Are you planning a vacation in Europe? How about exploring the charming city of Lisbon?
One of the top attractions that you don’t want to miss is the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge.
Still, when you see it for the first time, you will experience a visual déjà vu. The bridge resembles the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge, making it a unique and captivating sight.
As the longest suspension bridge in Europe, it’s worth adding to your bucket list of things to see and do when you visit Lisbon.
History of Lisbon Golden Gate Bridge
The 25th of April Bridge or Ponte 25 de Abril towers above the Alcântara area.
It is one of the most beautiful bridges connecting Alcântara on the north bank to Almada on the south bank. It is located in the narrowest part of the Tagus River and has a total length of 2,277 meters.
The bridge carries cars and trains and has a toll when using the northbound route. It has six car lanes and opened in 1966. It was the first bridge to span the river, as a ferry was the only way to cross.
The largest suspension bridge was completed after four years by the American Bridge Company. American Bridge Company also built the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, the main reason for the resemblance.
Another reason is that Lisbon and San Francisco are seismic areas. So, the bridge choice needs to have the deepest foundation, going 80 meters into a layer of basalt.
This impressive bridge had a different name: Ponte Salazar Bridge, after António Salazar (1889-1970). The name changed to Ponter de Abril in 1974 after the Carnation Revolution on April 25, 1974.
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Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge Tourist Information
The Lisbon Golden Gate Bridge carries the A2 expressway, and you find the Fertagus railway to Setubal. Still, you cannot cross the bridge on foot or by bicycle.
Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge Toll Fees
When traveling northwards into Lisbon, you must pay a toll fee. But you need not pay a toll when heading to the southern banks leaving Lisbon.
The same rule applies when you use the Ponte Vasco da Gama bridge in Lisbon. The toll fees are €1.90 for a car and €4.15 for a van or campervan.
You can pay by cash or use your debit card 💳 but the best method is cash, as some foreign bank cards, like American Express, are not widely accepted.
The Luso Ponte website details the tolls; 16 lanes lead to the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge. Furthermore, the instructions on the signs can also be confusing. The cash/debit card toll booths are on the left lanes.
Alternatively, you can use the “Via Verde” to pay for toll expressways automatically. You attach the transponder to your windscreen linked to your bank account.
When leaving Lisbon Airport with a rental car, it may already have the Via Verde transponder installed, which is a great help when traveling long distances.
Hot Tip🔥: Avoid this elegant structure during rush hours (Monday through Friday from 8-10 AM, 1-2 PM, and 4-6 PM) as it is the only north-south route out of the capital city.
I’ve crossed this bridge countless times to visit my favorite beach: Costa da Caparica.
You’ll do, too, if you visit this beautiful beach. It’s perfect for surfing, relaxing, and eating an incredible seafood meal.
To get the best view of this majestic construction, as you cannot access the bridge on foot, head to the Christo Rei statue on the Tejo Estuary’s southern banks.
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Ponte 25 View From Experiência Pilar 7
Though you cannot walk over the bridge, I recommend standing at road level at the Experiência Pilar.
It is a museum that details the construction of this complex structure. It also shows the inner workings of the bridge.
The bridge has 14 pillars, and the museum is in its central span, the key anchor point.
Hot Tip🔥: A highlight is to travel with the lift up the Experiência Pilar to the road level and walk on a glass floor 80m above the ground.
Entry to the Experiência Pilar 7 costs €5.50. The museum’s entrance is at the rear of the LX Factory complex in Avenida da India.
How to Get to The Ponte 25 De Abril
You can cross the Ponte 25 de Abril by car or take a train from Cais do Sodre Entrecampos, Sete Rios, or Oriente.
Get the best views of the Ponte 25 traveling with the Cais do Sodre to Alcantara Mar train.
Alternatively, take Tram 18 or 15 and walk along the river to Doca de Santo Amaro or access the observation deck at Vila Gale Opera Hotel.
The nearest station to Ponte 25 de Abril is Alcântara-mar and Santos on the Cascais Line from Cais do Sodre Station.
Or you can take these Lisbon buses:
- #73B
- #201
- #712
- #714
- #720
- #727
- #728
- #738
- #751
- #760
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Attractions Nearby Ponte 25 de Abril
I already mentioned the Pilar 7 Bridge Experience, which involves visiting Ponte 25 de Abril.
Another exciting aspect of the attraction is that it is an interactive museum. So, you can enjoy a virtual reality exhibition with views over the river and see the Ponte Vasco da Gama bridge.
Still, there are other places to explore.
Museums Close to Ponte 25 de Abril
In the Alcântara area, you can visit the following museums:
- Museu do Oriente entrance fee €6
- Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (National Museum of Ancient Art) entrance fee €10
- Museu da Marioneta (both in nearby Santos) entrance fee €5
- Museu do Centro CientÃfico e Cultural de Macau entrance fee €3
- Museu da Carris entrance fee €4
LX Factory
Enjoy a walk to this trendy dining and shopping area to enjoy traditional Portuguese food and view the nearby art gallery. The industrial site is a short 18-minute walk from Ponte 25 de Abril. Or head to the Docas, a beautiful dock area with bars and restaurants.
Belem Attractions
Another highlight close to the Ponte 25 de Abril is the Ajuda and Belem district. You can take the Cascais line and stop at Belem Station. Here you can explore:
- Jeronimos Monastery – Vasco da Gama’s resting place entrance fee €10
- Belem Tower – Age of Discovery symbol entrance fee €6
- Discoveries Monument – A world’s explorers in stone entrance fee €6
- Berardo Museum – World-class collection of modern art entrance fee €5
- Maritime Museum – Learn about Portugal’s pioneering role in world exploration at the sea entrance fee €7
- Archaeology Museum – Explore archaeological finds entrance fee €6
- Belem Cultural Center – Modern cultural center entrance fee €4
- Tropical Garden – This beautiful garden has rare plants from around the world; entrance fee €4
- Belem Palace – Portugal’s president’s home entrance fee €2.50
- Memoria Church – Graceful neoclassical church entrance free
- Ajuda Palace – An elegant royal palace entrance fee €8
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Wrap-Up: Ponte 25 De Abril Bridge
The Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge is a remarkable landmark in Lisbon, Portugal, and it is worth visiting.
With its stunning design and similarities to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, it is no wonder it has become a popular destination.
Whether you are interested in architecture or engineering or want to take in the breathtaking views of the city, the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge is a must-see attraction in Lisbon.
