How to Get to São Jorge Castle: Trams, Buses & Lifts
São Jorge Castle sits at the top of Lisbon’s highest old-town hill, so every route ends with a climb. Bus 737 from Praça da Figueira runs right to the castle gate, Tram 28 passes below in Alfama, and a chain of public lifts and escalators shortcuts the steepest cobbles. There is no metro at the castle — the nearest stations are Rossio, Martim Moniz and Baixa-Chiado, each followed by an uphill walk.
Getting to São Jorge Castle is really a question of how you tackle the hill. The castle crowns the highest point of Lisbon’s historic centre, above the tangle of Alfama, and the last stretch is steep and cobbled whichever way you approach. The good news is that you have plenty of choices, from a bus that stops at the gate to a set of public lifts that do the hard climbing for you.
This guide runs through every practical route up — bus 737, Tram 28, walking, the public lifts, tuk-tuks and taxis, and the nearest metro stations — so you can pick the one that suits your legs and where you’re starting from.
Ways to Get to São Jorge Castle at a Glance
| Route | Starts from | Ends at | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 737 | Praça da Figueira | Castle gate | The easiest door-to-door option |
| Tram 28 | Across the centre | Alfama, below the castle | The scenic ride (then a walk up) |
| Public lifts | Rua dos Fanqueiros (Baixa) | Partway up the hill | Skipping the steepest cobbles |
| Walking | Baixa, Rossio or Alfama | The gate | Anyone happy with a steep climb |
| Tuk-tuk or taxi | Central Lisbon | Castle gate | Door-to-door with no effort |
Bus 737 — Straight to the Castle Gate
Bus 737 is the only public transport that runs all the way to the São Jorge Castle gate. It starts at Praça da Figueira in the Baixa and climbs the hill directly, saving you the steepest cobbled stretch on foot. It’s covered by a standard Carris fare, or free with a Lisboa Card, and runs frequently through the day.
If you want the simplest journey, bus 737 is it. It leaves from Praça da Figueira, on the edge of the Baixa, and winds up through the old streets to set you down at the castle entrance. Because it does the whole climb for you, it’s the route of choice on a hot afternoon or if steep cobbles are hard work. The buses are small and can fill up around midday.
Tram 28 — The Scenic Approach
Tram 28 is Lisbon’s famous yellow tram, and its route curls right through Alfama below the castle. It won’t take you to the gate — it passes lower down the hill — so you’ll step off and walk up the last cobbled section, following the brown signs to the castelo. Treat it as part of the sightseeing rather than the fastest way up: the tram is often crowded and slow, and pickpockets work the busiest services, so keep your bag close. For the quietest ride, board early; our guide to the best time to visit São Jorge Castle covers the calmer windows.
The Public Lifts & Escalators
Lisbon has a chain of public lifts and escalators that shortcut the climb to São Jorge Castle. The Chão do Loureiro (Castelo) lift rises from Rua dos Fanqueiros in the Baixa, and the Baixa–Castelo lift carries you further up through the buildings, leaving a much shorter walk to the gate. They’re a free, sheltered alternative to the steepest cobbled streets.
These lifts are one of Lisbon’s best-kept secrets for reaching the castle. The Chão do Loureiro lift, sometimes signed as the Castelo lift, starts inside a building on Rua dos Fanqueiros and lifts you well up the hillside; from the top there are terrace views over the Baixa before you continue. The Baixa–Castelo lift links onward through the old streets to bring you close to the entrance. They cut out the toughest gradient, which makes them a real help if you have limited mobility, a pram or simply tired legs. Do check current running times locally, as maintenance can take one out of service.
Walking Up
Walking is free and, if you’re reasonably fit, genuinely enjoyable — the route up threads through the atmospheric lanes of Alfama and the Mouraria. From the Baixa or Rossio it’s a climb of 15 to 25 minutes on steep, uneven cobbles; from within Alfama it’s shorter but no less sharp in places. Wear proper shoes and take water in summer. Because the surfaces are uneven and the gradients steep, anyone with mobility concerns should read our accessibility guide before setting out.
Tuk-tuks & Taxis
Tuk-tuks and taxis both go right to the castle gate, the effortless door-to-door choice. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the cheaper option; tuk-tuks charge a premium but turn the ride up through the narrow streets into a small tour in itself. Agree the fare or use a metered app before you set off, especially with tuk-tuks, where prices are negotiable.
Nearest Metro Stations
There is no metro station at the castle itself — the hill is too steep for one. The nearest stops are Rossio, Martim Moniz and Baixa-Chiado, all in the flat centre below. From any of them you’ll either walk up (steep and cobbled) or connect to bus 737 or the public lifts for the final climb.
Getting There for Free with a Lisboa Card
If you’re using public transport around the city, a Lisboa Card is worth a look: it covers free travel on the metro, Carris buses and trams and the funiculars, so both bus 737 and Tram 28 are included. It also gives you free entry to the castle itself, so it can replace a separate ticket entirely. If it fits your trip, you can buy a Lisboa Card online before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to get to São Jorge Castle?
Bus 737 from Praça da Figueira is the easiest, because it’s the only public transport that runs all the way to the castle gate and does the whole climb for you. If you’d rather not rely on the bus, the public lifts from the Baixa cut out the steepest cobbles, or a taxi or tuk-tuk will take you door to door.
Does Tram 28 go to São Jorge Castle?
Tram 28 passes through Alfama below the castle but does not stop at the gate. You get off at the nearest stop and walk up the final cobbled stretch, following signs to the castelo. It’s a scenic and popular ride, but often crowded and slow, so board early and keep an eye on your belongings.
Is there a metro station at São Jorge Castle?
No. The castle sits at the top of a steep hill with no metro of its own. The nearest stations are Rossio, Martim Moniz and Baixa-Chiado, all in the lower centre. From there you walk up, or connect to bus 737 or the public lifts to avoid the toughest climb.
Can I drive or park at the castle?
Driving up is not recommended. The streets around the castle are narrow, cobbled and often restricted, and parking is very limited. It’s far easier to leave the car in a Baixa car park and continue up by bus 737, taxi or the public lifts.
How long does it take to walk up to the castle?
From the Baixa or Rossio, allow roughly 15 to 25 minutes uphill on steep, uneven cobbles; from within Alfama it’s shorter. Times vary with your pace and how often you stop for the views. Wear supportive shoes and, in summer, carry water and take the climb slowly.
Are the public lifts free to use?
The public lifts and escalators up the hillside, such as the Chão do Loureiro (Castelo) lift from Rua dos Fanqueiros, are generally free to ride and are a sheltered way to skip the steepest streets. Running times can change for maintenance, so check locally on the day.
Is São Jorge Castle accessible for wheelchairs or prams?
The approach and much of the site are steep, cobbled and uneven, with steps up to the ramparts and few railings, so it’s challenging for wheelchair users, limited mobility and prams. The lifts and bus 737 help you reach the top, but the full wall circuit is not step-free. Our accessibility guide has the detail, and it’s worth confirming current provision with the castle.
When should I set off to avoid the crowds?
Aim to travel up near the 9:00 opening or in the mid-morning lull, when the trams and buses are quieter and the queues at the gate are shortest. The hour before sunset is the busiest. Check the castle’s opening hours so you leave enough time for the climb before last admission.
