Alfama Guide — Trams, Access and Public Transport (2025/2026)

Alfama Lisbon Trams Public Transport

View of the Alfama district in Lisbon overlooking the Tagus river — Alfama — Lisbon’s oldest and most traditional neighbourhood.

Use ONDEBUS to get to Alfama

On ONDEBUS you can type “Sé de Lisboa”, “Portas do Sol”, or “Castelo de S. Jorge” and instantly get the best combinations of trams, Carris buses, Metro and CP trains.

Open ONDEBUS Planner

This button opens the planner with Alfama’s main entrance (Sé Cathedral) already set as the destination.

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood — a maze of medieval streets, fado houses, viewpoints and traditional architecture. Because of its narrow layout, large buses do not enter the area. Trams, small buses and walking are the best ways to explore it.

1. Trams that serve Alfama

The trams are the most iconic and practical way to reach Alfama.

✔ Tram 28E — Lisbon’s famous historic tram

Martim Moniz ⇄ Campo de Ourique
Stops at Sé Cathedral, Portas do Sol, Graça
The most popular tram for visiting Alfama

✔ Tram 12E — Short circular route in the historic area

Martim Moniz ⇄ Mouraria/Graça
Ideal if 28E is full

ONDEBUS tip: Board the tram at Graça or Martim Moniz to avoid crowds.

2. Buses (Carris) — Stops near Alfama

Large buses do not enter Alfama, but stop right next to it:

✔ 737 — The only bus that goes up to the Castle

Praça da Figueira ⇄ Castelo (Castle Gate)
Perfect for avoiding steep climbs

✔ Carris buses that stop at Sé / Campo das Cebolas

728 — Restelo ⇄ Portela (stops in Campo das Cebolas)
735 — Cais do Sodré ⇄ Hospital Santa Maria (stops at Sé)
759 — Restauradores ⇄ Oriente (stops in Campo das Cebolas)

✔ Night service

206 — Cais do Sodré ⇄ Senhor Roubado (passes at Sé)

Recommended stops: Sé de Lisboa, Campo das Cebolas, Portas do Sol.

3. Metro connections (no Metro in Alfama)

There is no Metro inside Alfama. Closest stations:

Terreiro do Paço (Blue Line) — 6–10 min walk to the Sé
Santa Apolónia (Blue Line + CP) — 8 min walk
Martim Moniz (Green Line) — connection to trams 28E / 12E

4. CP train connections

Santa Apolónia — closest station (North Line, Intercity, Urban trains)
Cais do Sodré — Cascais Line → connections to 728/735
Rossio — Sintra Line → connection to 28E in the Baixa area

Recommended: From Santa Apolónia walk along the river to Alfama (easy and flat).

5. Walking in Alfama

Alfama is the best explored on foot. Useful distances:

Sé → Portas do Sol: 4 minutes
Sé → Castle: 12–15 minutes uphill
Santa Apolónia → Sé: 8 minutes
Castle → Santa Luzia viewpoint: 5 minutes

6. Best options for tourists

28E — classic Lisbon experience
12E — shorter and less crowded
728 / 735 — comfortable arrival near the Sé
Cascais Line → Cais do Sodré → 728/735

7. Recommended tickets

Zapping — most practical for visitors
Navegante pass — ideal for residents
Single Carris/Metro ticket — for occasional use
Urban CP tickets — if arriving from Cascais/Sintra

Ready to explore Alfama?

On ONDEBUS, just type “Sé de Lisboa”, “Portas do Sol” or “Castelo de S. Jorge”. You can also use the button below with the destination already set.