Lisbon: 72/96-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Tram & Boat Ticket

Lisbon’s hills make a sightseeing ticket that links buses, a tram and a river boat more than a novelty: it can save your legs while showing you how the city changes from Alfama’s steep lanes to Belém’s grand monuments and the modern east. I like the choice of two very different bus routes and the Hills Tramcar tour, which gives you a less crowded alternative to the famous public Tram 28.

The main trade-off is coverage. The buses connect key districts, but they do not reach every corner of central Lisbon, and the Hills Tramcar tour passes several sights without stopping. Plan to walk and use the included public trams too, and check the boat timetable before building a day around it.

• Belém route: Blue-line buses link central squares with Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries.
• Modern route: The pink-marked route heads east to the Oceanarium, Vasco da Gama shopping center and other newer districts.
• Hills Tramcar tour: A dedicated ride through historic neighborhoods, with a circular route but no hop-off stops along the way.
• Yellow Boat cruise: See Lisbon from the Tagus, with stops at Terreiro do Paço and Belém on selected days.
• Audio in 11 languages: Commentary is available in Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Swedish.
• Best for a multi-day stay: The 72 or 96-hour pass is most useful if you plan to ride several services and make stops rather than just circle the city once.

A city ticket built around Lisbon’s hills

Lisbon rewards unhurried wandering, but its slopes can turn a short map distance into a tiring climb. This ticket offers a practical way to cover ground between the city center, western Belém and the newer eastern waterfront, then step off when a place deserves more time.

The package includes two double-decker bus routes, a dedicated Hills Tramcar tour, the Yellow Boat cruise and access to Carris public trams during the ticket’s validity. Audio commentary plays on the buses and tram, while the boat uses a speaker guide. You can listen for context as you pass a landmark, then hop off to explore it on foot.

At $55 per person, the pass makes sense when you use several of those parts. It is less compelling if you only want one bus loop or a single tram ride. Museum and monument entry, food, drinks and hotel transfers are not included, so budget separately for the sights you plan to enter.

From Restauradores to the monuments of Belém

The Belém route starts at Restauradores Square, with stops at Rossio, Marquês de Pombal, Eduardo VII Park, Amoreiras and Estrela before heading west. That progression gives you a useful overview of central Lisbon, its broad avenues and greener residential areas before the route reaches the riverside sights.

Belém is the route’s main event. The stops cover the Coach Museum, Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries, all closely tied to Portugal’s seafaring past. The bus also calls at MAAT, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, and the Docas cruise terminal.

I would give Belém a proper block of time rather than treating it as a quick photo stop. The route puts the major sites within reach, but admission is separate, and walking between them takes time. The Manueline details at Jerónimos Monastery reward a closer look, while the tower and riverside monument make more sense when you have time to pause and take in their setting.

The route runs daily from Restauradores, with departures listed every 30 minutes between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. That regular service helps, but the last departure is not an evening sightseeing option. Check current schedules before you go, especially if road works are affecting service.

Modern Lisbon’s eastern waterfront

The Modern Lisbon route heads east from Restauradores through Rossio and Avenida da Liberdade, then toward Graça, the National Pantheon and the Tile Museum. It continues through Beato and Marvila to the Oceanarium, Vasco da Gama shopping center, FIL exhibition center and Vasco da Gama Tower.

This line is useful because the eastern district feels quite different from the older center. The waterfront here includes contemporary buildings and broad public spaces, and the Oceanarium gives you a clear reason to make the trip if it is on your list. The route also helps you see more than the classic postcard circuit.

Do not mistake this for a full tour of every historic quarter. One pass holder felt the bus coverage left much of the old city untouched, and that is a fair caution. Alfama’s lanes and many central sights are better explored on foot or by public tram. Think of the buses as connectors between major areas, not a substitute for wandering.

The route departs from Restauradores every 30 minutes, with service listed from 9:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. The line is marked pink on the map and windshield, although the buses themselves are yellow. That distinction matters: the company’s route colors and vehicle color are easy to mix up at a busy stop.

The Hills Tramcar through Alfama and Graça

For many people, the Hills Tramcar tour is the highlight. It departs from Praça do Comércio and follows a circular route through the old quarters, passing sights such as Portas do Sol, Lisbon Cathedral, Graça, the National Pantheon, São Vicente and Martim Moniz.

There are no stops on this tour, so treat it as a narrated ride rather than hop-on hop-off transport. You get the pleasure of winding through the hills and seeing the neighborhoods from a vintage-style tram, but you cannot get off at a viewpoint or monument midway. The route passes close to Castelo São Jorge, yet you will need another way to visit the castle itself.

This dedicated tram tour is also a useful alternative to joining the often crowded public Tram 28. The public tram and the Hills Tramcar are not the same service. A dedicated tour can be easier for sightseeing, while access to Carris public trams gives you another way to get around during the pass period.

