Navigating Lisbon’s Hills: Funiculars and Elevators in Lisbon

Visiting Lisbon and wondering how to navigate the hills & steep streets of the Portuguese capital? This article will guide you to the funiculars and elevators in Lisbon.

Lisbon, often called the “City of Seven Hills,” is famous for its stunning viewpoints, picturesque streets, and historic neighborhoods. However, navigating these steep hills can be a challenge, especially for first-time visitors.

Fortunately, Lisbon has multiple funiculars and elevators, making moving around much easier. This is why we have prepared a detailed guide to elevators in Lisbon with essential tips, routes, and recommendations for a smooth ride.

Beyond its practical use, some of these elevators are top Lisbon attractions. So even if you don’t mind walking the steep streets of Lisbon, I am sure you will want to snap an iconic photo with at least one of Lisbon’s elevators.

Let’s dive in and unlock funiculars in Lisbon together!

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5 elevators in Lisbon

Ascensor da Bica
Elevador da Gloria
Elevador do Lavra
Elevador de Santa Justa
And the latest addition – Elevador da Graça

The first of Lisbon’s funiculars, the Ascensor do Lavra, began operation in 1884. It was followed closely by the Ascensor da Glória in 1885 and the Ascensor da Bica in 1892. The Elevador de Santa Justa opened in 1902, however, it looks different than the rest of the elevators.

Elevador da Graça is the latest addition to Lisbon’s elevators and it offers modern and innovative design. While it may not be the most beautiful elevator in Lisbon, it offers one of the most efficient and scenic routes.

Useful tips for taking one of the elevators in Lisbon

🎫 If you don’t have a daily ticket or Lisbon Card, make sure you buy a Viva Viagem card (0.50 euros) and top it up. This way, a one-way ride will cost you 1.61 euros instead of 4.10 euros.

💶 In case you end up without a daily ticket, Lisbon Card, or Viva Viagem, you will need cash to buy the ticket from the driver. Better if you have the exact amount.

❗️Don’t plan to use the elevators during peak times, because waiting in the line will take away a lot of your time. If you don’t want to climb, use other means of transport or Uber/Bolt.

⏰ All the rides on the elevator are short and it takes less than 5 minutes. Yes, you read that right.

📸 You can’t leave Lisbon without an iconic photo with one of the elevators or yellow trams. Make sure you stop by and get your postcard (Bica is my first choice!).

1. Ascensor da Bica

If there is one funicular in Lisbon that photographers love, it’s the Ascensor da Bica. Running through the narrow, steep Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo, this funicular offers one of the most picturesque settings in the city.

The colorful buildings, traditional tiles, and the occasional glimpse of the Tagus River make this a must-ride in Lisbon. But we recommend you avoid it during the peak hours and visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

The Ascensor da Bica connects the riverside neighborhood of Cais do Sodré with the upper part of Bairro Alto. The entire ride lasts approximately 5 minutes, which means that sometimes it is easier to walk instead of waiting in line.

Route: Rua de São Paulo (Cais do Sodré) to Largo do Calhariz (Bairro Alto)
Departs: every 15 minutes
Ticket: regular public transport ticket, daily ticket, or Lisbon Card. If you buy from the driver, it will cost you 4.10 euros for a return ride.

Extra tip! If you want to see Ascensor da Bica without graffiti, come around 7.10 am. One elevator is parked on the street in Bairro Alto, while the other is locked in the garage in Cais do Sodré. This means that the locked one is almost always clean and you need to wait for its first trip up.

2. Elevador da Gloria

The Ascensor da Glória is undoubtedly the most famous of Lisbon’s funiculars. It connects the downtown area of Restauradores with the bohemian neighborhood of Bairro Alto. The route is relatively short (3 minutes), but it is steep.

The elevator itself and the walls along the route are painted with graffiti, which makes it a popular spot among street art lovers. Both of the elevators are parked on the street at night, which makes it an easy target for graffiti artists.

