The Navegante Occasional Card
If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, Portugal, navigating the city’s public transportation system efficiently is key to making the most of your visit. One of the best ways to travel around Lisbon is by using the Navegante Occasional Card—a convenient, flexible, and cost-effective contactless card that gives you access to almost every form of public transport in Lisbon. Whether you’re a tourist visiting for a few days or an occasional user, this card is the go-to solution for getting around with ease.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Navegante Occasional Card, from where to get it, how it works, what it costs, and why it’s the best travel companion for exploring Lisbon by metro, tram, bus, and train.
Everything You Need to Know About the Navegante Occasional Card in Lisbon
1. What is the Navegante Occasional Card?
The Navegante Occasional Card is a rechargeable, contactless smart card used for accessing public transportation in Lisbon. It replaced the previously used Viva Viagem Card in 2021. Although both cards functioned similarly, the Navegante Occasional is now the official card issued to new users.
With this single card, you can use:
The Lisbon Metro
Carris buses and trams
CP urban trains
Ferries and funiculars
It works as a prepaid card that can be loaded with various travel products, including Zapping credit, 24-hour unlimited travel passes, or multi-day passes.
2. Where Can You Use the Navegante Occasional Card in Lisbon?
The Navegante Occasional Card is valid on nearly all public transportation in Lisbon, making it incredibly versatile:
Metro: Unlimited access to all four lines of the Lisbon Metro system.
Trams: Including the iconic Tram 28, a favorite among tourists.
Buses: Covers all urban buses operated by Carris.
Urban Trains: Valid for CP – Comboios de Portugal urban train lines to Sintra, Cascais, Azambuja, and Setúbal.
Ferries: Certain ferry routes across the Tagus River.
This wide coverage makes it ideal for both short city explorations and longer day trips.
3. Where to Buy the Navegante Occasional Card
You can purchase the Navegante Occasional Card at multiple locations across Lisbon:
Metro Station Ticket Machines
Customer Service Counters at metro and train stations
Carris Kiosks
Selected PayShop agents and newsstands
The card costs approximately €0.50 for the plastic version and is valid for one year from the first use.
4. How to Recharge the Navegante Occasional Card
Recharging your Navegante Occasional Card is simple and quick:
At Metro Station Machines: Use cash or card.
Customer Service Points: For assistance and larger purchases.
Authorized Retailers: Kiosks, PayShops, and some convenience stores.
You can choose to load it with either:
Zapping (pay-as-you-go) credit
24-hour or multi-day passes
Tip: Always ensure your card has enough balance before starting your journey.
5. Types of Travel Products You Can Load
There are several fare options that cater to different types of travelers:
Zapping Credit: Pay-as-you-go system offering discounted fares. One journey typically costs €1.35.
24-Hour Pass: Valid for unlimited travel on metro, buses, trams, and trains within specified zones for 24 hours from first validation. Prices start from €6.80.
7-Day Pass: Offers unlimited travel for seven consecutive days. Great for travelers staying in Lisbon for a week.
6. How Much Does It Cost?
Here is a breakdown of typical costs associated with the Navegante Occasional Card:
Card Itself: ~€0.50
Single Metro/Bus/Tram Fare: ~€1.80 (without Zapping)
Zapping Fare: ~€1.35 per ride
24-Hour Pass: €6.80 (can vary depending on zones)
7-Day Pass: €30.00 (approximate)
These prices are significantly lower than paying cash fares each time, especially for frequent travel.
7. Benefits of the Navegante Occasional Card
Using the Navegante Occasional Card has many advantages:
Cost Savings: Discounted fares vs. individual tickets
Convenience: Use one card for all transport types
Flexibility: Recharge with passes or Zapping credit based on your plans
Sustainability: Reduces paper waste from single-use tickets
Accessibility: Widely available and easy to use
8. Is the Navegante Occasional Card Worth It for Tourists?
Absolutely. The Navegante Occasional Card is particularly valuable for tourists:
Explore Lisbon attractions like Belém, Baixa, Alfama, and Parque das Nações without transport hassle.
Choose a 24-hour pass for full-day sightseeing or a 7-day pass for longer stays.
No need to worry about buying individual tickets or carrying cash.
9. How to Use the Navegante Occasional Card
Using the card is straightforward:
Tap In: At metro/tram/bus/train entry points.
Tap Out: Only required for metro and CP trains.
The system automatically deducts the correct fare or validates your pass.
Pro Tip: If using Zapping credit, keep track of your balance using vending machines or ticket offices.
10. Where to Get More Information
For the most up-to-date details, visit:
Carris official site: https://www.carris.pt
Metro Lisboa: https://www.metrolisboa.pt
In-person: Any customer service counter at a metro or train station
Final Thoughts
The Navegante Occasional Card is an essential tool for anyone planning to explore Lisbon by public transport. It’s affordable, easy to use, and compatible with almost all transit modes in the city. Whether you’re riding the Lisbon Metro, catching a tram through Alfama, or taking a train to Sintra or Cascais, this card ensures smooth, budget-friendly travel.
For tourists, it simplifies your journey from the airport to your hotel, and from there to the city’s top landmarks—all without the stress of figuring out fares or queues. So before you dive into your next Lisbon adventure, make sure your first stop is picking up your Navegante Occasional Card!
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