Departures are listed about every 35 minutes, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:05 p.m. The tram can be delayed by street traffic or incidents, so leave room in your plans if you have a timed reservation elsewhere. Lisbon’s narrow, steep streets are part of the ride’s charm, but they can also slow it down.

A Tagus crossing with a different view

The Yellow Boat adds a welcome change of pace. From the water, you can look back toward Lisbon’s hills and waterfront, pass beneath the 25th of April Bridge and see the city’s towers and colorful facades from a fresh angle. It is sightseeing without another climb.

The boat stops at Terreiro do Paço and Belém, near Belém Tower. That makes it possible to pair a bus journey with a river trip, though the boat does not run every day. The listed operating days are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with departures from Terreiro do Paço and Belém at set times.

The schedule has changed at different times, so check the current departure information before setting out. The service information includes one-way departures from Belém, which means you should not assume the boat will return you to the same dock at the time you want. Build in flexibility, and confirm the route before boarding.

The boat is not just a way to get from one point to another. Use it when you want a quieter stretch between walks and visits, or when the river view is part of the reason you came to Lisbon. Refreshments are available on board according to one account, but food and drinks are not permitted on the buses or tram.

How to make 72 or 96 hours count

A 72-hour ticket is a good fit for a three-day stay if you use it actively. You might spend one day on the Belém route, another on the modern line and eastern waterfront, then use the tram and boat to fill in the central and riverside views. A 96-hour option gives you more breathing room, especially if you want to revisit a district or avoid packing every outing into back-to-back days.

Start with a full loop if you want to get your bearings, then use later rides to reach places you have chosen to explore. The audio guide helps make the ride more than transport: it adds context as the city changes around you. Earphones are provided for the buses and tram, and the boat uses an onboard speaker guide.

A map or app can help you follow the lines and estimate arrivals. Still, confirm your stop name and route color before boarding. All the buses are yellow, while the Belém line is marked blue and the Modern Lisbon line pink. The Yellow Boat is a separate service, not a yellow bus route.

The bus routes start and end at Restauradores, while the Hills Tramcar departs from Praça do Comércio. The meeting point can vary by option, so check the instructions for your chosen ticket. Some pass holders found it unclear where to exchange a voucher or collect a physical ticket. Ask staff at the stop or depot if you are unsure; staff are present at some meeting points to help.

Where the ticket earns its keep

The strongest value comes from using the mix of transport, not from counting the number of stops. Two bus routes cover districts that are several miles apart, the tram provides a guided ride through the hills, and the boat adds a river perspective. If you use all four services over several days, $55 is easier to justify than if you only take one loop.

The pass also helps on days when your feet need a break. Lisbon’s hills are lovely from a viewpoint, less lovely when you have been climbing them all afternoon. A ride back through the city can be a practical pause, especially if you are traveling with someone who prefers not to walk every stretch.

There are limits. The bus service is daytime-focused, the tram tour does not stop along its route, and the boat schedule is restricted to certain days. The package does not include admission to museums or monuments. Also, construction work can temporarily disrupt routes, so check for updates from Yellow Bus Tours before heading out.

Who should book this Lisbon pass?

I would choose this ticket if you have at least three days in Lisbon, want a broad introduction and expect to visit both Belém and the eastern waterfront. It is especially handy if you like to combine guided overview rides with time off the vehicle to explore.

If your priority is getting around the old center, do not expect the buses alone to do the job. Pair them with walking and the included Carris public tram access, and remember that the Hills Tramcar is a continuous tour rather than a hop-off line. If your stay is short or you plan to spend most of it inside museums, compare the cost with the rides you will realistically take.

The best approach is to treat the ticket as a flexible sightseeing toolkit, not an all-access pass to every Lisbon attraction. Check schedules, use the boat on an operating day and save time for the neighborhoods between the stops. Book it if you will make use of the variety; skip it if you only want one ride and prefer to explore entirely on foot.

FAQ

How long is the ticket valid?

You can choose a 72-hour or 96-hour ticket. Check availability for the start times offered with your selected option.

Which bus routes are included?

The ticket includes the Belém Lisbon Bus Tour, marked blue, and the Modern Lisbon Bus Tour, marked pink. Both routes use yellow buses.

Does the ticket include the Hills Tramcar tour?

Yes. The Hills Tramcar tour is included and departs from Praça do Comércio. It has no hop-off stops along its route.

Is the Yellow Boat cruise included?

Yes. The Yellow Boat cruise is included, with stops at Terreiro do Paço and Belém. It operates on selected days, so check the current timetable before planning around it.

Does the ticket include public transport?

It includes access to Carris public trams during the ticket’s validity. The supplied information does not say that local buses or the metro are included.

Are museum and monument admission fees included?

No. Entrance fees to museums and monuments are not included. The ticket does offer discounts on some monuments, museums and leisure activities; check the benefits information on your voucher.

What languages are available for the audio guide?

Audio is listed in Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Swedish.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking option also allows you to reserve now and pay later.