Viva Viagem Card — how it works, where to load it and how to use Zapping (2025/2026)
Use ONDEBUS with your Viva Viagem
With ONDEBUS you can plan trips combining Metro, Carris, Carris Metropolitana and CP trains, using your Viva Viagem loaded with Zapping or single tickets.
Tap “Find location” to set your starting point automatically.
The Viva Viagem card is the rechargeable contactless card used across the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML)tourists, occasional travellers and anyone who does not use public transport every day.
This guide explains how the card works: where to buy it, how to load it, how to use Zapping and what changes in 2026 with Tap&Ride. If you need a comparison with the Navegante monthly pass, check the main article: Viva Viagem or Navegante (2026): differences, prices and which one to choose.
1. What is the Viva Viagem card?
The Viva Viagem card can carry several types of tickets:
- Single tickets (Metro, Carris, CP urban, ferries)
- 24-hour tickets
- Zapping (prepaid balance)
As of 2026, it is possible to have more than one profile loaded simultaneously on the same card (for example, Zapping + single operator tickets).
2. Where to buy the Viva Viagem card
- Metro Lisboa ticket machines
- CP Urban stations (ticket offices)
- Carris / Carris Metropolitana customer points
- Viva-authorised kiosks
There is usually a small one-time fee for issuing the card.
3. How to load the Viva Viagem card
You can load several types of tickets:
- Single tickets
- 24h tickets
- Zapping (prepaid balance)
4. Zapping — pay-as-you-go credit
Zapping is the most flexible way to use Lisbon public transport: the value for each trip is automatically deducted on validation.
Benefits
- Valid on Metro, Carris, CP Urban trains and Carris Metropolitana
- Cheaper than buying tickets onboard
- No need to choose a specific operator
5. Tap&Ride — pay directly with a bank card
The Tap&Ride system allows you to pay with a contactless bank card directly at the validator.
- No need to load the Viva Viagem card
- Fare usually equals the onboard price
- Useful if Zapping runs out or time is short
6. Viva Viagem vs Navegante — which should you choose?
- Viva Viagem — tourists and occasional travel
- Navegante — daily or frequent commuting
Full comparison: Viva Viagem or Navegante (2026).
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