Navigating Lisbon Transit: Viva Viagem vs Navegante Zapping System

The Green Card Trick

When using public transit in Lisbon (metro, Carris buses, historic trams, Santa Justa lift, and Tagus river ferries), buying single paper tickets from drivers is a major waste of money. Boarding Tram 28 and paying cash to the driver costs €3.10.

The Navegante Card

Purchase a reusable green paper card known as Navegante Ocasional (formerly Viva Viagem) at any metro ticket machine for €0.50.

Why You Must Choose 'Zapping'

The ticket machine presents multiple options for loading the card: single tickets, 24-hour passes, or 'Zapping'.

• Always select Zapping and load €5, €10, or €15 in stored cash credit.
• With Zapping, every metro ride costs €1.61 instead of the standard €1.80.
• Historic yellow trams (including Tram 28) cost €1.61 instead of €3.10.
• The Santa Justa Lift costs €1.61 instead of €5.30.
• The CP suburban trains to Sintra and Cascais cost €2.00 instead of €2.40.