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TRAIN SERVICE IN THE ALGARVE also between the ALGARVE and LISBON

This page is unofficial. The information has been obtained from printed timetables and other local sources (like taking the train) and is given in good faith.

Information correct as of 13th March 2024

THE ALGARVE LINE IS BEING MODERNISED AND ELECTRIFIED - RECONSTRUCTION WORK AT SEVERAL STATIONS AND POSSIBLE SMALL CHANGES TO TIMETABLES

Work to electrify and generally modernise the Faro to Vila Real de Santo António section of the Algarve railway is under way.
The exact timescale is now unknown, but recent notices suggest that work will be ongoing until at least the end of September this year.

Installations are complete at least as far as Olhão. On 27th February an electric MU was seen on its way to Faro, perhaps for testing the equipment.
. There will be minor changes to the timetable as work proceeds. I shall do my best to keep things updated.
About six months behind is the electrification project for the western section between Tunes and Lagos. Some pictures from 5th March below.
May I live long enough to see a more frequent, more regular and faster train service in 2025!

Platform reconstruction is under way at several of the smaller stations. Take care when boarding or alighting. Some details here.

WHAT WAS TRAIN TRAVEL LIKE HERE IN 1981? ENTHUSIASTS AND THE CURIOUS, CLICK OR TAP HERE!

TRAINS IN THE ALGARVE REGION OF PORTUGAL ARE OPERATED BY THE NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY Comboios de Portugal.

cp logo

Algarve train timetables here  Diagram showing the rail lines and stations in the Algarve is here
Official map of railways in Portugal here  - does not show all stations. Rail map of Portugal here.  Lisbon city rail and metro map here
Some more pictures etc for railfans here.

Local service in the Algarve is operated by fairly modern diesel trains, with air-conditioned interiors.  But they do NOT have wifi and also there are never any on board announcements, so pay attention to where you want to get off. Click a picture to see it full size. Regional train at Faro, 19 December 2023.

.regional train at faro december 2023


The rebuilt Tavira station. Click to see full size.
Most trains use the high platform to the left of the station building.
The other platform is only used when trains have to pass - the line is single track with passing places at several stations.
Tavira_railway_station_July_2015

The 14.30 to Faro about to leave Vila Real de Santo António. Click to see full size.

  vrsa-train-to-faro

Below - trains getting bit of a clean at Faro.

trains at
                    Faro
alfa2

The 0700 and 1600 from Faro to Lisbon; also the 0823 and 1723 back from Lisbon are the Intercity Alfa Pendular (AP) tilting trains. 

These are through trains to and from Porto, offering a one-seat ride in about 5hrs 30mins between Faro and Porto via Lisbon, Coimbra and Aveiro.  Click the picture for a larger size.  Seating plan here.

These trains have power sockets at some First Class (Conforto) seats. AP trains now offer free wifi to all seats but in some rural areas you will be out of range of any signal. All AP trains have a café car.

Seat reservation is COMPULSORY!

The other trains between Lisbon and the Algarve are Inter City (IC) trains. These are locomotive hauled with air-conditioned coaches. Click the picture for a larger size.

Seat reservation is COMPULSORY on all long distance trains!

Wifi equipment is now installed on these older trains. However, in many rural areas you will be out of reach of any signal. IC trains running between the Algarve and Lisbon have a café/bar car. Access with wheelchair is impossible, the doors are too narrow.


ic train
Faro station building - click to see full sized.

faro_station

IC at Faro
portimão-station-2
Portimão station - trains now stop further along the platform!

portimao_station
Portimão station exterior November 2023 - click or tap see large size
Olhão station 27th February 2024 showing the completed installation of the electrical systems. Click to see larger size.
olhao_railway_station_270224

The 1130 to Vila Real de Santo António waiting to leave Faro on 27th February. These old trains will be replaced later this year by electric trains. Click to see larger size.
1130_faro_vrsa
Algoz station March 5th 2024 - new roof needed but otherwise nearly finished Click or tap to see a larger picture.
Algoz_station_050324

