Lisbon Funiculars

Tourist Guide

Lisbon's iconic funiculars (also referred to as elevators or lifts) originally ran on water but are now powered by electricity, making them still the most environmentally-friendly way to go up and down the city's many hills.
They also used to be brown, but have been painted yellow since the 1930s.
Listed as national monuments, they have survived over the decades because, in such a hilly city, they have remained an essential part of locals' lives and are a must for tourists. Together, the three old funiculars and the Santa Justa Elevator carry around 3.5 million passengers every year, and are free with the Lisboa Card.

Elevador do Lavra

Lavra Funicular, Lisbon

Inaugurated on April 19, 1884, Lavra was the first funicular in Lisbon, but it's the least popular today. It used a water counterweight to climb Calçada do Lavra, but was later operated by steam. It was electrified in 1915, and is now used by those on their way to the Torel lookout point. It takes 42 people at a time.

See the Lavra Funicular guide

Glória Funicular

Elevador da Glória, Lisbon

The Glória Funicular is in service since October 24, 1885, and connects Restauradores Square to Bairro Alto (at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara), through Calçada da Glória and passing by a street art gallery. It also once used a water counterweight, but has been powered by electricity since 1915. It offers a journey of just 275 meters (900 feet), but is very popular among locals and tourists. It has been painted yellow since the 1920s, but is usually covered in graffiti.

See the Glória Funicular guide

Bica Funicular

Bica Funicular, Lisbon

Inaugurated on June 28, 1892, the Bica funicular is the most photographed. It connects Rua de São Paulo in the Cais do Sodré district to Largo do Calhariz by Bairro Alto, through the picturesque Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo. It carries up to 23 passengers.

See the Bica Funicular guide

Santa Justa Elevator

Santa Justa Elevator, Lisbon

Designed by Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, the Santa Justa Elevator was inaugurated on July 10, 1902. It's 45 meters (148ft) high and connects downtown (Rua do Ouro) to Chiado (Carmo Convent). It's a Gothic Revival iron tower embellished with ornamented designs, and offers a beautiful 360-degree view over the city.

See the Santa Justa Elevator guide

Search Lisbon:



Complete Lisbon Guide

Insider's guide with the latest travel tips, information and advice from local experts: