REVIEW · LISBON
Lisbon: 72/96-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Tram & Boat Ticket
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Yellow Bus Tours - Lisbon · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Three days of Lisbon, all in motion.
This combo pass strings together double-decker hop-on buses, the Hills tramcar tour, and a Yellow Boat cruise on the Tagus, with audio narration on board. The big win is that you can pace your day: ride to orient yourself, then hop off for landmarks like Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, or the viewpoints around Alfama. One thing to watch: the Yellow Boat runs only on select days and it is one-way, so you’ll want to line it up with your plans.
I love how the audio guide keeps you oriented without turning your vacation into a quiz. I also like that the two bus lines split Lisbon into clear “west” and “east” choices, so you’re not zig-zagging across hills all day. The possible drawback is that the schedules run only until the late afternoon, so you may still need a little local transit help for nighttime wandering.
In This Review
- Key things you’ll notice fast
- How the 3–4 Day Combo Pass Really Works
- Belém on the Blue Line: From Manueline Details to Discovery-Era Giants
- Where it starts and how it flows
- The Belém payoff: Monastery, tower, and the big river monuments
- Ajuda and nearby walking
- Modern Lisbon on the Purple Line: Oriente, Museums, and River-Air Scenery
- Timing and frequency
- The stops worth treating like targets
- When the Purple line is your best friend
- The Hills Tramcar Tour: Scenic Tram Views Toward Castelo São Jorge
- What you’ll see from the tram
- Why this tram matters
- Yellow Boat on the Tagus: A Slow View Under the 25th of April Bridge
- Where the boat goes
- Days and times (important)
- Why the audio style works
- Using the Included Carris Public Trams Without Overthinking It
- Stop-by-Stop Strategy for a 3–4 Day Plan
- Day 1: Get your bearings in the center, then choose west or east
- Day 2: Belém day when you want monuments and river photos
- Day 3: Modern Lisbon plus a tram + boat combo
- A quick reality check on timing
- Price and Value: Does $55 per Person Make Sense?
- Small Gotchas: Road Works, Name Confusion, and Onboard Rules
- Road works can pause the service
- Finding the right stop can be confusing at first
- Onboard rules are strict
- The boat is not daily and not round-trip
- Who This Pass Suits Best
- Should you book this Lisbon hop-on bus, tram, and boat ticket?
- FAQ
- How long is the ticket valid?
- What’s included in the pass?
- Is the Yellow Boat cruise round-trip?
- Which days does the Yellow Boat operate?
- What are the main bus departure times from Restauradores Square?
- Are food and drinks allowed onboard?
Key things you’ll notice fast

- Two bus lines for different Lisbon moods: Belém (Blue line) and modern/oriente Lisbon (Purple line)
- Tram time without the stress: the Hills tramcar tour is built for scenic views up toward Castelo São Jorge
- Tagus from the water: cruise stops include Terreiro do Paço and Belém near Belém Tower
- Audio where it matters: earphones on buses and tram, plus an onboard audio speaker on the boat
- Carris public tram access: your ticket includes access to special Carris Public Trams during validity
How the 3–4 Day Combo Pass Really Works

Think of this ticket as your “Lisbon backbone.” You ride the bus to cover distance, hop off when something grabs you, and then use the tram and boat for the parts that feel uniquely Portuguese.
You get two double-decker hop-on hop-off bus tours plus two “signature” rides:
- Belém Lisbon Bus Tour (Blue line)
- Modern Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (Purple line)
- Hills Tramcar Tour (the scenic tram ride)
- Yellow Boat hop-on hop-off style cruise (with audio on board)
You don’t have to plan every minute. You can ride straight through for views, or use the stops as checkpoints for meals, photos, and museum time. The audio guide helps you connect what you see to what matters—architecture, neighborhoods, and the history behind the riverfront.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Lisbon
Belém on the Blue Line: From Manueline Details to Discovery-Era Giants

The Belém bus line focuses on the western side of Lisbon—classic monuments, riverfront landmarks, and some of the “Age of Discoveries” energy.
Where it starts and how it flows
Buses depart from Restauradores Square daily from 9:00am to 5:30pm, about every 30 minutes. The line is designed so you can get off gradually as you head toward Belém.
You’ll pass major central neighborhoods along the way, including:
- Rossio Square (a handy landmark stop when you’re based downtown)
- Marquês de Pombal (a broad viewpoint/artery area for photos and quick orientation)
- Parque Eduardo VII and Amoreiras (great if you want parks or modern shopping-adjacent walking)
- Basílica da Estrela and Pilar 7 (useful jump-off points if you’re aiming for hillside viewpoints and traditional streets)
The Belém payoff: Monastery, tower, and the big river monuments
As you move toward Belém, the stop list is basically your greatest hits. Key stops include:
- Belém / Museu dos Coches (Coach Museum)
- Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery)
- Torre de Belém (Belém Tower)
- Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)
- MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology)
- Docas Cruise Terminal
Here’s how I’d use these stops in real life. Jerónimos and Belém Tower are your “don’t-miss” anchors. If you want a photo that feels like Lisbon from a postcard, hop off near Torre de Belém and wander the riverfront. The Monument to the Discoveries works well if you want a slightly more interpretive stop—less about one building, more about the whole era.
Ajuda and nearby walking
The Belém line also positions you for easy exploring around the Belém area and toward Ajuda, where the architecture and river views feel calmer than the center. If you only have one west-day, this is the line that makes it realistic.
A practical note: entrance fees to monuments and museums are not included, so plan on a couple paid stops if you want to go beyond just photos and exterior views.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Lisbon
Modern Lisbon on the Purple Line: Oriente, Museums, and River-Air Scenery

