To many visitors, the tuk tuk is now as much a symbol of Lisbon as the yellow tram. Yet it’s a recent arrival, with roots in Asia and Italy. Here’s what a tuk tuk is, how Lisbon’s tuk tuks work and why they’ve become so controversial — and so popular.
Tuk tuk: definition and origin of the name
A tuk tuk is a motorised tricycle: one wheel at the front, two at the back, a driver’s seat in front and a covered bench for passengers. It’s known as an auto rickshaw in India, a tuk tuk in Thailand and much of the world, and is related to light three-wheeled utility vans such as Italy’s Piaggio Ape, launched in the late 1940s. The name « tuk tuk » is an onomatopoeia of the putt-putting of the small engines of early models.
How did tuk tuks arrive in Lisbon?
Tuk tuks appeared in Lisbon in the early 2010s as the city’s tourism took off. Their size suited the narrow streets and steep hills of Alfama, Mouraria and Graça, where buses can’t go and the trams are packed. Within a few years they were everywhere — by 2025, more than 1,000 tuk tuks circulated in the city, which led to the restrictions explained in our practical guide.
What does a Lisbon tuk tuk look like?
- Vintage style: rounded Italian-style cabins, colourful paintwork, often restored or rebuilt.
- Modern electric: boxier, with a flat floor, two facing benches and USB plugs — see our eco tuk tuk guide.
- Capacity: usually 4–6 passengers on two or three benches; groups use several vehicles.
- Comfort: open sides with roll-down rain covers, blankets in winter, basic lap belts.
How are tuk tuks regulated in Portugal?
In Portugal, tuk tuks used for tours are classed as tourist entertainment vehicles (veículos de animação turística): the operating company must be registered as a tourist entertainment operator and insured, and the vehicle must be approved for road use. On top of this, Lisbon has restricted where tuk tuks can drive and stop since April 2025, and plans parking permits and an end to combustion models. Porto has also banned tuk tuks from several downtown streets.
Read also:The best tuk tuk tours in Lisbon, compared
Can you rent or drive a tuk tuk yourself?
Self-drive tuk tuk rental for tourists is rare in Lisbon: the vehicles belong to licensed operators and come with a professional driver, and the street restrictions make self-driving impractical. Companies do rent tuk tuks with drivers for events, weddings and corporate incentives. If you’re thinking of buying a tuk tuk to start a business in Portugal, check the tourist-operator licensing and Lisbon’s new parking permits first — the city intends to reduce, not increase, the number of tuk tuks.
Tuk tuk or tram 28?
| Tuk tuk | Tram 28 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ≈ €80–130 per vehicle for 2 h | ≈ €3 per ride |
| Stops | Wherever the views are (designated stops) | Fixed stops, no photo breaks |
| Crowds | Private | Very crowded in high season |
| Commentary | Live guide | None |
Frequently asked questions
What is a tuk tuk?
A small three-wheeled motor vehicle with an open cabin, also called an auto rickshaw, used as a taxi in Asia and for sightseeing tours in Lisbon.
Why is it called a tuk tuk?
The name imitates the « tuk-tuk » sound of the small two-stroke engines of early models in Thailand.
How many people can ride in a tuk tuk in Lisbon?
Usually 4 to 6 passengers plus the driver, depending on the model.
Since when are there tuk tuks in Lisbon?
Since the early 2010s, growing quickly with tourism to more than 1,000 vehicles by 2025.
Can I rent a tuk tuk in Lisbon and drive it myself?
Self-drive rental is rare and impractical due to street restrictions. Tuk tuks are rented with a driver, including for events and groups.
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