The Linha Azul (Blue Line) of the Lisbon Metro is one of the four lines that make up the city’s underground rapid transit system. Officially inaugurated on September 29, 1959, it’s Lisbon’s oldest metro line and a vital artery for commuters and tourists alike.
Originally conceived as a Y-shaped line, it has undergone numerous extensions and modifications over the decades. The initial section connected Rotunda (now Marquês de Pombal) to Restauradores. Today, the Blue Line stretches approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) and boasts 18 stations, connecting Reboleira in the northwest to Santa Apolónia on the Tagus River waterfront. This extensive network makes it a crucial component of Lisbon’s public transportation, linking residential areas with the city center, business districts, and transportation hubs.
The Linha Azul’s route is strategically planned to serve key areas of Lisbon. From Reboleira, it passes through populous residential neighborhoods like Amadora Este, Alfornelos, and Pontinha, facilitating daily commutes for residents traveling to work or school. As it approaches the city center, the line serves important locations such as the Colégio Militar/Luz station (near the Benfica football stadium and a major shopping center), Alto dos Moinhos (close to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum), and Laranjeiras (near the Lisbon Zoo).
Once inside the central area, the Linha Azul intersects with other metro lines at several crucial stations. Marquês de Pombal provides a transfer point to the Yellow Line, facilitating north-south travel. Parque, located near Eduardo VII Park, offers connections to the airport bus service. Avenida, renowned for its upscale shops and theaters, is a significant station along the line. Restauradores connects to the Glória Funicular and provides access to the bustling Rossio square. Baixa-Chiado, a double-barrel station, allows passengers to transfer to the Green Line and explore the historic Baixa and Chiado districts. Terreiro do Paço drops passengers right at the Praca do Comercio, the heart of Lisbon.
The eastern terminus, Santa Apolónia, is a major transportation hub. It connects to the national railway network, providing access to trains traveling throughout Portugal and internationally. The station also serves as a departure point for cruise ships and ferries, making it a vital gateway for travelers arriving in or departing from Lisbon.
Like all Lisbon Metro lines, the Linha Azul is easily identifiable by its distinctive blue color both on maps and within the stations. The stations themselves are notable for their clean design and artistic tile panels, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage. The frequency of trains varies throughout the day, but generally runs every few minutes during peak hours, ensuring efficient and reliable transportation.
Beyond its practical function, the Linha Azul is also a time capsule of Lisbon’s history. Many of the original stations retain elements of their mid-20th-century design, offering a glimpse into the city’s past. As Lisbon continues to grow and evolve, the Linha Azul remains an indispensable part of its urban fabric, connecting people and places and contributing to the city’s vibrancy and accessibility.