Lisbon Ferries Across the Tagus: Routes, Fares and Passes
The ferry is the fastest way to the south bank for thousands of commuters. Which terminal serves which route, what a single ticket costs and how strikes are announced.
Lisbon’s ferries across the Tagus are run by Transtejo Soflusa (TTSL), the state river-transport company, on six routes from three Lisbon terminals: Cais do Sodré, Terreiro do Paço and Belém, plus Algés just outside the city. As of November 2026, a single ticket to Cacilhas costs €2.00, and the €40 Navegante Metropolitano monthly pass is valid on every route.
Fares below are from TTSL’s fare page, in force since 1 January 2026 and updated on 16 March and 15 May 2026. Timetables change by season and on public holidays, so check the current one before travelling.
Which ferry goes where?
Each south-bank town has its own route and Lisbon terminal. Getting the terminal right matters: Barreiro boats leave from Terreiro do Paço, not Cais do Sodré.
| Route | Lisbon terminal | Connections on the Lisbon side |
|---|---|---|
| Cacilhas (Almada) | Cais do Sodré | Metro green line, CP Cascais line, trams and buses |
| Seixal | Cais do Sodré | As above |
| Montijo | Cais do Sodré | As above |
| Barreiro | Terreiro do Paço | Metro blue line; CP trains continue south from Barreiro station |
| Trafaria and Porto Brandão | Belém | CP Cascais line, trams and buses to the center |
| Porto Brandão and Trafaria | Algés | CP Cascais line at Algés |
TTSL added experimental Saturday trips linking Seixal, Barreiro and Cais do Sodré from 1 August 2026 and experimental weekday trips on the Algés route from 13 July 2026. Vehicle transport on the Trafaria and Belém route was temporarily interrupted in early November 2026. All timetables are on the TTSL timetables page.
How much does a ferry ticket cost?
Single fares range from €1.50 to €3.25 depending on the route, as of November 2026. You can buy a single ticket or pay with stored value (“zapping”) on a reusable card.
| Route | Single ticket | Zapping (stored value) | TTSL 30-day route pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cacilhas to Cais do Sodré | €2.00 | €1.60 | €22.50 |
| Trafaria and Porto Brandão to Belém | €1.50 | €1.50 | €26.25 |
| Seixal to Cais do Sodré | €2.85 | €2.85 | €37.60 |
| Barreiro to Terreiro do Paço | €2.95 | €2.95 | €37.65 |
| Montijo to Cais do Sodré | €3.25 | €3.25 | €39.15 |
The reusable paper card costs €0.50. On the Cacilhas route, zapping saves €0.40 per trip. A 24-hour ticket valid on Carris, Metro and the Cacilhas ferry costs €10.35.
Children and older passengers: on the Barreiro, Montijo and Seixal routes, a half-fare ticket applies to children aged 4 to 12 and passengers over 65, sold at the counter. On the Cacilhas and Trafaria routes, children up to 5 travel free. Bicycles travel free under TTSL’s rules. Pets over 5 kg need their own ticket.
Do Navegante passes work on the ferries?
Yes. TTSL lists the Navegante Metropolitano pass (€40 a month), the Family pass (€80), the over-65 pass (€20) and the free Sub18 and Sub23 passes as valid on all river routes. For commuters on the Seixal, Barreiro and Montijo routes, the Metropolitano pass costs only €0.85 to €2.40 more than TTSL’s own 30-day route pass, and it also covers the Metro, buses and trains on both banks.
The Navegante Municipal pass covers travel within one municipality only, so it does not cover the crossing. TTSL says a Municipal pass can be swapped for a Metropolitano pass by paying the difference. Our guide to the Navegante pass in Lisbon explains who qualifies for each type and how to get the personalized card.
How do I find out about ferry strikes and cancellations?
Strikes on the river are announced by the workers’ unions with legal notice, and TTSL publishes the affected routes and minimum services on its website. In Portugal, minimum services for public transport strikes are set either by agreement or by an arbitration panel, so the final list sometimes appears only a day or two before the strike.
- Check the news section of ttsl.pt the evening before you travel.
- Look at the screens and notices at the terminal; cancelled sailings are shown there.
- Plan an alternative: from Almada, buses run by Carris Metropolitana cross the 25 de Abril bridge, and Fertagus trains also cross it (see our guide to trains to Sintra, Cascais and across the bridge).
Bad weather can also disrupt sailings. IPMA (Portugal’s weather institute) publishes weather warnings for the Lisbon district.
Which crossing is easiest for a first trip?
The Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas crossing is the simplest: it leaves from a terminal next to the Metro and the Cascais train, has the cheapest stored-value fare and lands in central Almada. The Belém to Trafaria crossing is the cheapest single fare and serves the Trafaria side of Almada. Avoid rush hour if you can, when most passengers are commuters with passes.
Bottom line
If you cross more than a few times a week, a Navegante Metropolitano pass usually beats single tickets and route passes. Before each strike day, check the ttsl.pt notice for your exact route, because minimum services differ between lines.
FAQ
Can I pay for the ferry with a bank card?
TTSL’s fare page lists tickets on the reusable card and Navegante passes. Check at the ticket machines or counters at your terminal for payment options before you board.
Can I take my car across?
Some routes carry vehicles; TTSL’s vehicle transport page lists the routes and conditions. Vehicle service on the Trafaria and Belém route was interrupted in November 2026.
Do the ferries run at night?
First and last sailings differ by route and day of the week. Check the timetable page for the last boat before you plan a late return.
