Nazaré Funicular: schedules, prices, and everything you need to know

The Nazaré Funicular connects the lower part of the town with the Sítio, at the top of the cliff, with departures every 15 minutes. It offers panoramic views of the beach and operates every day. In this article, discover the schedules, prices, and practical tips to enjoy this experience during your visit.

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What is the Nazaré Funicular and why is it worth using?

The Nazaré Funicular, or Nazaré elevator, was inaugurated on July 28, 1889, and is considered one of the best initiatives in the history of this fishing village. This is because the funicular allowed the growth of Sítio da Nazaré and brought it closer to the beach.

The difficulty of accessing the Sítio had always interfered with the development of the area and the settlement of the population. To make life easier for locals and for pilgrims heading to Senhora da Nazaré, an association was created to build the Funicular, with the project designed by engineer Raul Mesnier du Ponsard, a disciple of Eiffel and responsible for most of Lisbon’s elevators.

The line runs on an open cable over pulleys, covering a length of 318 meters with a 42% incline. It’s no coincidence that it’s one of the means of transport offering the most spectacular views of Nazaré.

Considered Municipal Heritage, it originally operated with steam-powered cars until 1963. After an accident, it was closed for five years and reopened with new cars and a new system. In June 2022, the current cars were inaugurated, considered more modern and safer.

The Nazaré Funicular is so famous because its history is linked to the urban and tourist development of the town, and today it is one of its main attractions. Plus, the ride offers a unique perspective of the coast and the town, perfect for photography lovers.

How long is the ride and what can you see along the way?

As mentioned, the Nazaré Funicular runs in a straight line for 318 meters from the edge of Nazaré Beach to the top of Sítio da Nazaré.

The ride is short and comfortable, lasting approximately 2 to 3 minutes. During the journey, passengers can enjoy stunning views of the beach, the town’s typical houses, and the vast Atlantic Ocean.

For those who want to capture the best photos, it’s recommended to sit on the side facing the sea. Additionally, upon arrival at the top, the viewpoint next to the station offers an even broader and more spectacular panorama of the lower part of the town and the coastline. It’s definitely worth including this experience in your Nazaré itinerary.

Nazaré Funicular schedule and ticket prices

The Nazaré Funicular operates from 7:15 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Monday to Sunday.
Departures take place every 15 minutes in both directions.

Ticket prices:

Ticket type	Adult	Child
Single trip (one way)	€2.50	€2.00
Round trip	€4.00	€3.50
6-trip pass	€10.00	€7.50
“Mar” ticket (7 days)	€17.50	—

Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket offices located at the departure and arrival stations of the funicular. Payment can be made in cash or by card.

Where is the Nazaré Funicular and how to get there?

The lower station of the Nazaré Funicular is located at Largo do Elevador, in the northern area of Nazaré Beach. The entrance is at the end of Rua do Elevador, a narrow, well-signposted street leading directly to the boarding point.
Those arriving on foot from the town center just need to follow the signs to Largo do Elevador. For those coming by car, there are public parking lots near the beach, from where it’s easy to access the station.
Guests at Ohai Nazaré can choose to walk or use local transport to the town center and then continue to the Funicular. For convenience, it’s recommended to check the exact location on Google Maps.

Practical tips to enjoy the Funicular ride

• Best time of day: to avoid queues, use the Funicular early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially in summer months.
• Avoid queues: in high season (July and August), queues can be long mid-morning and early afternoon. Plan your visit outside these times whenever possible.
• Accessibility: the Funicular is accessible for people with reduced mobility and allows baby strollers.
• Payment methods: ticket offices accept both cash and card payments.
• With children or elderly: the Funicular is a comfortable and safe option for families with young children or for those who prefer to avoid walking uphill.
• Enjoy the ride: not just as transportation, but as a unique visual experience of the town and the coast.

Alternatives to reach the Sítio: Funicular, on foot, or local transport?

• On foot: free, but requires good physical condition due to the steep slope and steps. Ideal for those who enjoy exploring on foot.
• Funicular: offers panoramic views, is quick (2–3 minutes), and comfortable. Perfect for those looking for a pleasant, effortless experience.
• By car: it’s possible to drive up to the Sítio, but parking can be difficult, especially in high season, and some streets are narrow.

For most visitors, the Funicular is the most practical and enjoyable option, combining convenience with stunning views.

Now that you know a bit about the history of the Nazaré Funicular, how about discovering more about the town’s history?

Read some curiosities on our blog and, of course, book your stay at Ohai Nazaré.
There’s a paradise in Nazaré. Discover it!