If Belém is Lisbon’s classic chapter, the Purple line is Lisbon looking forward. It reaches toward Oriente and the newer river areas.
Timing and frequency
Modern Lisbon bus tours depart from Restauradores Square daily from 9:15am to 5:15pm, about every 30 minutes. That’s a solid cadence for a hop-on hop-off loop, especially if you’re using it as your “east coverage” day.
The stops worth treating like targets
This line covers a wide spread, including:
- Avenida da Liberdade (the grand boulevard feel)
- Graça (a hill area with classic views nearby)
- Panteão Nacional / Feira da Ladra (handy for either museum vibes or market days, depending on when you’re there)
- Lisbon Cruise Terminal and Museu do Azulejo
- Beato and 8 Marvila
- Oceanário (one of the biggest “sure thing” attractions if you like aquariums)
- Vasco da Gama shopping, FIL, and Torre Vasco da Gama
- Hotel Myriad (listed as a stop point)
If you’re thinking in “neighborhood blocks,” this route helps you avoid the frustrating part of Lisbon travel: the hills and distance. It’s a good choice if you want to visit the modern attractions like Oceanário and still keep your legs ready for tram or walking later.
When the Purple line is your best friend
I’d use the Purple line when:
- you want a lighter walking day with big sightseeing stops
- you’re staying closer to downtown and don’t want to commit to long uphill climbs
- you’re chasing museums, waterfront scenes, and the future-facing side of Lisbon
The Hills Tramcar Tour: Scenic Tram Views Toward Castelo São Jorge

This part is one of the signature “Lisbon feeling” rides on the pass.
The Hills tramcar tour departs from Praça do Comércio and runs daily. Departures fall between 9:30am and 5:05pm, about every 35 minutes. The route passes key sights but the listing notes no stops on the route, so treat it as a scenic ride first.
What you’ll see from the tram
Even without stopovers, you get a view-heavy route through central historic terrain. The tram passes by:
- Portas do Sol
- Sé/Lisbon Cathedral
- Rua da Conceição
- Graça
- Panteão
- São Vicente
- Martim Moniz
…and it heads toward the hill viewpoints, with panoramic views near Castelo São Jorge being the main idea.
Why this tram matters
This is the ride that helps you understand why Lisbon is famous for hills and angles. From a tram seat, you see neighborhoods the way you can’t from a bus window. And compared with the most famous public tram runs, this tour format can feel easier to manage because you’re not dealing with the same kind of crowd crush.
Yellow Boat on the Tagus: A Slow View Under the 25th of April Bridge

The Yellow Boat is the part you remember when the walking fatigue hits. It’s also the part that makes the combo feel worth buying instead of just doing buses.
Where the boat goes
The cruise uses stops at:
- Terreiro do Paço Estação Sul e Sueste (Terreiro do Paço Boat Station)
- Belém near Belém Tower
The tour is listed with a one-way without returning format, so you’re essentially using it as a transfer + sightseeing moment. That matters for planning.
Days and times (important)
The boat runs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Two schedule sets are shown, so check what’s active:
- From Terreiro do Paço: 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00
- From Belém: 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00 (one-way)
- From February 20th, departures shift to:
- Terreiro do Paço: 11:30am | 2:30pm | 4:30pm
- Belém ferry stop: 12:30pm | 3:30pm | 5:30pm
On top of that, the cruise passes under the 25th April Bridge and gives you skyline views from the water—one of the best ways to appreciate Lisbon’s seven-hill layout.
Why the audio style works
On the boat, you don’t use earphones. Instead you get an onboard audio speaker guide. That’s actually a nice change of pace when you’re sitting still and taking in the water traffic and bridge lines.
Using the Included Carris Public Trams Without Overthinking It

Your pass includes access to special offer inclusion: Carris Public Trams during the ticket validity. That’s a big deal because Lisbon’s tram system is part of the street-level experience.
Here’s how to use this smartly:
- Use the Hills tramcar tour for the scenic “trams are my viewfinder” moment.
- Use the included Carris tram access when you want to hop into specific historic streets or make a short connection—especially if you’re already near a stop.
If you’re trying to save time and avoid hill fatigue, trams plus bus coverage can be a workable combo.
Stop-by-Stop Strategy for a 3–4 Day Plan

