Praia da Luz - Algarve Transport

Algarve Transport Information

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Below are some links, that I have found and used, to sites which cover the following: Information on Airports that serve Portugal and the Algarve. Current baggage restrictions. Places where it is possible to get 'Cheap' Flights and reasonable Car Hire, Also if you don't need or want a car for your stay, transfer services between the (Faro) Airport and the town of Luz, or alternatively Bus and Train timetables from Faro to Lagos / Luz.
Any comments included are my own, if you have something to add, had an agreeable or disagreeable experience ( especially when using the services through any of the links I've listed ) with let me know so I can 'pass them on' here.

Airports	Buses	Car Hire	Cheap Flights	Cycles
Flights	Trains	Distances	Transfers

Airports

Faro ( FAO )	Name: Aeroporto de Faro. Airport Information: Click Here Distance to Luz: 70km (45Mins)
Lisboa ( LIS )	Name: Aeroporto da Portela Airport Information: Click Here Distance to Luz: 295km (2:30Hrs)
Porto ( OPO )	Name: Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport Information: Click Here Distance to Luz: 640km (5:30Hrs)

Sites for Cheap Flights

Flight prices are totally unpredictable. Booking as early as possible must be the rule of thumb, but if you are fortunate to have a flexible timetable there are some great prices to be had. Broadly speaking, choose days other than weekends to travel and consider unpopular times such as first thing in the morning or last thing at night e.g., a 06.00 flight can be £30 / 50 cheaper than a 10.00 flight.
06/2008 Travel to Portugal seems to be much quieter this year, some surprisingly good prices to be had during the summer months.

Nov. 2007 Update: Airlines are now charging for all bags in the hold, there is no one bag per person free anymore. Be sure to book baggage in advance (about £10 per item return) otherwise you will be charged £10 per item each way! You can get away with a slightly larger item cabin baggage than previously allowed (don't forget the liquids restrictions in cabin baggage though, see drop down below) but best check this before you arrive at the airport.

Summary of Current cabin baggage restrictions

Airport Baggage Restrictions ( 2007 / 2008 )

Primary Cabin Baggage Limitations

Only one item of cabin baggage per passenger is permitted through the airport search point. This item must be no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. Other smaller bags, for example purses, are allowed to be carried inside the cabin baggage.
Where possible, you are asked to carry all liquid items in your hold baggage. This includes all bottles of drinks, creams, sprays, pastes and gels.
Liquids (as listed above) must be in containers no larger than 100ml and all placed together in one transparent, re-sealable bag up to 20cm x 20cm. One bag per passenger is allowed.

Medicines

Liquid medicines are permitted through the search point in containers larger than 100ml, but they are subject to authentication. In this instance the passenger must have already gained prior permission from their airline and the departure airport. A supporting document, signed by a qualified medical professional, will also need to be provided.

Medical Equipment

Medical equipment, essential for the use during the flight, is allowed through security in the one item of cabin luggage provided the passenger can show a supporting document, signed by a qualified medical professional.

Baby Food

Liquid baby food or sterilised water for the flight is allowed. The accompanying adult will be asked to verify the contents by tasting.

Laptops and Electrical items

All electrical items will be screened separately. A laptop bag must either be classed as the one item of permitted cabin baggage or contained within this item if it is to be taken through the search point.

Outsize Items and Musical Instruments

All items of luggage larger than the accepted size for cabin luggage must be checked before being placed in the aircraft hold. The only exception to this is musical instruments which may be taken on as a second piece of cabin luggage if they do not fit in the bag. Musical instruments will need to be screened separately and the passenger must check with their airline whether any special arrangements are required (for example- purchase of a second seat).

Flightline	All airline search from one page.
Flightsdirect	All airline search from one page.
Flight.co.uk	All airline search.
Freedomflights	All airline search.
Lastminute	All airline search from one page.
Lightbluetravel	Flights and Car Hire samples.

