Complete Guide: 7 Colinas Card and Viva Viagem of Lisbon 2025

Are you planning to visit Lisbon and want to get around the city in the most efficient and economical way possible? The 7 Colinas and Viva Viagem cards are your best ally.

In this complete guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about these transportation cards, from how to get them to how to make the most of them during your stay in Portugal’s capital.

What are the 7 Colinas and Viva Viagem cards?

The 7 Colinas Card, also known as “Cartão 7 Colinas” in Portuguese, is a rechargeable public transportation card that allows you to travel around Lisbon using various means of transport.

Its name refers to the seven hills on which the city was built, symbolizing the complete coverage it offers throughout the metropolitan area.

First of all, let’s clarify something important: the 7 Colinas card and the Viva Viagem are exactly the same thing. They only differ in name and design, but function identically. Currently, the most common version is the Viva Viagem, which is green in color.

These cards are:

• Rechargeable
• For individual use
• Valid for almost the entire Lisbon public transport network

With them you’ll be able to get around the city using various means of transport, including the famous tram 28, saving time and money on your trips.

What transport can I use with the 7 Colinas / Viva Viagem card?

Depending on the type of top-up you choose, you can use:

• Lisbon Metro
• Carris buses
• Trams (including the iconic tram 28)
• Funiculars
• Santa Justa Elevator
• CP urban trains (within city limits)
• Transtejo/Soflusa ferries (with Zapping mode)

It’s important to note that these cards are not valid for tourist tours (like YellowBus) or for special airport connection lines (AeroBus).

Where to buy the 7 Colinas or Viva Viagem card?

You can purchase your card at various points around the city:

• Metro stations (at blue vending machines or ticket offices)
• Carris kiosks
• Some neighborhood stores and newsstands

How much does the 7 Colinas / Viva Viagem card cost?

The initial cost of the card is €0.50. This is a one-time payment for the physical card, which you can top up multiple times during its one-year validity period.

Top-up options and fares (updated 2025)

Once you have your card, you can top it up with different options according to your needs:

1. Single ticket (Bilhete Viagem):
   • Price: €1.85
   • Valid for multiple trips on the Carris and metro network for one hour from first validation
2. 24-hour daily ticket (Bilhete Diário):
   • Price: €7
   • Unlimited trips on the Carris and metro network for 24 hours from first validation
3. Zapping:
   • Minimum initial top-up: €3 (maximum €40)
   • Price per trip on Carris and Metro: €1.66
   • Also valid for CP and Transtejo/Soflusa
   • Allows top-ups in multiples of €5 (€5, €10, €15, etc.)

Check the fares at this link

How to use the 7 Colinas / Viva Viagem card

1. Buy your card at any of the mentioned points of sale.
2. Top up the card according to your needs (single ticket, daily or Zapping).
3. Validate your card every time you enter or board public transport.
4. Hold the card near the reader (it’s contactless) until the green light turns on.

Practical tips for using your 7 Colinas / Viva Viagem card

1. Keep your receipts: Save purchase and top-up tickets until the end of your trip.
2. Take care of your card: Prevent it from getting damaged and keep it separate from electronic devices and other cards.
3. One card per person: Remember they are for individual use and cannot be shared.
4. Save it for future visits: The card is valid for one year from its first use.
5. Damaged card: If it stops working, go to a ticket office with your purchase receipt to have it replaced free of charge.
6. Plan your trips: Before topping up, consider how long you’ll be in Lisbon and what places you want to visit to choose the best top-up option.
7. Keep your card: The 7 Colinas Card is reusable, so save it for future trips to Lisbon.
8. Check your balance: Use the machines at metro stations to verify the remaining balance on your card.
9. Combine with other discounts: Research whether you can combine your 7 Colinas Card with other tourist cards like the Lisboa Card for additional benefits.
10. Explore beyond the center: Take advantage of the extensive transport network to visit less touristy but equally fascinating places around Lisbon.

Benefits of using the 7 Colinas Card

Using the 7 Colinas Card offers numerous advantages:

1. Money savings: Temporary passes and travel packages offer reduced fares compared to buying individual tickets.
2. Convenience: Forget about buying tickets every time you want to travel. With the rechargeable card, you’re always ready to move around.
3. Flexibility: You can easily switch between different means of transport without needing to buy new tickets.
4. Speed: Validating the card is much faster than buying individual tickets, saving you time on your journeys.
5. Sustainability: By encouraging the use of public transport, you help reduce your carbon footprint during your stay in Lisbon.

Alternatives to the 7 Colinas Card

Although the 7 Colinas Card is an excellent option for most travelers, there are alternatives that might be better suited to specific situations:

1. Lisboa Card: Offers free entry to many tourist attractions in addition to public transport. It may be more convenient if you plan to visit many museums and monuments. Check here for all information about the Lisboa Card
2. Monthly passes: For longer stays, residents can opt for monthly passes that offer better long-term value.
3. Shared mobility apps: Services like Gira, Lisbon’s bike-sharing system, can be a complementary option for short distances.

FAQ

The 7 Colinas card or Viva Viagem is an indispensable tool for getting around Lisbon comfortably and economically. With this guide, you’re ready to make the most of the city’s public transport system and enjoy everything the Portuguese capital has to offer.

Remember: buy your card, top it up according to your plans, validate it on each trip and enjoy Lisbon!