Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, offers a fantastic benefit for its senior residents: free public transportation. This initiative allows individuals aged 65 and over to navigate the city using Carris buses, Metro, and CP trains within the Lisbon municipality without any cost. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to take advantage of this valuable program, ensuring eligible seniors can easily access Lisbon’s extensive public transport network.
Eligibility for Free Public Transport in Lisbon
To qualify for free public transportation in Lisbon, senior citizens must meet specific criteria. These requirements ensure that the benefit is directed towards Lisbon’s elderly residents who rely on public transport for their daily commutes and activities. The eligibility criteria are straightforward:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be 65 years of age or older. This is the primary age threshold to access the free pass.
- Tax Residency in Lisbon Municipality: It’s essential to be a tax resident within the Lisbon municipality. This residency needs to be officially certified to confirm eligibility.
- Customized Navegante Card: Eligible seniors need to possess a personalized “navegante card” that is specifically configured with a “+65 customer profile.” This card is the key to accessing the free transportation benefit.
Meeting these three conditions allows seniors to travel freely on Carris, Metro, and CP services within the municipality of Lisbon, making it easier and more affordable to move around the city.
How to Apply for the Free Senior Travel Pass
Obtaining the free monthly pass involves a simple application process. The application can be initiated at specific locations within the Metro network, designed to assist seniors in getting their passes efficiently. To apply for this free monthly pass, please visit either the Customer Care centers or designated “navegante Spaces” located within the Metro network. These centers are equipped to handle applications and provide assistance throughout the process.
Once you are eligible and have your +65 navegante card, the free travel pass needs to be activated. This pass is valid for a period of 30 consecutive days and must be renewed. Loading the pass is convenient and can be done at various locations:
- Ticket Vending Machines: Available at all Metro stations, these machines allow for quick and easy loading of the free pass onto your navegante card.
- Ticket Offices: For those who prefer in-person assistance, Ticket Offices at major stations are also equipped to load the pass. These stations include:
- Campo Grande
- Colégio Militar/Luz
- Jardim Zoológico
- Marquês de Pombal
- Rossio
- Baixa-Chiado
- Cais do Sodré
- Oriente
- Aeroporto
Remember that this free travel pass is not automatically renewed; it requires an annual renewal to remain active. This ensures that eligibility is re-verified and the benefit continues to serve Lisbon’s senior community.
Required Documents for Navegante Card and Free Pass
The documents required depend on whether you already possess a Navegante card and what type of card it is. The application process is streamlined based on your current Navegante card status, making it easier for everyone to apply. Here’s a breakdown of the necessary documents based on your situation:
| You don’t have a Navegante card | You have a valid Normal Navegante card without customer profile or a valid Urban Navegante card for Senior Citizens (3.ª Idade) | You have a Navegante card with customer profile Navegante Urbano for Senior Citizens (3.ª Idade) |
|---|---|---|
| Location: Ticket Office/Express delivery | Location: Customer Care Network and Navegante Spaces | Location: Customer Care Network and Navegante Spaces |
| +65 Requirements: • Duly completed application form for Navegante card and corresponding documents • Identification document and proof of age • Certificate of tax residency | +65 Requirements: • Identification card and proof of age • Certificate of tax residency | +65 Requirements: • Certificate of tax residency |
Important Notes Regarding the Free Pass:
- Card Issuance First: If you are applying for a new Navegante card, you must wait until the card is issued before you can load the free travel pass onto it.
- Tax Residency Certificate Validity: The tax residency certificate is a crucial document and must be recent. It cannot be older than 6 months from the date of your pass application.
How to Obtain a Tax Residency Certificate:
To get your tax residency certificate, you can easily access it online through the Portuguese Tax Authority portal.
- Visit the website: https://www.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt
- In the website’s search box, type “pedir certidão”.
- Click on ‘acesso’ when the search result appears.
- Select the certificate labeled ‘domicílio fiscal’.
- Click on ‘obter’ to obtain your certificate.
Alternatively, you can also obtain this certificate in person by visiting your local tax office. Ensure that the certificate is obtained within 6 months of your free pass application to meet the validity requirement.
By following these steps and providing the necessary documentation, senior residents of Lisbon can enjoy the significant benefit of free public transportation, making the city more accessible and affordable for their daily travel needs.