At the top, you will find the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, a beautiful terrace garden offering one of the best panoramic views of Lisbon. Here, you can see the Castelo de São Jorge, the Tagus River, and the sprawling cityscape below.

Considering the short distance, I personally wouldn’t wait in the long line to jump on Elevador da Gloria. I also think that this path doesn’t offer scenic views, so I recommend snapping a photo of Elevador da Gloria but leaving the ride for another elevator.

Route: Restauradores (Baixa) to Bairro Alto
Departs: every 12 minutes
Ticket: regular public transport ticket, daily ticket, or Lisbon Card. If you buy from the driver, it will cost you 4.10 euros for a return ride.

3. Elevador do Lavra

The Ascensor do Lavra is the oldest of Lisbon’s funiculars and offers a quieter, more tranquil ride compared to its counterparts. The funicular runs along the steep Calçada do Lavra, a street lined with traditional Lisbon houses.

Most tourists focus on Bica, Glória, or Santa Justa and completely miss out on Elevador do Lavra. If a ride on the elevator is on your Lisbon bucket list, but you don’t want to deal with the crowds, you will love Elevador do Lavra.

And do you know what is the best part? It brings you to the Pena area of Lisbon which holds many more hidden gems of Lisbon like Jardim do Torel and Calcada de Sant’Ana.

Route: Largo da Anunciada to Rua Câmara Pestana (Torel)
Departs: every 20 minutes (more frequent during peak hours)
Ticket: regular public transport ticket, daily ticket, or Lisbon Card. If you buy from the driver, it will cost you 4.10 euros for a return ride.

4. Elevador de Santa Justa

The Elevador de Santa Justa is arguably the most iconic of all Lisbon’s elevators. This neo-gothic iron structure is a masterpiece of engineering and design, but it has nothing in common with the rest of the elevators in Lisbon.

Standing 45 meters tall, Elevador de Santa Justa was designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, who was influenced by the works of Gustave Eiffel and I am sure you can see a resemblance with the Iron Lady in Paris.

The elevator connects the lower streets of Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo, offering a convenient shortcut to the historic Chiado district.

I have to say that waiting in line for Santa Justa Elevador during peak season is the most common mistake that tourists make in Lisbon. Not only does it steal away valuable time in Lisbon, but the viewpoint on the top can be easily reached on foot.

Just use Topo Chiado on your Google Maps and follow the route. If you are coming from Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara head to Largo da Trindade and follow Rua Trindade, so you won’t even need to climb. Don’t forget to visit Carmo Convent nearby.

Location: Rua do Ouro to Largo do Carmo (Baixa to Chiado)
Departs: check the schedule here.
Ticket: regular public transport ticket, daily ticket, or Lisbon Card. If you buy from the driver, it will cost you 6 euros for a return ride.

5. Elevador da Graça

After 120 years, Graça once again has a fully operational lift. The original elevator in Graça was replaced by the iconic trams 28 and 12, however, with the growing popularity of these routes, the city decided to reintroduce an elevator to the neighborhood.

Unlike the other yellow Carris funiculars, the new lift features a completely modern design, with only the traditional yellow color retained. I personally prefer old elevators and don’t consider Elevador da Graça picturesque from the outside.

The funicular connects Rua dos Lagares with Largo da Graça, taking passengers on a steep five-minute ride that offers breathtaking views of Lisbon. It has a standing room only, with a capacity for up to 14 people.

Route: Rua dos Lagares to Largo da Graça
Departs: every 15 minutes
Ticket: regular public transport ticket, daily ticket, or Lisbon Card. If you buy from the driver, it will cost you 4.10 euros for a return ride.

Final thoughts…

Navigating Lisbon’s Hills: Funiculars and Elevators in Lisbon — *Inside the Ascensor da Bica*

This is the end of Lisbon’s elevator guide and I am sure you know everything about 5 elevators in Lisbon, including its latest addition.

I would love to hear your feedback, so feel free to leave a comment below. If you need further help with planning, check out these Lisbon travel tips, hotel recommendations, or food guides.