Guide to Route 2708: from Cabeço Aguieira to culture, shopping and the Tagus in Lisbon
Between Loures and Lisbon, route 2708 connects Cabeço Aguieira to Oriente Station and crosses residential neighborhoods, traditional urban centers, Sacavém, Moscavide and Parque das Nações.
The route begins near Estrada Militar, in the Cabeço Aguieira area, and continues through Quinta da Granja, Catujal and Unhos. In this first section, residential areas and local shops predominate, with stops near markets, local shopping centers and busy streets in the parish.
As it approaches the Tagus, the route enters Sacavém and Moscavide, two locations with a strong urban identity and a historic connection to the region's industrial activity. The final section ends at Oriente Station, the gateway to Parque das Nações and to one of the capital's largest concentrations of leisure, culture, shopping and dining.
Notice: the distances indicated are approximate and were estimated from the coordinates provided and the locations of the stops, considering the general proximity between the route and each place. The reported frequency is 71 departures in the Cabeço Aguieira–Oriente direction and 64 in the opposite direction on weekdays; on Saturdays there are 39 departures in each direction and, on Sundays and public holidays, 28 departures in each direction.
| Place | Category | Nearest stop/section | Approximate distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Church of Saint Anthony of Moscavide | Heritage and architecture | Moscavide Avenue (Church) | 100 to 200 meters |
| Moscavide Forest | Restaurant | João Pinto Ribeiro Street / Moscavide Avenue | 300 to 500 meters |
| Sacavém Ceramics Museum | Museum and industrial heritage | EN 10 (Clinic), Sacavém | 100 to 200 meters |
| Tagus and Trancão Urban Park | Park and outdoor leisure | EN 6-11, Sacavém area | 700 meters to 1 kilometer |
| Vasco da Gama Center | Shopping center and dining | Oriente Station 20-B | 100 to 300 meters |
| Lisbon International Fair | Trade fairs, congresses and events | Oriente Station 20-B | 400 to 600 meters |
| Lisbon Oceanarium | Tourist and cultural attraction | Oriente Station 20-B | 700 to 900 meters |
| Knowledge Pavilion | Interactive science museum | Oriente Station 20-B | 700 to 900 meters |
Church of Saint Anthony of Moscavide
In central Moscavide, the Church of Saint Anthony stands out for its modern architecture and the integration of works of art into the building. Built in the middle of the 20th century, the church has Cargaleiro tiles on its façade, as well as stained-glass windows, a baldachin and other pieces associated with the artistic and liturgical renewal of the period.
It is an interesting stop for anyone who enjoys observing the heritage of Lisbon's neighborhoods beyond the better-known monuments. The church is next to Moscavide Avenue, on a section directly served by route 2708 in the return direction.
- 📍 Location: Moscavide Avenue, Moscavide, Loures.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Moscavide Avenue (Church), between 100 and 200 meters.
- 🏷️ Category: Heritage, architecture and religious site.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Façade with Cargaleiro tiles and an interior with modern artistic elements.
Moscavide Forest
For a gastronomic break along the route's urban section, Moscavide Forest is a traditional local dining landmark. The restaurant is located on Almirante Gago Coutinho Street, near the stops serving central Moscavide, and represents the neighborhood-shopping profile that gives the town's streets their vibrancy.
The establishment is associated with Portuguese cuisine and offers meat and fish options, providing an alternative for anyone wishing to turn a bus trip into a tour of Moscavide's shops and restaurants. As opening hours and operations may vary, it is worth confirming that it is open before visiting.
- 📍 Location: 12-A and 12-B Almirante Gago Coutinho Street, Moscavide.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: João Pinto Ribeiro Street or Moscavide Avenue, between 300 and 500 meters.
- 🏷️ Category: Restaurant and Portuguese cuisine.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Traditional establishment located along Moscavide's shopping and dining corridor.
Sacavém Ceramics Museum
The Sacavém Ceramics Museum occupies a special place in Loures's industrial memory. Located on the former grounds of the Sacavém Earthenware Factory, the institution preserves the history of ceramic production that shaped the city and includes Kiln 18, one of the main physical remnants of the factory complex.
The museum contains exhibition spaces, an auditorium and a documentation center dedicated to ceramics and the municipality's industrial heritage. Its location is particularly convenient for anyone getting off at the EN 10 stop near the clinic. However, the municipal information consulted states that the museum is temporarily closed to the public; therefore, the visit should be confirmed before setting out.
- 📍 Location: Urbanização Real Forte, Manuel Joaquim Afonso Square, Sacavém.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: EN 10 (Clinic), Sacavém, between 100 and 200 meters.
- 🏷️ Category: Museum, local history and industrial heritage.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: The building incorporates Kiln 18, a remnant of the former earthenware factory.
