I Love the Lisbon Metro
Despite the strikes...
Growing up in and around Philadelphia, I was somewhat familiar with public transportation. I still carry a SEPTA token in my golf bag which I use as a ball mark. Now to be clear, I haven’t utilized the Philadelphia metro system (which includes elevated and subway trains) for many years. I think the last time was after a Philadelphia Eagles game…back then we actually won more than we lost. But I do use the Lisbon metro regularly and will share my observations today.
A City without a Car
As I have written before, if you are visiting Lisbon think hard before you rent a car. There are areas (such as Alfama) in which the streets are too narrow to allow a car to pass. The parking is limited and expensive. And even if you find a spot, you better have practiced your parking in tight spaces before you come. Lisbon is a city best experienced by foot and public transportation. And while I enjoy the ferries and have taken Lisbon buses on many occasions…my personal favorite is the metro (subway).
Here’s Why
First, as city subways go this one is pretty clean. I recall a trip Denise and I took to a Broadway play about 10 years ago. Not only was the smell somewhat off-putting but I nearly mistook a 15-pound rat for a dog. Who knew rats could get that big? Now I suspect there are rats in all subway systems…cool, dark, damp, food droppings. But I must admit I have not seen one in the Lisbon metro yet.
Secondly, the system is big enough to cover most of the city yet small enough to not be intimidating. It goes where you need it to go: the airport or Chiado, and is just steps away from the train, ferry or bus depots that take you to other major cities: Cascais, Faro, Sintra, Óbidos, etc.
Thirdly, it is well marked. The city was smart to put the directional signs high enough so vandals couldn’t deface them. Even if you are not used to navigating a subway system, you will have no difficulty getting to the correct line, moving in the correct direction, and getting off at the correct stop. All are very well marked.
No Offence Bus Drivers
Perhaps the biggest reason I prefer the metro to the bus is lack of stress. Lisbon bus drivers are given tight routes with impossible timetables. I recall a trip to Setúbal when Google maps instructed us to take the 758 bus from Cais Sodré to Estação Sete Rios to catch the train. Google suggested that our 17 stop journey would take 19 minutes. I am not sure how that is possible in a major city at the peak of rush hour. This may account for the fact that bus drivers will not stop, not even slow down, at a bus stop unless they spot someone franticly waving them down. Please take note: if you are at a bus stop and casually walk toward the curb, the bus will not stop. Place your ticket or card in your hand, raise your arm and wave wildly as the driver approaches. Otherwise, his impossibly tight schedule will force him to whiz by.
Compare this to the subway, which stops at every station and opens the doors to welcome new passengers. This also gives you time to confirm the station name, and disembark without falling onto the lap of another passenger.
Get Information
There is great, detailed, information on the web about the metro system…so I will not repeat it here. You can find information on single fares here. If you want to learn about the daily fares, or rechargeable metro cards go here. You can easily plan your route and see operating hours and frequency of routes too. All of these sites are even in English!
A final bit of information. Last Wednesday when we were in Lisbon, we noticed that there were automated signs announcing a strike the next day. The union had decided not to work from opening till 10:00 on Thursday. I learned that by law when workers decide to strike they must inform their employer, and provide detailed information regarding timeframes and routes affected. So while there may be occasional work stoppages…you will be informed in advance. So civilized.
And if you are a visual learner, here is a YouTube video on using the Lisbon metro system.
Last Chance to provide your reader feedback to our 200th post here. Obrigada!
Great information, thank you. I am also a big fan of the subway, as opposed to the bus, and for the same reasons you shared. I grew up in New York City and I understand subways. Buses kind of freak me out because I have a poor sense of direction and even when you ask them to, bus drivers often forget to tell you once they've arrived at your stop. I am not planning to live in Lisbon but I believe Braga also has a subway and I know that Porto does.
I love your posts Nancy and look forward to reading them every day!