Since April of 2018, tram 24, or Elétrico 24, is been back in the streets of Lisbon after 23 years – and just like elétrico 28, you can enjoy the tram ride in one of the characteristic yellow trams.
On the route the tram is numbered 24E, where “E” stands for Elétrico, the Portuguese word for electric tram. You often see the term Eléctrico, with a ‘c’ there. This used to be the name of the trams. Since a few years the spelling rules in Portugal have been changed to Brazilian Portuguese, and in that language the ‘c’ is completely omitted in places where it is not pronounced. That’s why trams have been officially called Elétrico for some time now.
Phasing out the tram lines
Many trams ran through Lisbon until 1960, but after 1960 most classic tram lines were gradually phased out. The reasons for this were the expansion of the metro network and the increase in car traffic. And with the need for double parking that came from that, trams no longer fit through the streets.
Double parking
If there were a double parking world championship, Portugal in general and Lisbon in particular would definitely win. After a number of government campaigns, double parking has gotten less in recent years but it is certainly not gone.
Nowadays, the municipality of Lisbon is refusing cars more and more in the city centre. These days many districts are only accessible to residents.
Things to see on the route
The starting stop of elétrico 24 is at Largo do Camões in Chiado until the end stop Campolide.
Our tip: Buy a day ticket (€6,30) (if you don’t have a Lisboa Card) so you can easily travel through Lisbon. Otherwise it will be a very expensive day: a single tram ride costs €3,70.
The tram runs along a number of attractions such as Igreja São Roque, Ascensor da Glória (one of Lisbon’s three cable cars) and miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara in the Bairro Alto. The tram then follows Rua da Escola Politécnica in the Príncipe Real district in the direction of Largo do Rato.
t Rua das Amoreiras, elétrico 24 starts the climb to the Campolide terminal, past Mãe d’Água and Jardim Amoreiras, near the Amoreiras shopping centre with its 360º view observation deck. Three places of interest that are more than worthwhile to interrupt the trip and get out to visit.
It is a short tram ride of 20 minutes in one direction – when of course there are no cars double parked.
Elétrico 24 vs. Elétrico 28
By far the most famous tram in Lisbon is elétrico 28. The only thing you can compare between tram 24 and tram 28 is that both rides are done with the characteristic yellow trams. The tram runs a completely different route (they cross each other at Largo do Camões), and elétrico 24 is much quieter in terms of tourists.
The trams are therefore not comparable, it is actually the same when you try to compare Ronaldo and Messi. They’re both great but also completely different.
If you only want the experience of an old yellow tram, take elétrico 24 and you’ll almost be sure of a seat.
Route of elétrico 24
Route: Largo do Camões (starting stop), Largo Trindade Coelho, Ascensor da Glória, Príncipe Real, Rua da Escola Politécnica, Rato, Jardim das Amoreiras, Rua das Amoreiras, Avenida Conselheiro Fernando de Sousa, Campolide (final stop)
Timetable: Monday to Friday every 20 minutes between 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Saturday 07:30 a.m. – 7.15 p.m. | Sunday and public holidays 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. hours
