Bus and train timetables for the Algarve - an unofficlal website

The Algarve region of Portugal - information on bus and train services

This is an unofficial website compiled by a resident of the Algarve. It has come about as a result of many enquiries in various forums. No responsibility can be accepted for any problems caused by errors or omissions. This site is not connected with, nor endorsed by, any official operator or organisation. I welcome any feedback, comments and suggestions. In all cases I strongly recommend that you check times locally at the bus terminal etc as timetable changes are usually made without prior warning!

All timetable pages carry the date on which I was last able to verify the times as being correct. I have used almost all the buses and trains myself.

BUS OPERATORS ELSEWHERE IN PORTUGAL
I have separated the information I have found about bus operators in other parts of Portugal to a new page.

NEWS and updates - latest - 18th May 2012

STRIKES CONTINUING

A ONE DAY STRIKE ON REGIONAL TRAINS HAS BEEN CALLED FOR SUNDAY 20th MAY. Regional trains are not expected to operate. Do not rely on the train if yours is a vital journey eg back to the airport. Alternative transport will not be available. Passengers are deserting the railway in droves of course. The government will have the justification it needs to close the remaining regional lines some time later this year.

I HAVE CREATED TIMETABLES THAT ARE EASIER TO PRINT

I have a lot more space on the new website host. This will allow me to create files that will be easier to print. I have now converted all the timetables and will be checking them again over the next couple of weeks. For a list of the printable timetables, please click here.

If you need Adobe Acrobat Reader, adobe logo you can get it here.

CATERING SERVICE ON INTERCITY TRAINS RESTORED BUT NO WIFI

Intending passengers please note that the bar/cafeteria service on Intercity trains was restored as from 19th April. Also, in response to questions asked, be aware that trains in Portugal are not at present equipped for on board wifi. I know of no plans to do so.

NEW TRAINS IN SERVICE

Newer trains (picture, left) are now in service on the Algarve line.

These trains have push button doors and air conditioned interiors. However, as the picture to the right shows, bike users may have problems getting their mounts on and off the trains at the stations with low platforms as there is no proper step to the 'baggage' compartment. new_train_step

I took mine in through the passenger door and wheeled it down the train to the 'baggage' compartment at the end. There is NO step-free access into the carriages, therefore disabled persons may also find it very difficult to get on and off. Getting a wheelchair etc on or off is well-nigh impossible. Portugal ignores EU rules about such things. See also this picture of unit 0462 on the low platform at Tavira.

IMPROVED BUS SERVICE BETWEEN FARO AND THE AIRPORT

The new and improved bus service between Faro and the airport would seem to be running all year. The first bus to the airport is now at 04.45 every day and the last bus back is at 23.15. However the service is still very irregular and there remains a two hour gap on Saturday and Sunday afternoons with no buses at all. Timetable here.

OUT OF DATE TIMETABLES AT BUS STATIONS ETC

On my recent journeys I have noticed that out of date timetables are posted at several of the bus stations etc. If the bus companies cannot be bothered then we have problems! I have used the most up to date versions where I can find them - the people at Lagos and Loulé are pretty good, not so good elsewhere. There are no timetables posted at Faro Bus Station!

THANK YOU

This site is being visited about 500 times a month. May I thank you for the positive comments and feedback I am receiving.

Contents - summary

For list of all the timetables on the site click here – BUT YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO READ THE GUIDANCE NOTES first as, at first sight, the operations here can seem a bit complicated.

An alphabetical list of all the places in the Algarve served by bus and train is here. The list below shows the most frequently consulted pages in the site.

www.algarvebus.info