Arriving by Air

Lisbon, Porto and Faro are the main airports for long-haul flights into Portugal, while European budget airlines fly to cities across the country year-round at very reasonable prices. These budget European airlines also offer very good rates on regular internal flights within Portugal.

The most common entry and exit point for visitors to the Algarve by plane is Faro International Airport, which is located some 6 km (4 miles) west of the city centre. The airport serves both domestic and foreign carriers from all over Europe. Flights from the US and other trans­atlantic destinations route through Lisbon. Canadian carrier Air Transat, however, operates a direct Toronto–Faro service between late January and early April. Portugal’s national airline, TAP Portugal, operates daily scheduled services between the cities of Faro, Lisbon and Porto.

Faro International Airport’s website lists scheduled arrivals and depart­ures. The airport has excellent public transport links into the city centre from the terminal. Local buses 14 and 16 run daily to the centre, departing every half an hour from 5am until 11pm. A taxi from the airport into the centre should cost around €14–16 and take approx­imately 20 minutes to half an hour.

International Train Travel

There are two main routes into Portugal by train. The famous Sud Express train departs daily at 6:45pm from Irun on the French–Spanish border, and splits near Coimbra, arriving into Lisbon and Porto. Irun can be reached from Austerlitz station in Paris. Travelling from London to Lisbon, using the Eurostar to reach Paris,

and then the Sud Express to Lisbon, takes approximately 30 hours. Alternatively, the over­night train from Madrid takes 10 hours. Both routes are operated by the Spanish state-run service Renfe. You can purchase tickets online or at international train stations in Portugal. It is sensible to book ahead in peak season (Jul–Aug).

Regional Train Travel

As the largest city in the Algarve, Faro is the transportation hub for the region. Faro Railway Station is located on Largo da Estação, near the harbour. Comboios de Portugal (CP) operates all trains: the daily high-speed Alfa Pendular (AP) and intercity services (IC) from Lisbon, Porto and Braga terminate here.

Passengers can choose to travel conforto (first-class) or turística (second-class). Seat reservations are obligatory, although they are included in the ticket price. Faro is also on the Algarve rail line, which runs from Lagos in the west to Vila Real de Santo António on the Spanish border.

The regional railway line also connects Vila Real de Santo António with Lagos. While slow, the service is inexpensive and you can purchase a ticket onboard. If you plan to use the train regularly it may be worth purchasing a discounted 2-day (€20.90) or 3-day (€31.90) Tourist Travel Card, which allow unlimited rail travel within that their desig­nated time period. Both are available at larger train stations throughout the Algarve.

Long-Distance Bus Travel

Travelling to Portugal by coach is cheap but very time consuming. Flixbus offers a variety of routes into Portugal from many popular destinations in Western Europe, but it has long journey times.

There are excellent express coach services to the Algarve from cities across Portugal. The two main companies are EVA Transportes and Rede Expressos. Tickets can be purchased on the day of travel from bus stations and ticket desks, but it is prudent to book ahead, especially during the busy summer months.

Regional Bus Travel

The major coach companies operating in the Algarve are Frota Azul Algarve, Próximo and Eva. All operate fast and efficient regional services between the area’s major coastal and inland towns. However, some rural bus travel is slow and sched­ules are sometimes unpredictable. Put your arm out to flag down an approaching bus, otherwise it won’t stop. Note, bus stop signs (paragem) can be on the opposite side of the road, against the direction of intended travel.

Public Transport

In most urban areas bus services suffice as the sole means of public transport. Buses are run privately and several companies operate services between cities. However, most of the region’s town and cities, including Faro, are fairly compact and most sights can be reached on foot.

Faro’s main public transport provider Próximo operates an urban bus network linking the city centre with the airport, beach (Praia de Faro) and the various suburbs. Timetables, maps, fares, and safety and hygiene measures can be found online. Be aware that many routes do not operate in the evenings or at weekends.

To travel beyond Faro’s city limits, hop on one of the regional bus services, which provide reliable transportation throughout the Algarve for a reasonable price.

Tickets

Tickets for AP and IC trains can usually be booked up to 30 days ahead, and considerable discounts can be enjoyed on advance purchase (at least five days) and return tickets. There are also additional 50 per cent discounts for children aged 5–12 (under-5s go free) and for passengers aged 65 and over. Students with valid youth cards also receive discounts.

If a regional rail station is unstaffed you can pay the ticket inspector on board for your ticket. To benefit from any travel discounts you will need to show proof of identity. You can book long-distance tickets online or buy them at bus stations, but they cannot be purchased directly from the driver. Increasingly, digital tickets are being issued to mobile devices. EVA Transportes has a 3-day (€30.50) and a 7-day (€38.20) Tourist Pass for unlimited travel in the Algarve on its extensive bus network.

Taxi

A relatively inexpensive travel option, taxis are widely used in the Algarve. The starting rate for a taxi hailed in the street or flagged at a rank is €3.25. If you phone for a cab an extra 80 cents is levied. Additional charges will be made for carrying luggage, and rates increase by 25 per cent from 9pm to 6am, at weekends and on public holidays. Charges are posted inside the taxi. Note that it is not always cost-effective to travel short distances, because tariffs are usually fixed. Outside towns, journeys by taxi are per kilometre, so establish a price beforehand. Tipping is discretionary, though adding 5–10 per cent to the fare is the norm. The Faro International Airport website has a taxi-service operation page.

Driving

A car is by far the most convenient way to see all that the Algarve has to offer, and it allows you more freedom to explore the region on your own terms without relying on bus or train services.