Similar situation at Alcantarilha, same day
Click or tap to see a larger picture
Alcantarilha_station_050324

Timetables and Information

CURRENT TIMETABLES FOR THE ALGARVE LINE, ALSO LISBON - PORTO

Algarve Line

Algarve line timetable summary here, complete printable timetable for the Algarve line here at the official railway website. Regional (local) trains stop at all stations, except for a couple of very early and very late trains which miss the smaller 'halts'. Services are for the most part designed to connect with the trains to and from Lisbon. This results in some long gaps between trains during the day, especially at weekends. Trains do however run later into the evening than most bus routes.

The local line (diagram here) is usually operated as two separate sections, either side of Faro. Although it's not advertised, some trains run do through. The conductor will confirm whether or not a change is needed at Faro. Local trains connect with most trains to and from Lisbon, but at Faro some local trains do not connect with each other.

Trains between Faro, Loulé, Albufeira, Tunes (connection for Lagos and Portimão) and Lisbon

There are five daily trains between Faro and Lisbon, two of which continue to or start from Porto. They also call at Loulé, Albufeira and Tunes, hte latter for connections from and to Portimão and Lagos. Times for these trains here. For the official timetable in printable PDF format visit www.cp.pt. External link which will open a new window. An extra trains runs on down from Lisbon to Faro on Friday nights in summer, returning on Sunday evenings.

Trains between Lisbon and Porto

Trains between Lisbon and Porto listed here, copy from the European Rail Timetable. Go to their website for paper and digital editions of every important railway timetable in Portugal and all across Europe in one handy place. Ideal for the traveller who wants to plan ahead. But ALWAYS check the timetables at official websites. ERT cannot show short term changes because of maintenance work, storm damage, strikes and major sporting or cultural events. Holiday dates vary across Europe, so times around major holidays e.g. Christmas, New Year, Easter etc must always be checked.

Train from Algarve to Spain? There is not and never has been!

The Algarve railway line does NOT cross the border into Spain. The nearest station in Spain is at Huelva, about 33 miles/55 km from the border at Vila Real de Santo António. There are trains between Huelva and Seville, but only four each day.

Information at stations and on the trains

there are NO ANNOUNCEMENTS at most stations in the Algarve and smaller stations across the country, no boards or screens on most platforms to indicate 'next trains' and rarely, if ever, are there any announcements on board local trains. Most railway staff have some English. It is polite to ask first. They are quite happy to help you know where to change trains etc. You will have to keep alert so you don't miss your station, especially at night.

There is an unofficial 'app' available at the Google Play store for Android devices. It's called 'Catch UP'. This gives fairly reliable real time information about train delays and cancellations.

Fares

Fares are about the same, for short journeys in some cases cheaper, as the equivalent bus journey. However, Faro to Lagos by train one-way is €7,95 for a journey of around 1 hour 40 minutes. The bus costs more and takes 20 - 30 minutes longer. There is a simple fare structure for local journeys - single (one-way), return (round-trip) and that's it! I have a copy of the regional train fares chart here. Using this, you can find the fare between any pair of stations on the Algarve line using REGIONAL trains.

Anyone aged 65 or over can travel half price on all trains in Portugal except those around Lisbon and Porto operated as part of the Urban systems. ID required when purchasing a ticket either on line, in person at a ticket office or on board where available.

NEW - NATIONAL MONTHLY TRAIN PASS FOR REGIONAL TRAINS

CP have introduced a monthly (calendar month) pass for unlimited travel on REGIONAL trains. This costs €49 per person, there is NO seniors discount. Details can be found here. Do check the regional rail map. Regional train service is not available in all parts of the country, notably between Lisbon and the Algarve. This pass is NOT valid on suburban trains around Lisbon and Porto. ID and photo needed.

