HIPPOtrip

HIPPOtrip is a sightseeing tour on a vehicle that is a bus and a boat at once. It sets off from Doca de Santo Amaro, the marina in Alcântara under the 25 de Abril bridge, drives through the city, and then heads down to the Tagus and drives straight into the river. The bus carries on as a boat for the water part of the trip before coming back to land. The whole tour takes about 90 minutes, with no stops, and you stay in your seat throughout.

Children who have been told all their lives that cars and water don’t mix tend to find the splash very funny, and it gives even a museum-weary child a reason to look at the city.

HIPPOtrip lists the route as taking in areas such as Cais do Sodré, Bairro Alto and Belém. It can change when there are roadworks or traffic restrictions. The highlight is the moment the vehicle goes down the ramp into the river, and from the water you get a different view of the waterfront you just drove along.

The tour isn’t a traditional commentary with a microphone. HIPPOtrip calls its guides animadores (hosts), and they share myths, legends and odd facts about Lisbon, run quizzes and get the passengers joining in. Expect to be taught the tour’s cheer, “Hippo, Hippo, Hurra!”. Tours run in Portuguese and English; other languages are only possible if you hire the whole vehicle.

The minimum age is 2, because every passenger has to wear a seatbelt. Toddlers enjoy the splash and the ride, though the side walls are high for safety on the water and can block small children’s view; HIPPOtrip allows “Type 3” booster seats that fix to the seat with a two-point belt, so bring one if you have it. Children of about 5 to 12 get the most out of the hosts’ quizzes and the drama of the river entry. Teenagers get some of the city’s history and geography along the way, without a walking tour.

Children aged 2 to 16 must travel with an adult or senior, and each adult can take at most five children.

When checked in September 2026, tickets cost €30 for adults aged 17 to 64 and €20 for children aged 2 to 16 and over-65s. In July and August each ticket costs €4 more. Families of two adults and two or more children get 10% off, as do groups of 10 or more, and there are partner discounts for holders of cards such as the Lisboa Card, the Ciência Viva card and the ISIC student card. HIPPOtrip’s terms say it uses dynamic pricing, so the price can change with the date, time and demand, and the price shown when you buy is the one that applies.

You can book online, by phone on 211 922 030 (09:00 to 18:00), or at the ticket office at Doca de Santo Amaro, which also opens 09:00 to 18:00. Booking isn’t compulsory, but HIPPOtrip recommends it, and at weekends, in the holidays and in summer most tours sell out. Phone bookings must be paid at the ticket office at least 30 minutes before departure.

Tickets are for a set date and time. You can change them up to 96 hours before the tour, and cancel for a full refund within 48 hours of buying as long as the tour is still at least 96 hours away.

Tours run every day except 25 December and 1 January:

• October to March: 10:00, 12:00, 14:10 and 16:10
• April to September: the same, plus 18:15

When it’s busy, extra tours run at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 or 19:00. Because of traffic, tides or scheduling, departures can move 15 to 30 minutes either way, so check your booking on the day.

Be at the boarding point at least 20 minutes before your time. If you miss the tour, there’s no refund, but you can wait stand-by for a later tour that day if seats are free.

Boarding means climbing a steep ladder with five steps, and every passenger must get on and off without help. Maritime rules mean HIPPOtrip can’t take wheelchair users or people with very reduced mobility. There’s no room on board for buggies, luggage or bulky items; you can leave them at the ticket office during the tour, though HIPPOtrip isn’t responsible for them.

The vehicle is open at the sides, and the river is often colder and windier than the streets, so bring layers in winter and sun cream in summer. Tours run in the rain, and the windows can be closed if needed. If conditions stop the vehicle entering the water, you can ask for half your money back. Life jackets are stored under the seats for emergencies and aren’t worn during the tour.

No food or drink is allowed on board except bottled water, so feed hungry children before you go. Pregnant women can ride. Small pets can come along in a closed carrier on the floor at your feet, and the owner signs a form beforehand; certified assistance dogs travel without a carrier.

HIPPOtrip can be booked for groups of 10 or more, including two birthday packages and school trips. For groups the vehicle can be hired exclusively, with the route, length and language adapted, and school tours can focus on Portuguese history topics. Contact HIPPOtrip through the groups page or on 211 922 030.

The departure point is a short walk from the Museu da Carris, Lisbon’s tram museum in a working depot at Santo Amaro, which makes a good double bill for vehicle-mad children. Further along the river in Belém, the Museu de Marinha has royal barges and the seaplane that first crossed the South Atlantic, and Central Tejo at MAAT keeps the giant machines of an old power station. Finish with a custard tart at Pastéis de Belém.

How long is the HIPPOtrip tour?

About 90 minutes, with no stops.

What is the minimum age for HIPPOtrip?

Two. Everyone wears a seatbelt, and children aged 2 to 16 must be with an adult.

Can you take a buggy on HIPPOtrip?

No. There’s no room for buggies on board, but you can leave one at the ticket office during the tour.

Do you need to book HIPPOtrip in advance?

It isn’t compulsory, but it’s recommended. At weekends, in school holidays and in summer most tours sell out.

Does HIPPOtrip run in the rain?

Yes. The windows can be closed, and if the vehicle can’t go into the river because of the conditions, you can claim 50% of the ticket price back.

Is there a family discount?

Yes: 10% off for two adults with two or more children.