Where to Stay in Lisbon for Trams, Trains and Ferries

Pick the right neighbourhood and Lisbon's trams, trains and ferries are on your doorstep — pick the wrong one and you'll spend your holiday in traffic.

Baixa and Chiado: the transport heart of Lisbon

If you want maximum connections with minimum fuss, base yourself in Baixa or Chiado. Baixa is flat and grid-like, running from Praça do Comércio to Rossio, and Chiado climbs just above it. From here you can walk to Rossio station for trains to Sintra, Cais do Sodré for trains to Cascais and the ferry to Cacilhas, and Baixa-Chiado metro for the blue and green lines. The 28 tram rattles through both districts, though it is often packed. Expect to pay more for hotels here than in most other central areas, but you save on taxis and time.

The trade-off is noise and crowds, especially on Rua Augusta and around Rossio. If you are a light sleeper, ask for a room at the back. I would book a hotel within five minutes of Rossio or Cais do Sodré if your priority is day trips. In July and August, temperatures push into the high 20s Celsius and the pavements are heaving; May, June and September are more comfortable. Avoid the week of the Santo António festivities in mid-June if you dislike loud street parties.

Alfama and Graça: tram bells and river views

Alfama is the postcard Lisbon: steep alleys, tiled façades and the constant clang of the 28 tram. It is also the most physically demanding neighbourhood for transport. The streets are too narrow for cars in places, so you will haul luggage uphill from the tram stop at Miradouro de Santa Luzia or from Santa Apolónia station. The reward is atmosphere and views over the Tejo. Graça, just above, is quieter and has its own tram stop (line 28) and a view from Senhora do Monte that beats most paid attractions.

For ferry access, Alfama is a 15-minute walk downhill to Terreiro do Paço, where the Cacilhas ferry departs every 10–15 minutes. The walk back up is steep; many visitors take a taxi for a few euros after dark. I would choose Alfama only if you are fit and travelling light. Otherwise, Graça offers better value and easier tram seats. Note that many Alfama hotels are in restored buildings without lifts — check before booking if stairs are an issue.

Belém and Alcântara: trains, trams and maritime history

Belém sits west of the centre and is served by the Cascais train line from Cais do Sodré (about 10 minutes) and by tram 15 from Praça da Figueira. It is home to the Jerónimos Monastery, the Tower of Belém and the MAAT museum. Hotels here are generally cheaper than in Baixa, and the area is calmer at night. The drawback is that you are not in the middle of restaurant and nightlife options; you will rely on the train or tram for evenings out. The last train back from Cais do Sodré runs after midnight, but check the exact time on the day.

Alcântara, just east of Belém, is a converted warehouse district withLX Factory and a growing number of hotels. It has its own train station on the Cascais line and tram 15 stops along the waterfront. This is a good base if you plan to visit Belém and the beaches towards Cascais, but it feels removed from the historic centre. I would book here only if you have a car or plan to use the train daily. Otherwise, the extra 15 minutes into town each way becomes tiresome.

Oriente and Parque das Nações: for trains and ferries to the east

If you are arriving or leaving by long-distance train, or flying into Humberto Delgado Airport, Oriente is unbeatable. The Gare do Oriente station connects the metro (red line), national trains and the airport bus. It is also a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal at Cais do Sodré? No — the ferry to Barreiro departs from Terreiro do Paço, which is a 20-minute metro ride away. Oriente itself has no ferry, but it is a 15-minute taxi to the Terreiro do Paço terminal. Hotels here are modern and often cheaper than central Lisbon, and the area is quiet at night.

The downside is that you are far from the traditional sights; the metro ride to Baixa takes about 20 minutes. Parque das Nações is pleasant for families, with the Oceanário and riverside gardens, but it lacks the character of Alfama or Chiado. I would book here for a single night before an early train or flight, not for a whole holiday. Also note that the airport is only three metro stops away, which makes it ideal for early departures.

Questions, answered

Which Lisbon neighbourhood is best for using the ferries?

Baixa, specifically near Terreiro do Paço, is best for ferries to Cacilhas and Barreiro. Cais do Sodré is ideal for the Cascais train line and the ferry to Cacilhas. Alfama is walkable to Terreiro do Paço but the return is uphill.

Where should I stay to catch the train to Sintra?

Stay near Rossio station in Baixa. Trains to Sintra depart from Rossio every 30 minutes and take about 40 minutes. Baixa also gives you easy access to metro lines and the 28 tram, though the tram is often crowded.

Is it worth staying in Oriente for the train station?

Yes, for a night before an early train or flight. Oriente has metro, national rail and airport access, but it is 20 minutes from the historic centre. For a longer stay, choose Baixa or Chiado for convenience.

← Lisbon's page