Bica Funicular (Ascensor da Bica)

The Basics

The Bica Funicular is the easiest way to access the Bairro Alto district from the streets below, as it navigates one of Lisbon’s steepest hills. Most walking tours of central Lisbon discuss the Bica Funicular and the other historical forms of transportation in the city. Some food-themed tours of Lisbon include an elevator stop amidst its food and drink tastings. For those who want to explore at their own pace, hop-on hop-off tours also navigate this area and stop at the funicular.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Bica Funicular is recommended for anyone who wants help navigating the steep hills of Bairro Alto, especially those with limited mobility. That said, it is not accessible to wheelchair users.

• Purchase the Lisboa Card or Viva Viagem metro card for free or discounted access to the funicular and other Lisbon public transport.

• The streets in Lisbon are cobblestoned and made of slippery soapstone, so wear proper footwear with good grips.

How to Get There

The entrance to lower terminus of the Bica Funicular is located near the Cais do Sodre train station and connects Rua de São Paulo to Largo do Calhariz in Bairro Alto. You can walk from Cais do Sodre (about five minutes), or take the 25E tram or city bus 714 or 744 from other parts of the city to the funicular.

When to Get There

The funicular runs every few minutes between 7am and 9pm. June is a particularly nice time to visit Lisbon, as the month-long Festival of Popular Saints fills the city with street parties and revelers.

Attractions Near the Bica Funicular

Ascensor da Bica ferries visitors to some of Lisbon’s popular points of interest. Visit the Pharmacy Museum (Museu da Farmacia) to learn about 5,000 years of pharmacy and health history from various cultures. The Santa Catarina Viewpoint (Miradouro de Santa Catarina) offers panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus. Rua de Bica teems with nightlife venues, and the side streets of Rua Loreto offer great drinking and dining options as well.