Portugal · Commuter boats criss-crossing the Tagus estuary
Lisbon ferry routes & schedules
In Lisbon the ferry is not a holiday novelty but a daily habit. Orange cacilheiros shuttle office workers across the broad Tagus between the capital and the towns on its southern bank, from Cacilhas beneath the Cristo Rei statue to Barreiro and Seixal. The crossing doubles as the finest cheap sightseeing in the city.
- 21
- Connections
- 1
- Operators
- 8
- Quays
- 16m
- Avg crossing
About
Ferry travel in Lisbon
Crossing the Tagus
The estuary services are run by Transtejo & Soflusa, linking central terminals at Cais do Sodré and Terreiro do Paço with Cacilhas, Montijo, Seixal and Barreiro. Cacilhas is the classic hop — minutes across the water to seafood restaurants and the lift up to Almada. Barreiro connects onward to the southern rail line.
Sailings are frequent through the working day and tied to commuter peaks, so morning and evening rush hours are the busiest. Check the current timetable for exact departures.
The western river shuttles
Downstream, smaller links join Porto Brandão and Trafaria on the south bank with Belém and Pedrouços/Algés, useful for reaching the Costa da Caparica beaches without a long road detour. These run less often than the central lines.
For journeys beyond the estuary, see ferry connections across Portugal.
Quays
Ferry quays in Lisbon
8 quays with published connections. Open a quay for every route that calls there.
At a glance
Which Lisbon crossings run most often?
The busiest published crossings, ranked by number of listed sailings.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cacilhas → Cais do Sodré | 8m | 121 / wk | 1 |
| Cais do Sodré → Cacilhas | 8m | 119 / wk | 1 |
| Barreiro → Terreiro do Paço | 20m | 89 / wk | 1 |
| Terreiro do Paço → Barreiro | 20m | 89 / wk | 1 |
| Cais do Sodré → Seixal | 22m | 37 / wk | 1 |
| Seixal → Cais do Sodré | 22m | 35 / wk | 1 |
| Montijo → Cais do Sodré | 25m | 30 / wk | 1 |
| Trafaria → Porto Brandão | 10m | 28 / wk | 1 |
| Cais do Sodré → Montijo | 25m | 28 / wk | 1 |
| Porto Brandão → Trafaria | 10m | 26 / wk | 1 |
| Porto Brandão → Belém | 10m | 21 / wk | 1 |
| Seixal → Barreiro | 10m | 4 / wk | 1 |
Timetables
Ferry routes in Lisbon
17 routes departing Lisbon.
Barreiro3 routes
Cais do Sodré3 routes
Porto Brandão3 routes
Trafaria3 routes
Seixal2 routes
Cacilhas1 route
Montijo1 route
Terreiro do Paço1 route
Operators
Who runs the ferries in Lisbon?
Travel updates
Latest updates for Lisbon
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which ferry gives the best view of Lisbon?
The Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas crossing offers a superb open view back at the city, the 25 de Abril bridge and the Cristo Rei statue — for the price of a commuter ticket.
Who operates the Lisbon ferries?
Transtejo & Soflusa runs the passenger services across the Tagus, connecting central Lisbon with Cacilhas, Barreiro, Seixal, Montijo and the western river ports.
Can I use the ferry to reach the beaches?
Yes. The Trafaria and Porto Brandão links on the south bank put you within reach of the Costa da Caparica beaches. These smaller lines run less frequently than the main city crossings.
How many ferry routes are there in Lisbon?
Lisbon has 21 ferry and express-boat connections across 8 quays. Each route page lists the timetable, crossing time and operator.
Who operates ferries in Lisbon?
Boat and ferry services in Lisbon are run by 1 operator, including Transtejo Soflusa (TTSL). Most are part of Portugal's county public-transport network.
How long are ferry crossings in Lisbon?
Across Lisbon's active crossings the average sailing takes about 16m, while the longest runs roughly 30m. Each route page shows the exact duration.
Explore
Other ferry regions in Portugal
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 19, 2026.