Portugal’s comprehen­sive motorway system allows for speedy travel between major cities, although less-travelled rural roads may be in need of repair. Make sure you are familiar with the rules of the road and carry all necessary documentation with you at all times.

A tolled motorway (A2) links Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, with the Algarve. Tickets are issued from toll booths when you join a motorway and can be redeemed at the next booth, or when you leave. The cost depends on the distance travelled and vehicle class. Do not use the Via Verde lane at tolls; this is only for drivers who subscribe to an electronic pre-payment system.

Unless you exit at São Bartolomeu de Messines (junction 14), continuing on the A2 south will bring you onto the A22 motor­way (Via do Infante). This is an electron­ically tolled highway and number-plate-recognition cameras are used to charge. If you are driving your own vehicle you have three different ways of paying. The Portugal Tolls website details the methods. If using a hire car you need to pay for road usage at a post office: quote your registration number to find out how much you owe. Some rental-car companies have fitted their fleets with trans­ponders to automatically record travel on the A22. Upon return of the vehicle, your credit card will be charged the applicable fee.

An alternative way to drive to the Algarve is to use the IC1. Though slower, the road is more scenic and avoids the tolled A2. The A49 from Huelva in Spain crosses the bridge over the Rio Guadiana to merge with the A22 near the town of Vila Real de Santo António.

Rules of the Road

When driving a vehicle in Portugal, drive on the right and use the left lane only for passing other vehicles. The wearing of seat belts is required for all passengers regardless of age, and heavy fines are incurred if you are caught using a mobile phone while driving.

The speed limit is 50 km/h (35 mph) in towns and villages, 90 km/h (60 mph) on normal roads and 120 km/h (80 mph) on motorways. Drivers are legally required to stop at pedestrian crossings. The blood-alcohol con­centration (BAC) limit is 0.5mg/ml and is very strictly enforced. Dash­board cameras are illegal in Portugal; they contra­vene privacy laws.

Drivers should always carry their passport, licence and insurance details. In the event of an accident or breakdown, the driver and passengers must don a fluorescent yellow safety vest and erect a collapsible warning triangle 50 m (164 ft) behind the vehicle. The law stipluates that both of these items must be stored in the trunk of the vehicle at all times.

The local motoring association, the ACP (Automóvel Club de Portugal), has a reciprocal breakdown service with most other international motoring organizations. To qualify, drivers should take out European cover with their own organiz­ation. Should you be involved in an accident, the emergency services number is 112. If you have simply broken down, call the ACP or, if driving a hired car, check the instructions supplied by your chosen company.

Driver’s licences issued by any EU member state are valid throughout the EU, including Portugal. If visiting from outside the EU, you may need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP). If you are stop­ped by the police, your personal ID or passport, driving licence and insurance policy will be requested. Proof of ownership may also be needed if it is your own vehicle.

Car Rental

Hiring a car is a popular option. Car hire agencies can be found in main towns and at airports. To rent a car in Portugal you must be over 18 and have held a valid licence for at least one year, although those under 25 usually need to pay a surcharge. Prices drop considerably in the low season and some companies offer special off-peak and weekend deals. It is wise to arrange third-party insurance beforehand or take the pricier “no excess” insurance deals offered upon pick-up. Most car hire companies give the option to pay all road toll fees upon the vehicle’s return.

Scooter and Bicycle Hire

Scooters are suitable for short journeys only; inter-city travel really requires a motorcycle. Most rental companies require a deposit and ask that you leave your passport at the rental shop. You must have a driver’s licence valid for your desired bike category. 50cc vehicles are forbidden on motor­ways and all riders must wear helmets by law.

The Algarve’s historic town centres are ill-equipped for bicycles, but popular cycling routes exist on the flatter fringes and you can rent bicycles in most urban areas and touristic centres. It is best to attempt long-distance journeys during the milder shoulder seasons when the roads are quieter and the heat is much more manageable.

Walking and Hiking

With a vast network of trails, such as the 300-km (186-mile) Via Algarviana (GR13) connecting Alcoutim to Cabo de São Vicente, the Algarve is a fantastic destination for walkers and hikers, but planning and good preparation are essen­tial. Ensure you have good walking boots, suitable clothing and plenty of water, especially if you plan to be out in the heat of the day. Always tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.

Trips and Tours

City Sightseeing operates hop-on hop-off, open-top bus tours in and around Albufeira. The buses stop at all the main sights, including the beach. Fun-packed jeep safaris are organized by Algarve Jeep Safari, and travel well off the beaten track. The more adventurous can take the wheel in one of their buggies.

Algarve Online arranges tours and excursions by private coach to all areas of the region, plus extended journeys to other parts of Portugal and southern Spain.

Formosamar arranges activities that are certified as Ecotourism by the Portuguese Institute for Conservation of Nature and Biodiversity. The com­pany promotes the natural and cultural heritage of the Ria Formosa area.

Renting a Segway from Algarve by Segway provides a novel way of sightseeing. Tour options include a trip to the peak of Fóia.

The Mountain Bike Adventure has qualified guides that lead expedi­tions over some of Europe’s finest tracks.

An unusual way to roam the region is by motorized rickshaw. Love Tuk Olhão combines city tours with excursions to the nearby Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.

Nature enthusiasts, meanwhile, can enjoy a boat trip with Natura Algarve and sail alongside dolphins. The River Guadiana is the backdrop for trips organized by Fun River. The company also arranges heritage-themed walks and bicycle rides.