General
Overview
Sete Rios is Lisbon’s main long-distance bus terminal (Rede Expressos) and a major stop for suburban and regional trains.
Use the CP - Comboios de Portugal app for train travel beyond the metro (e.g., to Sintra or Porto). It allows you to buy digital tickets that do not need physical validation; just show the QR code to the inspector.
Transfer Options
Lisbon’s Metro and Carris bus network have a history of periodic strikes, including multiple disruptions in 2025. Before travel, check Metro line status and Carris service changes. If services are disrupted, Uber and Bolt remain available citywide.
Luggage Storage
Lockers are available in the Sete Rios Train Station (not the bus terminal).
Visitor Cards and Passes
Lisboa Card
The Lisboa Card is the most efficient choice for visitors arriving via air or rail. It provides unlimited travel on the Metro, Carris buses, the historic yellow trams, and CP commuter trains to Sintra and Cascais. It also includes free entry to 52 museums and monuments.
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 24h | €31.00 |
| 48h | €51.00 |
| 72h | €62.00 |
Where to Get It
Available at kiosks in the city center; no dedicated office inside the bus terminal.
Navegante Card
The Navegante is the standard rechargeable card used for all public transport in Lisbon. It costs €0.50 to purchase the physical card.
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 24h (Carris/Metro) | €7.25 |
| 24h (+ Ferry) | €10.35 |
| 24h (+ CP Train) | €11.40 |
Instead of buying single tickets, load your Navegante card with €5 or €10 using the “Zapping” option. This reduces the single metro/bus fare to €1.72 and allows you to use the same balance across the Metro, Carris buses, yellow trams, and suburban trains.
Children’s Fares
- Under 4: Free on all Metro, Carris buses, and CP commuter trains. No card needed.
- Ages 4-12: Free on all public transport in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, but only with a personalized Navegante card (Child profile). This card requires advance online registration and is not issued over the counter. For short visits, standard adult fares apply unless the card was arranged before arrival.
Use Citymapper for the best multi-modal route planning across the Metro, buses, and ferries.
Use the Carris app for the most accurate “Live Arrival” times at specific bus and tram stops.
Note: You must validate your card/phone at the yellow readers upon entry.
Public Transit
Metro & Train
Connected to the Blue Line (Jardim Zoológico station). It is about 15 minutes from the center.
Tickets and Payment
- Contactless: You can tap any contactless Visa, Mastercard, or mobile wallet (Apple/Google Pay) directly at the yellow gate readers. The fare is €1.90.
- Navegante Card: Purchase a reusable card for €0.50 at a machine and load it with credit.
- Validation: You must tap your card/phone at the gates both when entering and exiting the station.
Bus (Carris)
Local Carris buses serve Sete Rios station.
Official Carris PricingA single ticket purchased onboard is €2.30, while using a pre-loaded Navegante card is €1.90 (or €1.72 with Zapping).
Public Carris buses have a strict luggage size limit of 50x40x20cm. If you are traveling with standard checked suitcases, the driver may legally refuse entry. For those with larger bags, the Metro or a taxi is mandatory.
Accessibility & Safety
Sete Rios is split across two separate buildings: the train station (CP commuter lines) and the long-distance bus terminal (Rede Expressos) are adjacent but not directly connected. Moving between them requires walking outside along a pavement. The Metro (Blue Line, Jardim Zoológico stop) involves a walk of roughly 5 minutes from the bus terminal entrance. The route is flat but the distances are among the longest of any Lisbon hub.
Portuguese trains (CP) provide the Integrated Mobility Service (SIM). Call (+351) 808 100 746 or visit the station’s customer assistance office.
CP AccessibilityImmediately upon exiting any transport hub, you will encounter Calçada Portuguesa (traditional white and black cobblestones). These can be incredibly slippery when wet and are difficult for strollers, walkers, or canes.
Safety
Lisbon is generally safe, but pickpockets are active in crowded transport hubs, near ticket machines, and on the popular Tram 28 and Tram 15 routes.
Beware of individuals wearing high-visibility vests or unofficial badges offering help at ticket machines. They may try to keep your change or charge a fee. Only accept help from uniformed staff behind official glass counters.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
For items lost on trains, visit the Customer Assistance Office at the station or use the online form on the CP website. Items found on the Lisbon Metro are usually sent to the Campo Grande station lost and found hub.
First Aid
There are no dedicated first aid clinics inside the train or bus stations. In case of a medical emergency, contact station staff or security immediately.
Pharmacy
While there are no pharmacies directly inside the platforms, several pharmacies are located in the immediate vicinity of all major Lisbon stations.
Arrival
Rideshare
Bolt often has better availability and slightly lower prices during peak hours.
Rideshares pick up at the main entrance of the bus terminal or at the adjacent train station entrance.
Official Taxi
Price and Time
Lisbon taxis are traditionally cream-colored or black with green roofs. A metered trip to the center costs roughly €10–€18 (higher at night/weekends).
Locations
Sete Rios: Outside the main bus terminal exit or the train station entrance.
Official Taxi Info & TariffsAlways ensure the meter is started (Tarifa 1 for day, Tarifa 2 for night). Note that drivers legally charge a supplement of approximately €1.60 for luggage larger than 55x35x25cm. This is a flat fee for the trip, not per bag.
ATMs and Currency
Portugal uses the Euro (€). Cash is still widely used in traditional cafés and shops.
Look for “Multibanco” machines (silver/red MB logo) throughout the terminals and stations. These are the official Portuguese banking network ATMs and are safer and cheaper than the standalone “Euronet” kiosks. You can find your nearest machine using the SIBS Multibanco website or the MB WAY app.
When an ATM asks if you want to be “charged in your home currency” (USD/CAD/SGD), always select “No” or “Decline Conversion.” Letting your home bank handle the exchange rate will save you 5–10% in hidden fees.
Departure
Arrival & Check-In
For Alfa Pendular (high-speed) and Intercidades (Intercity) trains, arrive 20-30 minutes before departure. These trains have reserved seating. For regional or suburban trains (e.g., to Sintra or Cascais), 10-15 minutes is sufficient.
For long-distance buses at Sete Rios, arrive 20-30 minutes early to locate your gate.
Security Controls
Security & Screening
Portugal does not currently require luggage X-ray or security screening for domestic train or bus travel. Proceed directly to the platform (Linha or Cais) shown on digital boards.
VAT Refunds
VAT refund services are not available at train or bus stations as these facilities primarily handle domestic and intra-EU travel where such refunds are not applicable.