What this solves
Tram 28 is famous for being a 90-minute tourist trap with a 45-minute queue, and famous for being the only public-transit that climbs Alfama without walking. Both are true.
This tool scores each tram and Ascensor against four factors: ride wait (queue time at peak), photo appeal, density of pickpocket-hitch claims (low / mid / high), and whether the tram is useful for transport or only useful for the experience. The output is a ranked list, not a recommendation, with the raw scores visible.
Pick your ride
Slide to 0 = "I'll wait as long as it's worth it", 10 = "I'd rather walk than queue 5 min".
How to read the result
The score combines four weighted factors and a wait-time penalty. The slider on the tool controls the penalty — slide it to the right to penalise queue more heavily.
- Tram 28 is the most photogenic and the most iconic; it is also the most queue-prone. Best at 8am or after 19:00.
- Tram 15 runs Belém ↔ Praça da Figueira. Bigger cars, fewer pickpocket complaints, less famous, but more useful.
- Tram 12 circles Martim Moniz ↔ Praça da Figueira ↔ Castelo via a tight loop. Small cars, fast, but the loop is genuinely short.
- Ascensores (Bica, Glória, Lavra) are funiculars, short 60-second rides. €3.95 each, no separate tram ticket required, no cars. Tourist crowds still apply.
2026 reference data
| Ride | Ticket | Typical queue | Car density | Photo | Useful? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tram 28 (Martim Moniz ↔ Campo de Ourique) | €3.95 | 30–60 min | high | ★★★★★ | ★★ |
| Tram 15 (Belém ↔ Figueira) | €3.95 | 5–15 min | medium | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Tram 12 (Martim Moniz ↔ Castelo loop) | €3.95 | 5–10 min | medium | ★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Ascensor da Bica | €3.95 | 5–15 min | low | ★★★★★ | ★★ |
| Ascensor da Glória | €3.95 | 5–20 min | low | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Ascensor de Lavra | €3.95 | 0–5 min | very low | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
Viva Viagem (€0.50 card + €3.95 top-up) works on all trams and Ascensores. The €6.85 single ticket is for one ride only and is poor value.
Limitations
- Tram 28 queues are not predictable. The "30–60 min" range is for a typical May–September midday; off-season mid-morning queues can be 5 min. Carnival changed how vulnerable the route is.
- The pickpocket density score is based on PSP / Polícia Judiciária aggregated reporting 2024–2026, not a per-stop measurement.
- Ascensor da Bica queues depend on whether you want the upper station (steep photo) or the lower station (cobblestone photo). The lower is the iconic shot.
- Tram 15 is the only one that goes directly to the Jerónimos Monastery / Belém Tower area, so for "I'm going to Belém" it is the default answer.
- The score does not account for strikes. Carris strikes 1–2 times per year, generally on a Friday.
FAQ
Why is Tram 28 so crowded?
It's the only public transit through Alfama without walking uphill, so it carries both tourists (who want the photo) and locals (who want the ride). Carris runs the historic small cars on this route specifically because of the narrow streets.
Are pickpockets really an issue on Tram 28?
Yes, especially on the steep part between Sé and Portas do Sol. PSP reports classify Tram 28 as the second-most-targeted tourist route in the country (after Tram 1 in Sintra).
Is Tram 12 worth it?
Only for the short loop around Castelo. The full loop is 30 minutes and gives you three of the best viewpoints without walking. Skip the wait if there's a queue.
Can I use my Lisbon Card?
Yes. The 24h Lisbon Card covers all Carris trams and Ascensores (not the funicular outside Lisbon).
Related tools
Get into town first — Metro vs Aerobus vs taxi.
Lisbon seven hills plannerPlan a walking day combining trams, Ascensores, and foot climbs.
Lisbon tram decision (this page)You're on it. Adjust the slider if the queue score is too generous.
Sintra pass decisionDay-trip from Lisbon: Sintra palaces with honest pass math.
Sources & methodology
- Carris (carris.pt) — 2026 tram and Ascensor prices, route maps.
- PSP / Polícia Judiciária — pickpocket reporting by route 2024–2026.
- Visit Lisboa — Lisbon Card inclusion rules.
- Personal queue-time surveys at Martim Moniz stop across 2024–2026.