Major Airlines flying to Portugal

British Airways	Generally the most expensive. Single flights to U.K. reasonable.
Easyjet	Probably the cheapest on a good day. Can be very good if you're lucky / flexible with your timetable. Still hopeless if you're six foot plus. Managed to get cheaper prices for April 2007 compared with 2006. 02/2007
GO Airlines	Uses various airlines, occasional bargains.
Monarch Airlines	Always worth checking. Most flexible pricing. They have been pretty good on prices / availability lately. Tend to have slightly better legroom than Easyjet. Watch out though for possible hefty 'service' charges for some dates. 11/2007
TAP Air Portugal	Expensive. Rare bargains. Prices better for trips originating from Portugal.
Thomas Cook	Normally uses BA. Occasional offers.
XL	Some good prices in May to October only. Not used them for some time, have had mixed feedback.

Sites for Car Hire

Booking from the U.K. is easy, but be aware there are dangers in booking the cheapest you find. It is probably worth paying that bit extra and booking with a 'big name' firm direct. I have come unstuck by paying an agent on-line and finding no car on arrival and no trace of the agents on my return home. Having said that it is still worth looking around and of course now days you can book on-line directly with Portugal firms which is slightly more reliable. Look for Rates which include: Unlimited Mileage, Third Party Insurance and Taxes. You also need to consider Collision Damage Waiver, Personal Accident Insurance or Full Insurance options. Any of these 'extras' can really bump up a 'cheap' base price.
Algarve Car Rental	Luz : (+351) 282 789 510
	Lagos : (+351) 282 761 961
	Faro Airport : (+351 ) 289 817 355
	Quad Bikes, Scooters and Bicycles available at Luz branch ( by the church ). Some good prices to be had here.
Luzcar	A long established, and reliable 'company'. Not bad rates. I've used them more often than the others, with no problem.
Master Kings	A new rental company opening at Lagos Marina from the beginning of June 2008. All inclusive prices. Collection and Return to / from Faro Airport or Lagos. Look for opening promotions. Where : Lagos Marina. Address : Marina de Lagos, Nucleo Gil Eanes , loja 8 8600-780 Lagos Tel : (+351) 91 295 00 69 Fax : (+351) 289 819 960 Email : evacristinasantos
Lightbluetravel	Flights and Car Hire samples.
Holidayautos	Another possible option for booking in advance. Part of Lastminute.com.
Portugal-car-hire	Rates from Faro Airport.
Rentalcargroup	Instant Price Comparisons (Budget/Europcar/Thrifty/Alamo)
Cartrawler	Used by travel agencies for price comparisons. Average prices.

Rental companies with fleets at Faro Airport

If you haven't booked in advance, most of the major car hire firms are represented at the airport with offices either in the airport and / or just outside the door. You can get reasonable 'deals' depending on demand / season. If you use a 'partner' company to the airline you travelled on, show them your boarding card and you will normally still get the discount that you would have if you had booked before travelling. I managed a 40% reduction (Nov 2007) from Sixt by showing my Monarch boarding ticket stub.
Auto Jardim do Algarve	Tel : (+351) 289 800 881
Avis Sovial Lda.	Tel : (+351) 289 889 456 - B.A. and T.A.P partner
Budget A. Castanheira	Tel : (+351) 289 889 440
Europcar Internacional	Tel : (+351) 289 889 447 - Easyjet partner
Hertz HR Aluguer de Automóveis	Tel : (+351) 289 818 248
National Guerin	Tel : (+351) 289 800 883
Rentauto Machado & Monteiro	Tel : (+351) 289 818 718
Sixt Rent a Car Globalrent	Tel : (+351) 289 818 294 - Monarch partner
Alamo.co.uk	Tel : (+351) 289 818726

