How to Get to São Jorge Castle in Lisbon (2025)
São Jorge Castle is one of Lisbon’s top attractions, offering panoramic views over the Baixa, the Tagus River, and the city’s famous hills. Because it sits at the top of a steep hill, the best way to reach it is by combining Metro, buses, and a short walk.
This guide explains the best public transport routes to the Castle in 2025 and how to use the ONDEBUS trip planner to find the fastest and easiest way.
Use ONDEBUS to Plan Your Route
On ONDEBUS, simply type “São Jorge Castle”, “Castelo de São Jorge” or “Castelo (stop)” as your destination to find the best Metro, bus and train combinations.
Tap “Find my location” to automatically set your starting point.
1. First, Get to the Lisbon City Centre
Almost every route to the Castle starts in the Baixa/Rossio or Martim Moniz area — the closest central zones with public transport access.
Metro de Lisboa
- Baixa-Chiado — Blue & Green Lines.
- Rossio — Green Line (exit to the main square).
- Martim Moniz — Green Line (closest walking access to the Castle).
Train Connections (CP Urbanos)
- Sintra Line → Rossio — Ideal for visitors from Sintra, Amadora, Queluz, Benfica.
- Cascais Line → Cais do Sodré — Then Metro Green Line to Baixa-Chiado or Rossio.
- Azambuja/North Lines → Santa Apolónia — Then Metro Blue Line to Baixa-Chiado.
2. Then, Climb to the Castle
You have three main options to reach the hilltop:
Option 1 — Walking
- From Martim Moniz: 15–20 minutes through Mouraria.
- From Rossio/Baixa-Chiado: 20–25 minutes uphill.
- Recommended if you want to explore Alfama and Mouraria streets.
Option 2 — Tram or Bus
- Tram 12E or 28E — Scenic but often crowded.
- Local buses may stop near the Castle walls (check up-to-date times at carris.pt).
- Expect delays during peak tourist hours.
Option 3 — Public Elevators & Escalators
- Lisbon has several public elevators that reduce the climb.
- Follow signs for “Castelo” or “Elevador do Castelo”.
ONDEBUS Tips
- Compare routes with fewer transfers — often more comfortable.
- If travelling with reduced mobility, consider a taxi/TVDE for the final climb.
3. Tickets & Passes
For a day exploring Lisbon, the Navegante passes or Zapping balance may be cheaper than buying single tickets.
- Navegante Municipal Lisboa — Ideal for multi-day stays.
- Navegante Metropolitano — Valid across the entire Lisbon metropolitan area.
- Zapping — Prepaid balance usable on Metro, buses and CP Urban trains.
See the full guide: Navegante Pass Guide 2025.
4. Practical Tips
- Arrive early — fewer queues and better photo light.
- Wear comfortable shoes — steep cobblestone streets.
- Official info: castelodesaojorge.pt.
- Combine your visit with Alfama and Lisbon Cathedral.
Plan Your Visit with ONDEBUS
The ONDEBUS Planner helps you reach São Jorge Castle quickly and easily.