TOURIST TICKET FOR THE ALGARVE LINE -  REGIONAL TRAINS ONLY

TOURIST_TICKET_POSTER

Available from STAFFED stations only. (Lagos, Portimao, Tunes, Albufeira, Loulé, Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António) and NOT VALID ON ALFA PENDULAR OR INTERCITY TRAINS. Days must be consecutive.

Do the maths first. A return (round-trip) ticket from Faro to Lagos is only €15,90.

Other Fares - regional

Sample single (one-way) fares on regional (local) trains  - Albufeira/Ferreiras to Faro €3,65, Albufeira/Ferreiras to Lagos €5,20,Lagos to Tavira €10,15; Faro to Lagos €7,95, Faro to Tavira €3,45; Faro to Vila Real de Santo António €5,65 and Albufeira/Ferreiras to Tavira €6,35., Faro to Olhão  €1,55.

Other Fares - long distance

Fares are different according to which type of train you take. Alfa Pendular (AP) trains are more expensive than Intercidades (IC) trains, but faster and newer.

Reservations are COMPULSORY on these trains.

A one way trip from Albufeira to Lisbon will cost at most either €24 or €22,50 in Turista (Second) class, depending on which train you take. First class is €231,30 or €28,45. Promotional fares are offered for bookings in advance, but not available on all trains. Currently such fares can reduce the cost of a trip to  of from Lisbon as low as €11, but more likely €13 to €17. These tickets are NOT REFUNDED if you do not use them, but can be exchanged under certain conditions.

On long distance journeys, a return (round-trip) ticket is about 10% cheaper than two one-way tickets. There are however no 'open' tickets, so the journeys must be made on the booked trains

Half fare for over 65s - If you take your passport or national ID card when buying a ticket you will get half fare on all trains. Children aged 4 - 12 travel half fare; children 3 or under travel free on local trains. However small children travelling on Alfa Pendular or Intercity trains and who will occupy their own seat require a reservation and their own ticket. Small children who would sit on their parent's lap travel free and do not need a ticket.

Higher fares for local journeys AP and IC trains - you can use the intercity trains for local journeys (if there are seats available) but you will pay much more than on the regional trains.

Example: Albufeira to Faro - Regional €3,65; Intercity €10,20; Alfa-Pendular €12,60!  Note - Regional fares apply to journeys between Messines - Alte and other Algarve stations.

Tickets for REGIONAL trains can be purchased from the CP website or using their 'app'. You must either print your ticket or keep it on your mobile device, There is no 'collection' option if only because most stations have no ticket office and there are no ticket machines. Larger stations have ticket offices, but smaller stations are unstaffed. If boarding at an unstaffed station, you can buy your ticket for local journeys on the train without penalty, but in cash only.

WARNING! Ticket offices can be busy. Reported at Faro and Tavira. Buy tickets on line if you can or do allow a few minutes at the ticket office..

Penalty fares: if you are caught without a ticket the fine is 100 times the single fare for the trip!

Under 25? CP offers 25% off

If you are aged 25 or under, CP is offering a 25% discount on all Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, Inter-Regional and Regional train tickets. You can use this discount in any class, any day of the week. Just show official ID with proof of your age such as a Citizen card, ID card, driving licence or passport.

You can buy your discounted tickets from long-distance ticket offices, netTICKET travel agents. These tickets can be reissued or refunded. Certain young people aged 26 or over can still enjoy the Cartão Jovem discount for individual journeys.

SEAT RESERVATIONS ARE COMPULSORY ON ALL LONG DISTANCE TRAINS!!

These are compulsory on all Alfa Pendular (AP) and Intercidades (IC) trains. These are included free when you buy your ticket from the official CP website. You can reserve on-line a maximum of 60 days in advance. You can take a chance and try for a ticket at the last minute but, especially in summer or on Fridays and Sundays all year, you might be disappointed if the train is already full. Some trains are only three carriages in winter, four or five carriages in summer. You can choose which seat(s) you take when booking on line.

