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A comprehensive guide on getting to the São Jorge Castle

Where is São Jorge Castle located?

Address: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal | Find on Google Maps

São Jorge Castle sits atop Lisbon’s highest hill in the historic Alfama district, offering panoramic views over the city and the Tagus River. It lies in the heart of Lisbon’s old town, surrounded by medieval streets and viewpoints.

Closest landmark: Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), approx. 600 m away

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Getting to São Jorge Castle by public transport

Barcelona tram on a city street, part of the Hola Barcelona Travel Card experience.
  • Best for: Sightseeing
  • Travel time: 20 minutes
  • Closest stop: Castelo
  • Timings: Daily, approx. 6am–11pm
  • Take the iconic Tram 28 from Rossio or nearby Martim Moniz. Get off at the “Castelo” stop, from where it’s a short uphill walk to the entrance.
Kid and parent smiling while exiting a bus.
  • Best for: Budget travel
  • Travel time: 15–20 minutes
  • Closest stop: Castelo
  • Timings: Daily, approx. 6am–11pm
  • Bus 737 runs from Praça da Figueira (near Rossio) directly to the “Castelo” stop, making it one of the most convenient options.
Person waiting on Prague metro platform with train passing by.
  • Best for: Saving time
  • Travel time: 15 minutes + walk
  • Closest station: Martim Moniz
  • Timings: Daily, approx. 6:30am–1am
  • Take the Green Line to Martim Moniz, then walk uphill for about 10–15 minutes or switch to Tram 28 or Bus 737.

Getting to São Jorge Castle by car

Driving route

  • Best for: Flexibility
  • Travel time: 10 minutes from Rossio (traffic-dependent)
  • Distance: 2 km
  • Route: From Rossio, follow signs toward Alfama/Castelo via Rua da Palma or Av. Almirante Reis; note that the fastest route varies due to narrow streets and traffic restrictions.

Parking facilities

There is no on-site parking at the castle. However, there are several parking lots nearby:

  • Parking cercano rua Marques de Lima (12-minute walk): This 24-hour parking lot offers electric charging ports and is wheelchair accessible. Prices start from 2.55€ for the first hour. Find on Google Maps
  • Estacionamento Chão do Loureiro - EMEL (10-minute walk): this parking lot has 192 parking slots, along with a total of 8 charging locations. Prices start from 1.45€ for the first hour. Find on Google Maps

Cycling/Walking to São Jorge Castle

Cyclists on a tree-lined path heading to Bateaux Parisiens departure point.

Best for: Sightseeing, slow travel

Travel time: 20–25 minutes on foot from Rossio

Distance: 1.5 km

Walking from Rossio lets you explore Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods, passing through Mouraria and Alfama. Expect steep, cobbled streets, rewarding you with scenic viewpoints along the way. Cycling is possible but can be challenging due to the gradients.

What is the best way to get to São Jorge Castle?

  • Budget-friendly: Bus 737 or walking from Rossio are the most economical options, offering direct access without extra transfers.
  • Fastest route: A taxi or rideshare from central Lisbon is the quickest, especially if time is limited. This is also ideal if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of finding parking. 
  • To sightsee: Tram 28 combines transport with a classic Lisbon experience, passing through some of the city’s most picturesque districts.
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Frequently asked questions about getting to São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle is located on the highest hill in Lisbon’s historic Alfama district, overlooking the city center and the Tagus River. Its address is R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal | Find on Google Maps