Tagus and Trancão Urban Park
At the transition between Sacavém and Parque das Nações, the Tagus and Trancão Urban Park offers a complete change of scenery. The green space stretches along the bank of the Tagus and includes walking paths, rest areas, fitness equipment, a children's playground, a skate park, a dog park and picnic areas.
It is a good choice for anyone who wants to use the trip to walk, observe the estuarine landscape or take an outdoor break. The route does not enter the park directly, but the stops on EN 6-11 and in the Sacavém shopping area serve as access points, with the final approach made on foot.
- 📍 Location: Tagus riverbank and Trancão estuary area, between Sacavém and Parque das Nações.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: EN 6-11, especially in the B Trapézio area, between 700 meters and 1 kilometer.
- 🏷️ Category: Urban park, leisure and nature.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Riverside setting with green areas, sports facilities and views of the estuary and the Vasco da Gama Bridge.
Vasco da Gama Center
Getting off at Oriente Station places passengers practically at the doors of Vasco da Gama Center, one of the main shopping hubs in Parque das Nações. The complex brings together fashion stores, services, a hypermarket, restaurants and leisure spaces, making it a practical option for shopping, dining or simply waiting for a connection.
The shopping center also benefits from its direct connection to Oriente Station, which concentrates the metro, trains and several bus routes. For anyone arriving on route 2708, it is one of the easiest destinations along the route: simply get off at Oriente Station and follow the short pedestrian passage to the center.
- 📍 Location: D. João II Avenue, Parque das Nações, Lisbon.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Oriente Station 20-B, between 100 and 300 meters.
- 🏷️ Category: Shopping center, dining and leisure.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A wide variety of stores and restaurants, with immediate access to Oriente Station.
Lisbon International Fair
The Lisbon International Fair, known as FIL, is located in the heart of Parque das Nações and hosts trade fairs, congresses, exhibitions and events in various fields. The venue has four pavilions and a calendar that includes events open to the public and professional gatherings.
Access from route 2708 is simple: Oriente Station is just a few minutes' walk from FIL. Before getting off, it is advisable to check the venue's schedule, as the experience depends on the event currently taking place and the entry rules for each fair.
- 📍 Location: Rua do Bojador, Parque das Nações, Lisbon.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Oriente Station 20-B, between 400 and 600 meters.
- 🏷️ Category: Exhibition center, trade fairs and congresses.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A varied schedule of major events and proximity to the metro, train and buses.
Lisbon Oceanarium
The Lisbon Oceanarium is the best-known attraction along the final section of route 2708. Located at Doca dos Olivais in Parque das Nações, the facility presents marine environments and species from different regions of the planet, with the main aquarium as its primary visitor attraction.
The walk from Oriente Station passes through one of the busiest and most modern areas of Lisbon's riverside. The visit can be combined with a stroll through the gardens and along Alameda dos Oceanos, making the Oceanarium a good option both for families and for visitors interested in the architecture and landscape of the former Expo 98 area.
- 📍 Location: Doca dos Olivais, D. Carlos I Esplanade, Parque das Nações, Lisbon.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Oriente Station 20-B, between 700 and 900 meters.
- 🏷️ Category: Aquarium, tourist attraction, environmental education and leisure.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: An immersive experience dedicated to marine life, with accessibility in all areas.
Knowledge Pavilion
Also accessible from Oriente Station, the Knowledge Pavilion – Ciência Viva Center uses interactive exhibitions to bring science and technology closer to the public. The space was designed to encourage experimentation, with modules and activities that invite children, young people and adults to participate.
It is a particularly suitable destination for family leisure days or for anyone looking for a cultural attraction different from traditional museums. The visit can be combined with the Oceanarium and the riverside walk, all concentrated in the same area of Parque das Nações.
- 📍 Location: 1 José Mariano Gago Square, Parque das Nações, Lisbon.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Oriente Station 20-B, between 700 and 900 meters.
- 🏷️ Category: Interactive science and technology museum.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Practical and participatory exhibitions, with activities designed for different ages.
In practice, route 2708 functions as a direct connection between the residential areas of Loures and some of the main leisure destinations in eastern Lisbon. For those departing from Cabeço Aguieira, Catujal or Unhos, the route makes it possible to reach Sacavém and Moscavide without changing buses and continue to Oriente Station, where an itinerary combining shopping, dining, museums, parks and attractions along the Tagus begins. In the opposite direction, the route provides the return journey to Loures, with 64 departures on weekdays and service also on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Sources
- Sacavém Ceramics Museum – Loures City Council
- Contacts and ticket office for Loures cultural facilities
- Church of Saint Anthony of Moscavide – Loures Tourism
- Loures dining options
- Tagus and Trancão Urban Park – Lisbon City Council
- Vasco da Gama Center
- FIL – Lisbon International Fair
- Lisbon Oceanarium
- Knowledge Pavilion – Ciência Viva Center