There is a very large discount available on many long distance trains when tickets are purchased more than eight days in advance. Some discounts are available for tickets purchased 5 - 7 days in advance but these often do not apply for all trains. However these very cheap tickets will not be refunded if you do not use them, but can be exchanged under certain conditions.

It is possible to buy tickets on line for a complete journey  for example Lagos to Lisbon or Tavira to Porto where a mix of regional and long distance trains are involved. But it's not possible to or from places like Sintra and Cascais, where the local trains have a separate fare structure. Those tickets to or from Lisbon must be obtained locally. The full range of destinations / origins has not been checked! Seat reservations are not available on trains other than those classed as AP and IC.

BUYING TICKETS FOR LONG DISTANCE TRIPS

Book on line in English at https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/buy-tickets. You can pay with credit card or by using Paypal. There is also a smartphone app that does the same thing. Tickets can either be printed or shown to train staff on a suitable device. There are no ticket barriers to worry about. Click here for an example of a long distance train ticket purchased via the website. Will open in a new window or tab.

If you buy your ticket from travel agent or a third party re-seller, it may not include the compulsory seat reservation. In such a case, you have to obtain seat reservations at a railway station and will pay a fee. Also, you may not be offered the full range of discounted fares. There is NO REASON AT ALL to buy tickets other than from the official website at https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/buy-tickets

If you have an international railpass, reservations can be only be obtained in person at a station or accredited sales agent. A reservation fee is payable.

You can buy tickets at railway stations with a ticket office, which in the Algarve region are these : LAGOS, PORTIMÃO, TUNES, (closes at 1540hrs) ALBUFEIRA, LOULÉ, FARO, OLHÃO, TAVIRA and VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTÓNIO (closes at 1500hrs).  Ticket office hours are subject to short notice alteration, especially around major holidays. You CANNOT buy long distance tickets from the conductor when starting your trip on a regional train.

Tickets and reservations can also be obtained at these Algarve based travel agents. Information taken from CP website. There is no mention of the hours they keep.

Albufeira area - GEOSTAR Travel at Algarve Shopping near Guia. There is nothing in the town itself.

In Faro at ABREU, Avenida da República, 124; EL CORTE INGLÈS Av. 5 de Outubro;  TAGUS Av. 5 de Outubro;  TOP ATLÂNTICO Rua Conselheiro Bívar and TUI, Monte da Ria.

In Loulé at GALERIA COMERCIAL.MODELO LOULÉ - Olivais de Stº António-São. Sebastião (It doesn't say which shop. This is the big mall out of town.)

In Portimão at ABREU Rua Pé da Serra; GEOSTAR Centro Comercial Modelo; TOP ATLÂNTICO Rua Judice Biker, 26 and TUI Travel, Rua Judice Biker 9.

BUYING TICKETS FOR SHORT REGIONAL TRAIN TRIPS

Tckets for regional trains can be bought at the CP website or using their 'app'. You must either print your ticket or keep it on your mobile device. Example of a regional train ticket purchased on line here.

There is no 'collection' option if only because most stations have no ticket office and there are no ticket machines at stations. Tickets are valid for one day only. A return (round-trip) ticket can be used to get back on any train the same day. Regional tickets are NOT VALID for use on Intercity (IC) or Alfa Pendular (AP) trains except at Messines - Alte for journeys to and from Algarve stations. When boarding at a staffed station, buy from the ticket office if it's open. If boarding at an unstaffed station or when the ticket office is closed, you buy your ticket from the train conductor and it's CASH ONLY. Most stations in the Algarve are unstaffed.

