Getting Around Lisbon with Kids – A Family-Friendly Guide to Metro and Bus Travel in the City Center

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Getting Around Lisbon with Kids – A Family-Friendly Guide to Metro and Bus Travel in the City Center

Exploring Lisbon with kids is a delight, especially when you know how to navigate the city’s reliable public transport system. Whether you're staying near the historic Baixa district or close to the modern parks of Parque das Nações, Lisbon’s buses and metro lines make it easy to reach the best family attractions. Here’s everything you need to know about getting around the city center using buses and the metro – with kids in tow.

Lisbon’s metro is fast, clean, and connects most of the central and tourist areas. The four main lines are color-coded (Blue, Yellow, Green, and Red) and run frequently from around 6:30 AM until 1 AM. For example, if you're visiting the Lisbon Oceanarium – one of the city’s top spots for families – the Red Line takes you straight to Oriente Station. From there, it’s just a short walk to the Oceanarium, the Science Museum (Pavilhão do Conhecimento), and the riverside cable cars that are a huge hit with children.

If you’re heading to the zoo (Jardim Zoológico), which is another must-visit for kids, the Blue Line drops you off right at the Jardim Zoológico metro station. It couldn’t be more convenient. For those planning a funicular ride or visit to the Lisbon Story Centre, the Baixa-Chiado station on both the Blue and Green Lines places you right in the heart of the action.

Now, when it comes to buses, Carris operates most of Lisbon’s routes. Buses are especially handy for places the metro doesn’t reach directly, such as the famous tram route 28 that winds through Alfama and up to the castle. While the tram is a tourist favorite, families might prefer a less crowded bus option, like route 714 or 727, which pass through scenic parts of the city and can be easier with strollers.

Tickets are affordable and offer great value. A single trip on the metro or bus costs €1.80 with a Viva Viagem card – a reusable, rechargeable ticket that you can top up at any metro station. Daily passes, which cost €6.80, allow unlimited travel on both buses and the metro for 24 hours. These are perfect for families wanting to see multiple attractions in a day.

Children under 4 years of age travel for free on all public transport in Lisbon. Kids between 4 and 12 years old are eligible for discounted child fares, but you’ll need to apply for a personalized Navegante card in advance to access the reduced rates, which might not be ideal for short-term visitors. Most families opt to pay regular fares for older children if visiting for just a few days.

From Eduardo VII Park and the puppet museum in Estrela, to the MAAT museum along the river, Lisbon’s transport system puts everything within easy reach. And when little legs get tired, hopping on a metro or bus keeps the adventure going without the stress.

Traveling around Lisbon with kids doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of planning, the city’s transport network becomes a seamless and even fun part of the experience. So grab your Viva Viagem card, pick your favorite spots, and enjoy everything Lisbon has to offer – one metro ride at a time.