Lisbon Card: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Pass

Lisbon Card: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Pass – An Honest Look at Its Value

Traveling to Lisbon? You might consider the Lisbon Card, a popular sightseeing pass that promises free entry to 52 museums and attractions, unlimited public transport, and discounts across the city. With options for 24, 48, or 72 hours, this pass is designed for those who want to maximize their time and money while exploring Portugal’s vibrant capital.

What we love about this card is how seamlessly it combines transportation and attraction access—saving you from juggling multiple tickets. Plus, the convenience of having a guide and vouchers in your pocket makes day planning a breeze. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that some museums are closed on certain days, and the chaotic nature of Lisbon’s public transit can occasionally frustrate visitors.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy structured sightseeing, want to skip long lines, and prefer the flexibility of touring at their own pace. Whether your trip is a weekend escape or a longer stay, the Lisbon Card can add a lot of value—and a lot less hassle—to your adventure.

Key Points

• Unlimited Transport: The card covers the Carris metro, buses, trams, and cable railways, plus trains between key Lisbon stations and Sintra.
• Free Attractions: Entry to over 50 sites like Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the National Tile Museum is included.
• Time Flexibility: Choose a 24, 48, or 72-hour option to match your itinerary.
• Additional Savings: Discounts are available at numerous shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it easier to experience more without overspending.
• Convenience: Pickup is straightforward—often at the airport—and guides and vouchers add clarity.
• Limitations: Museums and national monuments close on Mondays and certain holidays, so plan your visits accordingly.

Why the Lisbon Card Might Be a Great Choice

If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys ticking off as many sights as possible in limited time, this card offers a real boost. It’s perfect for those who appreciate having a clear plan and want to avoid the hassle of buying tickets at each location. Several reviews highlight how easy it is to use, with many mentioning how the card simplifies transportation and access—sometimes saving hours in queues.

For example, one reviewer noted how they picked up the card in just minutes at the airport and immediately began using it for transportation and attractions, including the National Pantheon and Jerónimos Monastery. They appreciated the ease of tapping the card to enter and how it cut down waiting times.

Another review praised the “sheer convenience” of the card, especially the ability to hop on and off trams and buses without fuss. However, some noted that the chaotic nature of Lisbon’s public transport system means you might encounter delays or missed buses, so patience is key.

What’s Included and How It Works

Once you exchange your GetYourGuide voucher for the magnetic Lisbon Card, you’re good to go. Your ticket is valid for the time period you select—whether 24, 48, or 72 hours—and it activates immediately upon first use. This means you can start your exploration just when you’re ready, with the clock ticking from that moment.

The card covers all major modes of transit—Carris metro, buses, trams, and funiculars—making it easy to navigate uphill neighborhoods or get to the city’s most iconic sights like the Belém Tower or the Santa Justa Lift. Plus, trains between Cais do Sodré and Cascais, as well as those connecting Oriente, Rossio, and Sintra, are included. This opens up options for day trips outside the city, which many travelers find adds great value.

The list of free attractions is impressive. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, Belem Tower (subject to refurbishment starting in April), National Coach Museum, and National Tile Museum—all without any additional fee. That’s a significant saving, considering entrance fees can add up quickly.

Plus, there are discounts and vouchers for shops, restaurants, and tours. Several reviews mention how helpful the guidebook and vouchers are in planning the day, especially for a first-time visitor unfamiliar with Lisbon’s layout.

Navigating the Attractions with Your Card

A common highlight from reviews is the ease of getting into major sights. For most, using the card is as simple as tapping it on sensors, avoiding queues at ticket booths. One reviewer appreciated the “great value for money” and described it as “a huge convenience” for family travelers, as it allowed them to access multiple attractions, including Lisbon’s castle and the Santa Justa lift, without fuss.

However, some attractions are not always open—Jerónimos Monastery and other museums are closed on Mondays, and certain holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Day. It’s worth checking ahead to avoid disappointment, especially if visiting during peak holiday periods.

The Belem Tower was under refurbishment during one reviewer’s visit, which illustrates the importance of checking current statuses. Still, many attractions like the Mafra National Palace and the Ajuda Palace are accessible, and the card makes planning visits straightforward.

Transportation: Covering the City and Beyond

The inclusion of unlimited transport is, perhaps, the most appreciated aspect of this pass. Travelers have the freedom to hop on and off buses, trams, and metro lines, saving the hassle of buying multiple tickets or worrying about costs. This is especially useful when exploring Lisbon’s hilly neighborhoods like Alfama, where walking can be tiring.

One reviewer shared how they used the card to ride the famous Santa Justa Lift, which offers stunning views of the city skyline. Others enjoyed the train trips from Cais do Sodré to Belém and Cascais, turning what might have been a paid excursion into a cost-free journey.