FARO RAILWAY STATION

Faro Railway Station is about 150 metres from the Bus Station and close to the city centre and marina. It is 4.0miles/6.3km by road from the airport. There is a map here - which opens in a new window. Buses to and from the airport stop outside the station. The bus journey between airport and station is about 20 minutes. There is a taxi rank at the station. A taxi to or from the airport will cost you around €10 depending on numbers, luggage etc. The journey by taxi is about ten minutes. There is a small café / bar on the station itself. There is a kiosk on the main platform offering a luggage facility but as of 19th December 2023 open only 0915 - 1600 weekdays and Saturdays, closed Sundays and Holidays. There are no shops in the vicinity.

Intending passengers be aware that there are no signs or indications on the platforms at Faro to tell you which train goes where. There are announcements (usually only in Portuguese) but they are often inaudible above the noise of the trains!  Some trains split into two sections on arrival. If in doubt, ask. The station is fully accessible, with a flat crossing over the tracks to some platforms.

ALBUFEIRA RAILWAY STATION

Albufeira's railway station is about 4 miles / 6km from the town centre. It's just outside the town of Ferreiras. It is full accessible, with a footbridge and lifts (elevators) across the tracks to the second platform. There are two café / bars next to the station. There are local buses into town at regular intervals ,but they are not timed specifically to connect with the trains. Some go into the old town centre, some only as far as the bus station, which is about a mile / 1.6km from the centre. Two buses may therefore needed to get to your final destination. Bus times and other details here. Taxis are usually waiting at the station. If there is not, call 289 583 230 to have one sent. Uber and Bolt also operate in the area.

PORTIMÃO RAILWAY STATION

Portimão railway station is a little way to the north of the town centre. Some local buses go there - details here. Taxis wait outside. There is a ticket office and a small café / bar on the station. It is fully accessible, with a flat crossing across the tracks to the eastbound platform.

LAGOS RAILWAY STATION

Lagos railway station is across the river from the town centre, about 5 minutes over a footbridge. It is a modern building and station, fully accessible. There are no café / bar facilities there or nearby. A local bus route stops outside for travel into the town, but buses are not timed to connect with trains. Details here, look for Linha Azul. Taxis are usually waiting outside.

TAVIRA RAILWAY STATION

Tavira railway station is about five minutes downhill walk to the town centre - obviously uphill on the way back, but it's not too steep. The station has recently been rebuilt to modern standards and it fully accessible. There is a flat crossing over the tracks to the second platform. There is a small café / bar at the station and a couple of others nearby. Taxis do not usually wait at the station.

Bikes on trains

You CAN take bikes on Alfa Pendular (AP) and Intercity (IC) trains. On Alfa Pendular (AP) trains, bikes must be disassembled and taken on board as hand luggage. On IC trains, there are two dedicated spaces for bikes on each train. Transport is free but there are rules! Please see this page in English before considering a journey - https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/passenger-information/Useful-information/bike-transport

Bikes are carried FREE on all local (regional) trains in the Algarve. The low platforms and high steps do mean a bit of lifting up and down into the baggage compartment, which is at one end of the train. It does help if there are two of you!
Chain it to something inside the baggage compartment; there are ill-minded individuals who will make off with your property given half a chance. I was warned about this by a train guard. The last thing you want is to leave the train only to find your road bike missing and nowhere to be found. Proper bike locks are a must for travel and in general.

ALGARVE LINE TRAIN TIMETABLES

The timetables below are a summary - all trains but not all stations are shown.
To view and print the complete Algarve timetable,
click here external link opens in new window.

For the detailed timetable of trains to and from Lisbon also direct trains to Coimbra, Aveiro and Porto, click here; external link opens in new window.

