carris and generally operate from 7am to 10pm. The timetable may vary depending on the day of the week and the time of year.Tickets for the funiculars can be purchased on board or at the metro stations. The standard fare for a single ticket is €3.80, but there are cheaper options such as the Viva Viagem card, which costs €0.50 and can be topped up with different types of tickets, including daily, weekly or monthly passes.The funiculars are also included in the Lisbon Card package, which allows unlimited access to public transport and various tourist attractions in the city.The most expensive ticket will be for Lisbon’s Santa Justa lift, which is also a major tourist attraction. It will cost around €5, except for Lisboa Card holders.

The best views from Lisbon’s funiculars

Not only do funiculars offer a convenient way to get around the city, but they also offer great views of Lisbon and its surroundings. Here are some of the best views you can enjoy from these unique transports:

• From the Elevador da Glória, you’ll have a great view of the Praça dos Restauradores and the Bairro Alto district.
• The Ascensor da Bica offers a picturesque view of the narrow, steep streets of the São Paulo district and the Rua de São Domingos.
• Take the Elevador da Lavra and you will discover the charming Largo da Anunciada and the winding streets of Rua Câmara Pestana.
• The Santa Justa Lift offers panoramic views of the Baixa Pombalina, São Jorge Castle and the Tagus River.

Staying in Lisbon: tips and tricks for enjoying the funiculars

If you are planning to visit Lisbon and use the funiculars to explore the city, here are some tips and tricks to make the most of your stay:

• Buy a Lisbon Card or Viva Viagem card to save on public transport, including the funiculars.
• Plan to visit the funiculars early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
• Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the spectacular views offered by these unique modes of transport.
• If you find it difficult to climb the hills of Lisbon, don’t hesitate to use the funiculars and lifts to make it easier for yourself and save your energy for other activities.
• If you are planning to spend several days in Lisbon, consider dedicating a day to exploring the funiculars and the panoramic views they offer, for an unforgettable experience.
• Combine your funicular tour with a visit to Lisbon’s historic districts, such as Bairro Alto, Alfama or Mouraria, for a rich and immersive cultural experience.