Lisbon Metropolitan Area: public transport fares rise by 2.28% in 2026 — what changes and how to plan
The Lisbon Metropolitan Area has approved a 2.28% fare update for 2026. The new fares will take effect on 1 January 2026 and apply to selected tickets within the metropolitan transport system.
What does the 2.28% fare update mean?
This is the annual fare adjustment applied to public transport, taking into account operating costs, inflation and national mobility policies. The approved update sets the maximum adjustment for eligible tickets.
- When: from 1 January 2026.
- How much: up to +2.28%.
- Where: selected tickets in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area.
What changes (and what stays the same) in Lisbon in 2026
Despite the approved fare update, not all tickets will increase in price. In Lisbon, the key decision was to keep Navegante monthly passes unchanged.
Quick summary for the Lisbon Metropolitan Area
- Navegante monthly pass: remains at €30 (municipal) and €40 (metropolitan), marking the 7th consecutive year without an increase.
- Single tickets (bus / metro): small increase to around €1.90.
- Zapping (pay-as-you-go credit): increases to approximately €1.72.
- Free travel: young people up to 23 years old (inclusive) continue to travel free with a Navegante pass, even if they are not students.
Why don’t monthly passes increase?
Keeping monthly passes at the same price is a deliberate policy choice aimed at strengthening public transport use in the Lisbon region.
- Sustainable mobility: encouraging a shift from private cars to public transport.
- Public investment: increased government and metropolitan funding for transport services.
- Fare differentiation: protecting frequent users while occasional tickets follow annual updates.
How much will tickets cost in 2026?
The approved percentage defines the maximum adjustment, but final prices per ticket are confirmed by operators and authorities before the new fares come into force.
ONDEBUS tip: if you travel frequently, the monthly pass remains the most cost-effective option. For occasional trips, compare Zapping with single tickets.
Good news: free passes remain available
Several free travel schemes remain in place, including:
- Youth pass: free for residents up to 23 years old.
- Senior pass (Lisbon): free Navegante Urban pass for eligible residents, valid on buses, metro and urban trains within the city.
How ONDEBUS helps you in 2026
- Route planner: find the best combination of bus, metro and train.
- Service alerts: check operational updates before you travel.
- Smart decisions: test alternative routes on busy days.
Try it now: plan your next trip with ONDEBUS and save the most reliable route.
Frequently asked questions
Does the increase apply to all operators?
The update is approved at metropolitan level, but its impact may vary depending on the ticket and operator. Always check the fare of your specific ticket.
When do the new fares start?
1 January 2026.
Could fares stay unchanged in the future?
Fare decisions depend on economic conditions and policy choices. In 2026, the focus was on protecting frequent users through stable pass prices.