The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region and is home to beautiful beaches, sandy coves and traditional towns that are rich in culture and history. There are many fantastic places to see and great things to do on your holiday. If you are worried about seeing them all, don’t be! Luckily for you there are many ways to get around the Algarve. We’ve put together a list of some of the best methods so you can plan your holiday in advance. Take a look below to find out more.
Trains
Trains in the Algarve are both comfortable and affordable, and are run by a company called CP. There are many train lines that can take you across the country, letting you enjoy the stunning views along the way. Tickets can be brought at the train stations, but if you prefer to plan in advance you can check prices and timetables on the official CP website.
Not everywhere in the Algarve is accessible by train, so make sure to take a look at the routes before you visit. If you are travelling from Faro Airport, the official Faro railway station can be found about six kilometres away in the city centre.
Taxis
Taxis in the Algarve and elsewhere in Portugal are easy to find and are usually black, beige or green in colour. Like many places across the world, they also customarily have a sign on top that clearly says “TAXI” – so you can spot them from miles away. Taxis can also be found almost anywhere throughout the Algarve, including the airport, shopping areas and city centre. In addition, you can call a taxi company if you need to book in advance.
Taxi services in the Algarve are cheap and flexible, and Portuguese taxi drivers are considered to be among the best in Europe. Most taxis are designed to carry up to four people and luggage, so if you are travelling in a much larger group you may want to look into buses or transfer services. If you are catching a taxi from Faro Airport, you can find the rank outside the terminal building on the right-hand side.
Buses
There are three main bus and coach companies that provide transport across Portugal and the Algarve. These are EVA Transportes, Rede Nacional de Expressos and Renex. If you are looking to travel by bus, you can find the timetables at the bus station, in shops and at some hotels. You can also check routes, fares and timetables on the official company websites.
If you are travelling from Faro Airport, there are regular bus services to the centre of Faro. These leave from the bus terminal just outside the terminal building on the left. This bus stops at several other locations across the Algarve.
Transfer Services
If you are travelling in a large group, you might want to look into the many different transfer services that are available. They are a good option for groups larger than four people, and can take you from the airport to your hotel or wherever you might be staying. There are also plenty of choices, so you can find one that suits your budget with a little bit of digging. Airport transfers can be booked from Faro Airport to many destinations across the Algarve.
Car Hire
One of the best ways to get around the Algarve is to hire a car. This is an excellent option for exploring the Algarve, allowing you to go where you want to — and whenever. There is also an incredible selection of car hire companies with a whole fleet of vehicles from leading vehicle rental companies. We have searched through the main car hire providers at Faro Airport to give you the best possible prices. Click here to find the best deal for you.
If you are looking for more advice on transportation from Faro Airport or how to get around the Algarve, click here to take a look at our dedicated page. We also have handy area guides to help you plan your holiday, including advice on the best beaches and much more.