The Complete Lisbon Tram Route Guide (12, 28, 18, 15, 25 & 24)

If you want to explore Lisbon like a local while seeing the city’s most iconic landmarks, this self-guided tram loop connects the historic hills, royal palaces, Belém monuments, riverside views, and authentic neighborhoods. All using Lisbon’s classic tram network.

This route combines:

Tram 28 (iconic Alfama hills)

Tram 12 (short historic loop)

Tram 18 (Ajuda palace line)

Tram 15 (Belém & Algés riverside - sometimes a new tram)

Tram 25 (residential Campo de Ourique)

Tram 24 (Amoreiras & Campolide extension)

Step 1 – Historic Alfama Streets

📍 Praça Luís de Camões

Option A – Tram 28 (Recommended)

Camões → Martim Moniz

Highlights:

- Sé Cathedral

- Portas do Sol

- Graça

- São Vicente

This is Lisbon’s most photogenic tram ride: narrow streets, steep hills, balconies almost touching the tram.

Option B – Tram 12

Shorter route to Martim Moniz.

Important: Tram 12 does not pass through Graça, meaning it misses one of Lisbon’s most dramatic narrow hillside stretches. For the full experience, choose 28.

Step 2 – Walk to Praça da Figueira

7–10 minutes slightly downhill, mainly flat from Martim Moniz.

Step 3 – Ajuda First (Royal Lisbon)

📍 Praça da Figueira 
🚋 Tram 18

Praça da Figueira → Palácio Nacional da Ajuda

Key stops:

- Praca do Commercio
- Cais do Sodré

- Santos

- Alcântara

- Calvário

- Ajuda

Exit at: Palácio Nacional da Ajuda to see a magnificient palace and some crown jewels

Why Ajuda first? You experience a quieter, elevated Lisbon before heading to the busy Belém waterfront.

Step 4 – Transfer at Calvário https://maps.app.goo.gl/4xaiNREka95f6Zyu5

Stay on Tram 18 downhill to Calvário.

Switch to Tram 15.

This is the only direct interchange between 18 and 15.

Nearby:

Museu da Carris – Vintage tram museum (excellent for transport lovers)
LX Factory

Step 5 – Belém & Riverside Lisbon

📍 Calvário
🚋 Tram 15

Calvário → Belém → Algés

Stops include:

- Jerónimos Monastery

- Belém cultural district

- Algés

Family highlights:

- Pastéis de Belém

- Quake - Lisbon Earthquake Museum - use code "STAYINLISBON10" for a 10% discount online on us!

- Aquário Vasco da Gama: charming, local, perfect for toddlers

Ride all the way to Algés if you want a calmer local ending before returning, only the new tram goes all the way to Algés, the historic tram terminates in Belem a couple of stops before Algés.

Step 6 – Backtrack Toward Santos

Ride Tram 15 eastbound.

Exit at Santos.

Backtracking is intentional, the return gives new perspectives of the river and monuments.

Step 7 – Residential Lisbon

🚋 Tram 25

Santos → Campo de Ourique → Prazeres

Authentic neighborhood vibe.

Nearby:

- Jardim da Estrela – playground, pond, shaded park
- Basilica de Estrela

Step 8 – Scenic Return

🚋 Tram 28

Prazeres → Chiado → Alfama

You may:

Exit at Praça Luís de Camões

Or stay on for the full iconic hill ride again

Seeing Alfama twice helps visitors absorb details they missed earlier.

Step 9 – Optional Extension (our very secret must do!)

🚋 Tram 24

Praça Luís de Camões → Rato → Amoreiras → Campolide

Quieter line, great for architecture lovers and families.

Highlights:

- Mirradour de Alcantara
- Principe Real Gardens
- Botanical Garden Principe Real
- Amoreiras Gardens
- Aquaduct

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