It’s important to note that buses within Sintra are not included—they are operated by different companies—so if you plan to explore Sintra, you’ll need to budget for separate tickets for those local buses.

Real Experiences from Travelers

Reviews provide valuable insights into how the pass performs in practice. Many mention how the convenience and value for money outweigh minor inconveniences. For instance, one family noted that the 48-hour pass let them see multiple sights, visit a few museums, and enjoy train rides without stressing about individual ticket purchases. They recommended starting the card in the middle of the day to maximize its use.

Others highlighted the knowledgeable staff when picking up the card, often at the airport, and the straightforward activation process. A few reviews pointed out that public transport can be chaotic and sometimes delayed, but overall, most agreed that the card makes navigating Lisbon much easier.

Several travelers also appreciated the discounts at shops and restaurants, allowing them to enjoy local cuisine and souvenirs at a better price. The added bonus of vouchers for tours, boat rides, and activities gives an opportunity to go beyond the basics and explore Lisbon more intimately.

Practical Tips and Considerations

If you’re planning to use the Lisbon Card, consider the following:

• Plan your days: Take note of attraction closing days and opening hours, especially on Mondays and holidays.
• Pick up early: Collect your card at the airport or designated locations as soon as you arrive to maximize the 24, 48, or 72 hours.
• Start mid-day: Especially for the 48 or 72-hour options, beginning in the afternoon gives you more days of use.
• Check current attractions status: For example, Belem Tower was temporarily closed for refurbishment, so double-check before your trip.
• Prepare for occasional delays: Lisbon’s public transport can be unpredictable, so factor in some extra time for getting between sights.
• Download the guide: The mobile Lisboa Card Guide offers all necessary instructions and tips, making your experience smoother.

Who Will Benefit Most?

This card is particularly suited for first-time visitors wanting to see many of Lisbon’s highlights in a short time. It’s also ideal for families and groups that value ease and convenience. If you’re planning to visit key attractions like Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, or Mafra Palace, the card will save you a considerable amount of money.

However, it might be less beneficial if you prefer a laid-back trip with lots of spontaneous stops or if your itinerary involves non-included attractions like buses within Sintra. Also, travelers who plan to stay longer than 72 hours might find the benefits diminish unless they plan to visit many sights within that window.

Final Thoughts

The Lisbon Card offers a compelling combination of cost savings, convenience, and flexibility. It simplifies exploring a city known for its hills and historic sites, making it easier to focus on enjoying the views, the food, and the culture. The included transport coverage is a real boon, especially when navigating Lisbon’s sometimes chaotic transit system.

For those who love to pack their days with sightseeing, this pass provides a practical way to do so without the constant hassle of individual tickets. With discounts, free entries, and easy access to transport, it’s a smart choice for maximizing your Lisbon experience—particularly if your goal is to cover a lot of ground in a limited time.

Overall, if you’re a traveler who appreciates organized, budget-friendly solutions that enhance your city trip, the Lisbon Card is worth serious consideration.

FAQ

Can I use the Lisbon Card for transportation outside Lisbon?
Yes, the card covers trains between Cais do Sodré and Cascais, as well as trains between Oriente, Rossio, and Sintra, making day trips outside the city manageable without extra costs.

How long is the card valid for once activated?
Your card starts counting from the first use and remains valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, depending on your selection.

Are there any days when attractions are closed?
Most museums and national monuments close on Mondays, and some are closed on specific holidays such as January 1st, May 1st, December 24-25, and Easter Sunday.

Is the card easy to pick up?
Yes, you can collect your card conveniently at the airport or designated locations. Many reviewers mention how quick and straightforward the pickup process is.

Does the card cover all attractions listed?
Most major attractions like Jerónimos Monastery, Belem Tower (subject to refurbishment), and the National Tile Museum are included, but some sites may be closed or not included at certain times.

Can I use the card for multiple attractions in a day?
Absolutely. Many travelers use the card to visit several sights in a single day, thanks to the unlimited transport and free entry.

Is there any additional cost for local buses in Sintra?
Yes, buses within Sintra are operated by different companies and are not included in the Lisbon Card, so budget for those separately.

Is it suitable for families?
Yes. Families find the card very convenient for managing multiple tickets and avoiding long lines, plus it offers good value for money.

What should I consider before buying?
Check the opening days of your planned attractions, plan to pick up your card early, and be prepared for occasional transport delays. Planning your day can really maximize the benefits of the pass.

In all, the Lisbon Card is a robust, cost-effective way to get more out of your Lisbon visit. Its ease of use and inclusive nature make it a smart choice for travelers eager to explore the city’s best sights without breaking the bank.