You’ll get the most value if you treat the passes like a flexible map rather than a checklist. Here’s a practical approach you can copy.
Day 1: Get your bearings in the center, then choose west or east
Start with buses from Restauradores Square (both lines). Use Rossio Square as a mental anchor for downtown navigation. Ride a loop to understand where the city “bends” around the river.
If you’re jet-lagged or short on time, keep it simple: bus first, tram/boat later.
Day 2: Belém day when you want monuments and river photos
Take the Blue line to hit:
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Belém Tower
- Monument to the Discoveries
Use Docas Cruise Terminal and the surrounding riverwalk vibe to connect your sightseeing with a calmer pace.
Day 3: Modern Lisbon plus a tram + boat combo
Use the Purple line to reach Oceanário or the Vasco da Gama zone if you want a modern reset after historic monuments. Then add the Hills tramcar tour for that “Lisbon from above and angled” feeling.
Finally, if you can match your schedule with the boat’s Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat departures, use the Yellow Boat as your slow finish—or as your one-way move between areas.
A quick reality check on timing
The bus lines run until roughly mid-to-late afternoon. So if you love evening views, plan your biggest hops earlier and save short walks after. Lisbon nights are great, but your pass is structured more for daytime movement.
Price and Value: Does $55 per Person Make Sense?

At about $55 per person for a 3–4 day window, this ticket competes on one thing: packing multiple modes into one payment.
You’re not just buying a bus ticket. You’re bundling:
- two bus loops that cover separate sides of the city
- a tramcar tour (scenic hill views)
- a Yellow Boat cruise (a different perspective on Lisbon)
Value gets even better if you’re not sure how to stitch Lisbon together day-by-day. The pass gives you a structure: ride, hop off, photo, reset, repeat.
One important fairness note: entrance fees to monuments and museums are not included, and food/drink isn’t included either. So budget for a few paid stops once you’re there.
Small Gotchas: Road Works, Name Confusion, and Onboard Rules

Lisbon runs on public transit, but it doesn’t run on your schedule. A couple practical things can shape your day.
Road works can pause the service
The operator warns that road works may temporarily suspend service. If you’re on a tight plan, keep an eye out for updates with the Yellow team.
Finding the right stop can be confusing at first
One thing I’d prepare for: Lisbon has multiple bus companies around the same central areas. The bus lines are distinguished by signs, while the vehicles are all yellow.
- Belém line shows a Blue sign
- Modern line shows a Pink sign
If you’re confused at the depot, ask a staff member. One helpful person named Raquel was mentioned as being quick to guide people to what to do next.
Onboard rules are strict
Don’t plan to snack while riding. It’s listed as not allowed to bring food or drinks into the vehicle, and alcoholic drinks are also not allowed.
The boat is not daily and not round-trip
This is the big planning item: it runs on select days and is listed as one-way without returning. If you miss it, you’ll need another plan to get back across the river.
Who This Pass Suits Best
This combo works especially well if:
- you’re in Lisbon for a short stay and want fast orientation
- you prefer structured sightseeing but still want freedom to hop off
- you like the idea of using public transit vibes without memorizing routes
It’s also a strong option for first-timers, because the buses help you understand where key sights sit relative to each other, and the tram/boat add those “this is Lisbon” moments that buses alone can’t deliver.
If you’re the type who wants to spend most of the day deep in one neighborhood and do everything on foot, you might find you don’t use the full pass as much. In that case, you’d compare against a simpler single-mode plan.
Should you book this Lisbon hop-on bus, tram, and boat ticket?
Book it if you want a smart, time-efficient way to cover both sides of Lisbon—west toward Belém, and east toward the modern river zone—then add the tram and the boat for the most scenic moments. The audio guides and earphones help you make sense of what you’re seeing without stopping every five minutes.
Skip or modify your plan if you’re traveling on a day the Yellow Boat doesn’t run, or if you need an easy round-trip river cruise. In that case, you’d either adjust your dates or pair the bus/tram parts with a different boat option that fits your schedule.
FAQ
How long is the ticket valid?
The ticket is valid for 3 to 4 days. You’ll want to check availability for your start time.
What’s included in the pass?
It includes access to the Belém double-decker bus tour (Blue line), the Modern Lisbon double-decker bus tour (Purple line), the Yellow Boat tour, and the Hills tramcar tour, plus onboard audio guides (earphones on buses and tram, audio speaker on the boat) and access to special Carris Public Trams during validity.
Is the Yellow Boat cruise round-trip?
No. The boat schedule listed includes a one-way (without returning) option from Belém.
Which days does the Yellow Boat operate?
The boat operates on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
What are the main bus departure times from Restauradores Square?
For the Belém (Blue line) buses: 9:00am to 5:30pm, every 30 minutes.
For the Modern (Purple line) buses: 9:15am to 5:15pm, every 30 minutes.
Are food and drinks allowed onboard?
No. It’s not allowed to bring drinks or food into the vehicle, and alcoholic drinks are also not allowed.































