How to Get to Jerónimos Monastery (Tram, Train, Bus, Uber & Parking!)
Jerónimos Monastery is located in Belém, a riverside neighbourhood just west of Lisbon’s historic centre. It’s actually really easy to get to! Having said that, your visit can become more or less stressful depending on how you choose to arrive.
I’m a local guide, so I often get asked the same question: What’s the best way to get to Jerónimos Monastery? The short answer is: it depends on where you’re coming from, the time of day, and whether you’re travelling with kids, a group, or limited mobility.
Below, I’ll take you through all the reliable ways to get to Jerónimos Monastery (by tram, train, bus, walking, Uber, taxi, or car) plus my personal recommendations so you can choose what suits you best.
Where Is Jerónimos Monastery?
Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) is located in Belém, Lisbon, near the Tagus River and directly opposite the Jardim da Praça do Império.
It’s within walking distance of other major Belém attractions, including Belém Tower, Monument to the Discoveries, and Pastéis de Belém.
Getting to Jerónimos Monastery by Tram
Tram 15E (Most Popular Option)
The sunny yellow Tram 15E is the most well-known way to get to Belém and is often recommended to first-time visitors.
Route: Praça da Figueira or Cais do Sodré → Belém
Closest stop: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
What to know before you go:
It can get very crowded, especially between 10am and 4pm
While I’ve rarely encountered pickpocketers on this route, they can appear – so keep your bags zipped up and in view
Trams run frequently but can be slow in traffic
My recommendation:
If you’re travelling early in the morning, Tram 15E is a pleasant and scenic ride. During peak hours, I usually suggest an alternative.
Getting to Jerónimos Monastery by Train (My Top Recommendation)
If you’re coming from Cais do Sodré, the train is the fastest and least stressful option.
Train line: Cascais Line
Direction: Cascais
Stop: Belém Station
Travel time: ~7 minutes
From Belém Station, it’s about a 10-minute flat walk to Jerónimos Monastery.
Why I recommend the train:
Faster than the tram
More comfortable and predictable
Great if you’re travelling with kids or in a group
Ideal during busy tourist seasons
A note on accessibility:
The platform at Belém train station for trains heading towards Cascais (so including from Cais do Sodré to Belém) is accessed via a pedestrian bridge with a sizeable set of stairs. This means that when you arrive in Belém, you’ll need to go up the stairs and across the bridge to exit the station. From the bridge, you can either go down another set of stairs or use a long ramp to reach street level.
There is also a level crossing that allows you to avoid the stairs altogether, but it’s a fairly long walk to get to. We’ve found this option a bit of a pain when travelling with small children, but it does mean you don’t have to carry a stroller up and down stairs. If you have accessibility concerns, it is useful to know this option exists.
On the return journey from Belém to Cais do Sodré, the platform can be accessed without using any stairs, which makes things much easier if you’re travelling with a pram, wheelchair, or heavy bags.
Getting to Jerónimos Monastery by Bus
Several Carris buses stop close to Jerónimos Monastery and are often less crowded than the tram.
Useful bus lines include:
714
727
728
729
751
Closest stops:
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
Belém – Palácio
My tip:
If Google Maps suggests a bus over the tram, it’s probably for a reason. Buses are underrated in Lisbon and often give you a smoother ride.
Getting to Jerónimos Monastery by Uber or Taxi
Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow all work very well in Lisbon.
Typical travel time from central Lisbon:
15–25 minutes, depending on traffic
Drop-off point:
Ask to be dropped near Mosteiro dos Jerónimos or Praça do Império.
When I recommend Uber or taxi:
If you’re short on time
If you’re visiting with children or elderly family members
If you want door-to-door convenience
This is often the least stressful option, especially in summer or during peak travel periods.
Driving & Parking Near Jerónimos Monastery
Driving to Belém is possible, but parking can be challenging.
Parking Options Near Jerónimos Monastery
Underground parking at Praça do Império or at Centro Cultural de Belém (best option)
Street parking around Belém (limited and often full)
Paid parking zones near the river
My honest advice:
If you don’t already have a car, I wouldn’t rent one just to visit Jerónimos Monastery or Belém. Public transport or Uber is easier and faster.
If you don’t mind paying for parking (which is hard to avoid to be honest), the carpark of CCB (Centro Cultural de Belém) usually has free spots and is an easy walk across the road from the Monastery. As a bonus, CCB has some nice gardens you can stop into later if you have time!
Walking to Jerónimos Monastery
If you’re already in Belém, everything is walkable.
From Belém Tower: ~15 minutes
From Padrão dos Descobrimentos: ~5 minutes
From Pastéis de Belém: ~3 minutes
The area is flat, spacious, and pedestrian-friendly.
Accessibility Notes
Belém is one of Lisbon’s most accessible neighbourhoods
Pavements are wide and relatively flat
Public transport and Ubers make access easier than many historic areas
Expect some cobblestones, but fewer steep hills than central Lisbon. Most of what you’ll want to see in Belém is close to the river, where it’s flatter.
This area also has plenty of e-scooters available as street rentals, which can be an easy way to get around Belém if walking longer distances feels tiring. You’ll also find bicycle rentals along the riverside, making it a good option if you’d like to explore Belém by bike.
My Quick Recommendations (At a Glance)
Fastest & easiest: Train from Cais do Sodré
Most iconic: Tram 15E (early morning only)
Least stressful: Uber or taxi
With kids or groups: Train or Uber
Already in Belém: Walk
Final Tip From a Local Guide
Jerónimos Monastery is one of Lisbon’s most visited landmarks, and how you arrive can shape your entire experience. I always recommend choosing the calmest option, even if it means skipping the most famous one.
Arrive early if you can, give yourself time to explore Belém, and enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
If you’d like help planning your visit or understanding the best times to go, feel free to explore the rest of the site.
