Lisbon Solo Travel by ALSA Bus

From Valladolid to Lisbon 

My Unforgettable Solo Bus Adventure 

On Friday, June 6th, 2025, I set off on a solo trip from Valladolid to Lisbon by ALSA bus, a journey that promised to be both budget-friendly and full of surprises. With my outbound ticket costing just 30 euros and the return at 41 euros, it felt like an adventure worth every cent. The bus departed Valladolid at 9:15 in the morning and after nearly nine long hours, with breaks every three hours for food and toilet stops, we reached Lisbon by 6:15 in the evening.

Lisbon has two main bus stations: Lisbon Oriente and Sete Rios. My ticket was for Sete Rios, but without realizing, I got off at the first stop—Lisbon Oriente. I only noticed this mistake once I had already left the station and decided to walk to my hotel, Hotel Dublin, to stretch my legs after a long bus ride.

The hotel was booked for three nights via a Hotel Booking Platform for 210 euros, with an additional 4 euros per night charged as city tax, making the total cost 222 euros. I had already paid the 210 euros online, so I just handed over 12 euros in cash upon arrival. The receptionist was polite and quick, and I was soon checked in.

Before reaching the hotel, however, I had to get there first—and that turned into its own adventure. Using my Maps.me app, I checked the walking route. It showed nearly two hours on foot. As crazy as it sounds, I was eager to walk and soak in the vibe of Lisbon. Plus, after sitting for nine hours on the bus, I really needed to move.

About 45 minutes into my walk, I realized that reaching my hotel on foot was not going to happen. I remembered that Lisbon had a metro system, and I had already done some research before the trip, downloading metro maps and reading about the "Lisboa Navegante" card, a tourist travel card that costs 7 euros for 24-hour access plus 0.50 euros for the physical card. I had seen videos explaining the system and was confident I could handle it.

I tried to find a nearby metro station on Maps.me but discovered it was on the other side of a railway track, with no visible way to cross. Just then, I met a Bihari guy who was waiting for a friend to give him a basket of pintura (paint). We chatted for a few minutes, and he pointed me in the right direction, saying that if I kept walking straight, I’d find a metro station—and maybe even a bus terminal. I thanked him and continued.

A few minutes later, I spotted a crossing and made my way to the other side of the railway track. There it was—a metro station! Tired and sweaty, I stepped inside and approached the ticket machine to buy my Lisboa Navegante card.

The process wasn’t as smooth as I had expected. I tried to use a 20-euro note to pay for the 7.50 euro card, but the machine kept rejecting it. I checked the instructions again: only 5 and 10 euro notes were accepted, even though the screen displayed options up to 50 euros. I didn’t have a 10-euro note, only a 5, and then 20s and 50s. My coins were part of a special collection I didn’t want to break unless absolutely necessary.

In my struggle, I stopped a Portuguese woman and tried to explain that I needed change. She spoke only Portuguese, and I spoke English, but with hand gestures and a bit of patience, we managed to understand each other. She tried to help by offering me her own Lisboa Navegante card that still had 1 euro on it. I thanked her, but told her I needed change, not the card. She then gave me 2 euros and walked away, catching her metro train. I was touched by her generosity.

Still determined, I decided to load just 3 euros on a new card instead of the full 7.50 euros. (Watch my video for details on how to do this.) Card in hand, I passed through the gate and boarded the red line metro. My journey began at Oriente station and continued to São Sebastião, where I transferred to the blue line and rode to Marquês de Pombal. After 9 or 10 stations, I finally arrived at the stop closest to my hotel.

Every time I entered or exited the metro, I had to scan the card at the gate. Later, I learned that Lisbon's metro charges are distance-based, which explains the repeated card usage.

From the metro station, it was a 15-20 minute walk to Hotel Dublin. At the reception, an African gentleman welcomed me and gave me my room key. What surprised me, though, was the hotel policy of leaving the key at the front desk every time you went out, and collecting it again upon return. I had never encountered such a rule in any other hotel. Several times, I saw guests waiting at the reception, frustrated because the receptionist had left a note saying he’d be back in 5 minutes.

Despite this minor inconvenience, the hotel was comfortable. Breakfast was served daily at 8 AM in a large room on the third floor, just two or three doors away from my room. It was a simple self-service meal, not a lavish buffet, but satisfying enough to start the day. An African woman maintained the space, refilling items and clearing the tables. I usually finished breakfast within 20 minutes and then headed out to explore the city.

My walking tours of Lisbon became the highlight of the trip. With every turn, the city unfolded its history, color, and charm. From the vibrant trams and cobbled streets to the soulful music of Fado echoing in alleyways, Lisbon quickly captured my heart. And despite the hiccups—getting off at the wrong station, struggling with the ticket machine, dealing with the hotel key policy—it was all part of the adventure.

Travel isn't always smooth, and it shouldn't be. The best stories often come from moments of uncertainty, spontaneous help from strangers, and small acts of kindness that make all the difference. Lisbon welcomed me with open arms, even when I stumbled.

Planning Your Own Lisbon Adventure?

If you're planning a trip to Lisbon, consider taking a bus—it’s economical and allows you to see the countryside. Don't forget to research the metro system in advance and carry small currency notes for convenience. Hotel Dublin is a decent place to stay, but be prepared for their unique key protocol. And above all, walk the city, feel it, and let yourself get lost. That's when the magic happens.