Santa Justa Lift

Elevador de Santa Justa – ©joe – stock.adobe.com

The Elevador de Santa Justa in Lisbon connects the lower and upper parts of the city with ease. Located between Baixa and Chiado, it links up with the Convento do Carmo and offers one of the most charming views in Lisbon.

This elevator was built by a Portuguese engineer of French origin named Raúl Mesnier de Ponsard. Although there is no definitive proof, some identify him as a disciple of Eiffel — yes, the same Eiffel behind the Eiffel Tower).

The elevator was (and still is!) seen as a solution to the steep climb that connects Lisbon's Baixa with the Chiadoarea. And to the delight of Lisbon's residents at the time, it was officially inaugurated in July 1902.

It connects Rua do Ouro (at the bottom) with the square by the Igreja do Carmo (at the top).

In short, it is one of the many places to visit in Lisbon. Even if you are not planning to ride it, you will likely walk right past it in the city center.

Facts about the Elevador de Santa Justa

The Elevador de Santa Justa is one of the few monuments from the Industrial Era and was designated a national monument a century later, in 2002.

At the top of the elevator there is an iron walkway that leads out to the street, and on it you will find a café along with 360-degree views over the city.

The elevator is part of the Carris public transport network (Lisbon's public transport operator).

Is it worth riding the elevator?

It is a pleasant experience and one you can also use to reach the upper part of central Lisbon. If you have one of the Lisbon public transport cards the price is fair. With the Lisboa Card it is free, so take advantage of it. Buying a ticket at the elevator itself costs €5.30, which can be a lot for those on a tighter budget.

The views from the Santa Justa viewpoint are lovely, but if you are watching your budget or would rather skip the long summer queues to ride the elevator, you will be glad to know there are other viewpoints in Lisbon that are free.

You can also walk up to the same viewpoint, though it does take a bit of effort 🤣

Useful information about the elevator

For riding the Santa Justa Lift in Lisbon you need to purchase one of these tickets:

✅ Buy a ticket at the booth at the base of the lift for €5.30, which includes two rides and access to the viewpoint

✅ Using the credit on your transport cards also used for the metro, trains, or Carris buses: Lisboa Viva, 7Colinas, or Viva Viagem (a much more affordable option than the one above).

✅ Free for holders of the Lisboa Card

To access only the viewpoint at the top, you can pay €1.50 or, as mentioned, enter free with the Lisboa Card.

By the way, if this mode of transport interests you, you'll also want to discover Tram 28. 

Price

€5.30 for two rides – Ticket at the Santa Justa booth / Or the alternatives mentioned in the post.

Address

Rua Do Ouro

Hours

07:00 to 21:00

How to get there?

Metro Baixa-Chiado and Tram 28