Shuttle / Private Transfers to / from Faro / Luz

I've found that pre-booking transport to your accommodation whilst in the U.K. ( or anywhere else for that matter ) is a painless operation and can be extremely useful. If you are visiting a town or resort for the first time you are more than likely to spend the first few days just walking about to see the sights and get your bearings. In which case why have a rental car sitting outside doing nothing? If you need a car later during your holiday it is easy to rent one for a day or two when required. There is nothing better ( especially after a very early or late night flight ) than having someone to meet you in arrivals at the airport, taking care of your luggage and driving you to the door of your destination, definitely a stress free start to your holiday. Depending on your numbers and your destination you can get a private transfer or a shared transfer, costs vary accordingly. Either way the costs should be no more than getting a taxi from the rank outside the airport. From Faro Airport will cost about €65 to €80. If you have not paid in advance (e.g. on-line) you should check the price with the driver before travelling, don't be afraid to query anything that does not match the rate you were originally quoted.
a-t-s.net	A-t-s.net Advertised by Easyjet and by far the cheapest I've found so far.
Transfers	Algarvetransfersdirect.com Airport transfers to Luz. Instant Quote on-line. Pay the driver. Also Golf Course transfers. 03/2007
Polotur	Polotur.com Airport transfers to Luz. Instant Quote on-line. Pay in advance or driver. Tried this in June (07) and found them spot on. Courteous and prompt service. Reliable. €140 return for a private (mini bus) transfer for six adults + luggage (door to door). 06/2007
Shuttledirect	Shuttledirect.com Airport transfers to Luz. Instant Quote on-line. Pay in advance or driver. A bit more expensive than above. 02/2007
Low Cost Transfer	Low-cost-transfer.com Airport transfers to Luz. Instant Quote on-line. Pay in advance or driver. A bit more expensive than above. 02/2007 Problems with website certificate but still operating o.k. 04/2008
Transferstore	Transferstore.com On line search and booking service ( up to four days before travel ).
a2btransfers	A2Btransfers.com On line booking centre. Shuttle bus from £20, Taxi from £63.

Bicycle and Motorbike Hire

An alternative to your regular means of transport. I would suggest a good level of fitness a prime requirement before contemplating bicycle touring ( see the things to do page for organised tours ). The terrain can be a little hilly to say the least. Surprisingly you don't see a lot of two wheeled transport being used in the Algarve but scrambler type motorcycles have got to be ideal for some of those more inaccessible places and great fun.
Algarve Car Rental	Bicycles, Mopeds, Motorbikes and Quad Bikes for rent in Praia da Luz. Tel 24Hrs : (+351) 966 046 308 Tel (Office) : (+351) 282 789 510 Fax : (+351) 282 789 077 Email : info@algarvecarrental.com
Motoride	Aldo Bikes, Scooters, Quads. Address : Rua José Afonso, 23, Lagos Tel : (+351) 282 761 720

Distances between Algarve Towns (km's)

Albufeira
Aljezur																		81
Almancil de pera																	97	26
Alvor																53	49	37
Amacio															25	34	66	18
Faro														47	66	13	10	39
Lagoa													54	13	12	41	56	25
Lagos												26	80	39	19	67	30	51
Loule											68	42	16	35	54	8	98	27
Monchique										75	41	33	87	46	29	74	71	58
Olhao									95	24	88	62	9	55	74	21	118	47
Portimao								70	25	50	18	8	62	21	4	40	25	33
Quarteira							52	30	77	11	70	4	22	37	56	9	100	29
Sagres						102	63	120	736	100	32	58	112	71	51	99	42	83
St Bart. de messines					83	35	33	53	58	33	51	36	45	29	37	32	81	21
S.Bras de portal				46	113	24	63	17	88	13	81	55	17	48	67	21	111	40
Silves			6	17	66	52	16	70	41	50	34	8	62	21	20	43	64	33
Tavira		85	22	68	135	4	85	20	110	35	103	77	29	70	89	43	133	62
V. Real	23	108	45	91	158	69	108	43	133	58	126	100	52	93	112	66	150	85

Trains from FARO to LAGOS

The train station is 5kms from the airport. Take a taxi or a bus, both from just outside the Arrivals entrance at Faro airport to the train station. You can then take a train along the coast. Services tend to be infrequent and can be unreliable, but they are getting better. The journey to Lagos takes about 1¾ hours and costs around €7 Euros. Its then a ten minute taxi ride from Lagos station to Praia da Luz. Altogether the most cost effective way to get to Luz (but not the most practical if you have a lot of luggage).
Train Number:	5900	5902	5904	5906	5908	5910	5912
Frequency:	Daily
FARO	07:07	10:48	12:00	13:09	17:00	17:48	19:26
PARQUE DAS CIDADES	07:14	10:56	12:07	13:16	17:07	17:55	19:33
ALMANCIL	---	---	---	13:21	17:12	18:00	---
LOULE	07:22	11:04	12:14	13:25	17:16	18:04	19:41
VALE DE JUDEU	---	---	---	13:29	17:20	---	---
BOLIQUEIME	07:30	11:13	12:21	13:34	17:25	18:11	19:49
PATA	---	---	---	13:38	17:29	---	---
ALBUFEIRA	07:38	11:21	12:29	13:44	17:35	18:19	20:02
TUNES	07:44	11:34	12:36	13:53	17:41	18:29	20:09
ALGOZ	07:50	11:40	12:42	13:59	17:47	18:35	20:15
ALCANTARILHA	07:56	11:44	12:47	14:03	17:52	18:39	20:20
POCO BARRETO	08:01	---	12:51	14:08	17:56	---	---
SILVES	08:07	11:53	12:58	14:14	18:05	18:48	20:28
ESTOMBAR-LAGOA	08:13	11:59	13:04	14:21	18:11	18:54	20:34
FERRAGUDO	08:17	12:03	13:08	14:25	18:15	18:58	20:38
PORTIMAO	08:21	12:07	13:13	14:29	18:19	19:03	20:43
MEXILHOEIRA GRANDE	08:32	12:16	13:22	14:38	18:28	19:14	20:52
MEIA PRAIA	08:38	12:22	---	14:44	---	19:19	---
LAGOS	08:42	12:26	13:30	14:48	18:36	19:24	21:00
Be sure to check train times. For more detailed information, contact the Information Service.

Buses from the Airport to FARO centre to LAGOS

The bus station is 6kms from the airport. There is a local bus service operating between the airport and Faro centre about every hour. The stop is also just outside arrivals. During the high season ( summer months ) a special Aerobus service connects with the town centre. As most arrivals are heading west to Albufeira and further you'll need to get the bus from the airport to Faro bus station then catch the fast 'Tranrapido' bus service along the coast. Purchase tickets in advance in Faro bus station. Services are limited at weekends on normal lines. To make sure you don't miss connections in Faro it's a good idea to take a taxi to the bus station, however you can use local buses to and from the airport at no additional charge providing you have flight tickets / stubs for travel that day.
There are buses that run from Faro to Lagos ( approx. two hours ten minutes ), they will also stop at Portimao and Albufeira, currently costs about €5.00.
You can then get a local bus from Lagos to Praia da Luz (approx.10 minutes) which stops near the centre of the town ( just up the hill from the square ) and also just as you come into Luz on the 'old' road ( Rua Dirieta ) Costs about €1.70.
All the times shown are the current published ( July / August 2008 ), however there may be some changes during the season. So check before travelling using the link at the foot of the table.
01/07/08 The times for Luz buses ( and a lot of other routes ) changed today to the Summer timetable. They aren't on the bus stops yet. I got the following times from the sources below.

Up to date information Eva-bus.net or an alternative 'unofficial' site Thomasallen

TRANSRAPIDO Normal Daily Service
Faro Terminus > Lagos Terminus		Lagos Terminus > Faro Terminus
Depart	Arrive	Depart	Arrive
08.00	10.10	07.00	09.00
09.05	11.15	08.30	10.35
12.30	14.40	10.30	12.40
14.30	16.40	12.35	14.45
16.25	18.40	15.00	17.10
17.25	19.40	17.15	19.30

- Not Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays

National Holidays 2008
1st January	New Year’s Day	15th August	Assumption
5th February	Mardi Gras	5th October	Republic Day
21st April	Good Friday	1st November	All Saint’s Day
23rd April	Easter Day	1st December	Restoration of Independence
25th April	Independence Day	8th December	Immaculate Conception
1st May	May Day	25th December	Christmas Day
10th June	Portugal National Day

Buses from Lagos > Luz > Burgau > Barão São Miguel

MFO - Mondays to Fridays (weekdays) only except holidays
SCH - Schooldays only i.e. not during Christmas and Easter breaks
SHX - Not Sundays or Holidays
SHO - Sundays and Holidays only
SAT - Saturdays only

Summer timetable	SHX	SHX	SHO	MFO	SAT	SHO	Daily	SHX	SHO	MFO
Lagos Terminal	0750	0855	0945	1330	1330	1410	1630	1735	1820	1915
Luz ( Church )	0805	0910	1000	1345	1345	1425	1645	1750	1835	1930
Burgau	0811	0916	1006	1352	1352	1432	1652	1756	1842	1937
Burgau (X)	---	0921	---	1356	1356	---	---	1801	---	1941
Barão São Miguel (X)	---	0925	---	1400	1400	---	---	1805	---	1945
Barão São Miguel	---	0930	---	1405	---	---	---	1810	---	1950
Barão São Miguel (X)	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	1955
Bus continues to	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	C
A - to Salema and Vila do Bispo via Budens; arrives Vila do Bispo at 08.05 C - to Salema (X) arriving 19.58 via Vale de Boi and Budens. Connecting bus leaves Salema (X) for village at 20.03 Timetable on the official website here

Buses from Barão São Miguel > Burgau > Luz > Lagos

Summer timetable	SHX	SHO	SHX	SHX	SHO	SHX	SHO	Daily	SHX
Bus starts from	A	--	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
Barão São Miguel (X)	0708	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
Barão São Miguel	0713	0725	---	0930	---	1410	---	---	1815
Barão São Miguel (X)	0718	0730	---	0935	---	1415	---	---	1820
Burgau (X)	0722	0734	---	0939	---	1419	---	E	1824
Burgau	0727	0739	0815	0944	1008	1424	1432	1700	1829
Luz ( Church )	0730	0745	0821	0950	1014	1429	1437	1716	1835
Lagos Bus Terminal	0745	0800	0836	1005	1029	1444	1452	1731	1850
A - Salema at 06.55, via Budens at 07.05 E - runs via Espiche at 17.11 Timetable on the official website here

Lagos <> Praia da Luz

Most of the buses between Lagos and Luz are operated by ONDA. The one-way fare is only €1.10. These buses also go to Espiche and Almadena. This bus takes an extremely roundabout route between Lagos and Luz. What used to be a 10 minute journey ( Summer 2007 ) now takes nearly 30! It stops at several places convenient for the Luz area, i.e., when coming from Lagos to Luz - • the Boavista Golf resort before turning off the N125 on to the 'old' road into Luz, • the Valverde campsite just outside of Luz, • just coming in on the old road, • at the start of the Rua Direita one-way system ( East Luz ), • Luz Ocean Club, • opposite the Luz Tavern by the Church, • on the main road by the cinema, • Hotel Belavista and vice versa if going to Lagos.
In July and August the AONDA buses run between Lagos, Luz, Espiche and Almadena every 40 minutes on weekdays from 07.11 ( at the church ) until about 23.10; on Saturdays every 40 minutes until about 14.00 then every 80 minutes until about 23.10, on Sundays every 80 minutes until about 23.10. For the remainder of the year, last buses from Lagos are at about 19.30

ONDA Normal Daily Service ( Not Sundays or Holidays* )
Click here for the complete timetable (printable) for Route 4
*Depart Lagos > Arrive Luz ( Church )**				Depart Luz ( Church ) > Arrive Lagos*
Depart	Arrive	Depart	Arrive	Depart	Arrive	Depart	Arrive
07.01	07.21	15.51	16.19	07.11	07.34	16.01	16.24
07.41	08.09	16.31	16.59	07.51	08.14	16.41	17.04
08.21	08.49	17.11	17.39	08.41	09.04	17.21	17.44
09.11	09.39	17.51	18.19	09.21	09.44	18.01	18.24
09.51	10.19	18.31	18.59	10.01	10.24	18.41	19.04
10.31	10.59	19.11	19.39	10.41	11.04	19.21	19.44
11.11	11.39	19.51	20.19	11.21	11.44	20.01	20.24
11.51	12.19	20.31	20.59	12.01	12.24	20.41	21.04
12.31	12.59	21.11	21.39	12.41	13.04	21.01	21.24
13.11	13.39	21.51	22.19	13.21	13.44	21.41	22.04
13.51	14.19	22.31	22.59	14.01	14.24	22.01	22.24
14.31	14.59	23.11	23.39	14.41	15.04	22.41	23.04
15.11	15.39			15.21	15.44	23.21	00.04
						00.01	00.24
* Bus Stop Infante ( by the car park on the seafront - nearest to shopping centre ) halway down the Av. Descobrimentos / Marina. Current fare ( 2008 ) €1.10. Stops at the Intermarche (Superstore). The bus takes the old road into Luz.

Praia da Luz & The Algarve Information