SUNDAY SERVICE WILL APPLY ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

REMINDER - SEAT RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL TRAINS TO AND FROM LISBON

TRAIN TYPES : AP - Alfa Pendular high-speed train.  IC - Intercity train. REG - Regional (local) train, no reservations, no advance purchase, trains have air-con.
First and Second class seats are available on all AP and IC trains. Regional trains are second class only.

fgp box

TIMETABLE FARO > ALBUFEIRA > TUNES > PORTIMÃO > LAGOS

Daily - train runs every day including most holidays
MFO - train runs Mondays to Fridays (weekdays) only except holidays
SHX - train does not run on Sundays and Holidays

To Lisbon - trains run to Lisbon Oriente also calling at Lisbon Sete Rios (IC trains only) and Entrecampos
please also read the note below the timetable
IF YOU USE AP OR IC TRAINS FOR THESE LOCAL JOURNEYS A MUCH HIGHER FARE IS PAYABLE - SEE NOTE

Train type

AP REG
IC REG
REG
REG
REG IC
AP REG
REG
IC
REG
REG
REG
Days of operation
Note
Daily SHX Daily MFO Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily MFO Daily
Daily
Faro

0700
0711
0822 ---
0902
1023
1225
1415 1600 1617
1741
1815 1825
1918

2050
Parque das Cidades
A
0718
---
0909
1030
1232
1624
1748
1832
1925

2057
Almancil
G
0724
---
0915
1036
1238
1630
1754
1838
1931

2103
Loulé
B
0710 0728
0833 ---
0919
1039
1242
1426 1611 1638
1758
1825 1842
1935
2107
Boliqueime
G
0735
---
0926
1046 1250
1646
1805
1850
1947#
2114
Albufeira-Ferreiras
C
0723 0743
0845 ---
0935
1100#
1307#
1438 1624 1655
1814
1837 1900
2001#

2123
Tunes (arrival)

0728 0749
0850
---
0941
1106
1312
1443 1629
1700
1819
1842
1905
2006

2129
Train from Lisbon arrives
X
-- --
--
---
--
1052
1300 --
-- 1705
--
-- --
1953

2132
Tunes (departure)

0729 0754
0851 ---
0942
1107
1313
1444 1630 1707
1824
1844 1914
2007

2133
Messines - Alte
H


0900
---



1453



1853




Algoz
G
To
0800
To
---
0947
1112
1318 To To
1713
1830
To
1919
2013

2138
Alcantarilha
F
Lisbon
0805
Lisbon
---
0952
1117
1323
Lisbon
Lisbon
1717 1835
Lisbon
1924
2017

2143
Silves
D
arrive
0823#
arrive
---
1004
1129
1334
arrive arrive 1729
1846
arrive 1935
2029

2152
Estombar/Lagoa
E
1005
0829
1156
---
1011
1144#
1340
1756
1905
1740
1857# 2156
1946
2040#

2159
Portimão

goes to
0838
---
0931
1020
1148
1349
---
goes to
1744
1906
---
1950
2049

2207
Lagos

Porto
0858
---
0951
1040
1209
1410
---
Porto
1805
1926
---
2008
2109

2226

# arrives five to eight minutes earlier. Waits for another train to pass on the single track  ↓ - train does not stop at this station

AP - Alfa Pendular high speed tilting train. Arrival time is at Lisbon Oriente station, closest to Lisbon Airport. Also stops at Lisbon Entrecampos 8 minutes earlier.
AP trains continue beyond Lisbon (Oriente) via Coimbra-B, Aveiro and Gaia to PORTO CAMPANHÃ arriving Porto at 1258 and 2158 respectively. Full details at www.cp.pt
IC - Intercity train arrival time shown is at Lisbon Oriente station. Also stops at Lisbon Sete Rios 12 minutes earlier, Lisbon Entrecampos 8 minutes earlier.
Lisbon Oriente is the closest station to Lisbon Airport. Sete Rios or Entrecampos stations are closer to the city centre with a direct connection by metro/subway.
FOR NOTES ABOUT ALGARVE STATIONS (A to H) - CLICK HERE

X - arrival time at Tunes for connections towards Lagos. Connection is usually on the same platform.
Trains are usually held at Tunes in the event of late running down from Lisbon. These trains from Lisbon continue to Faro, stopping at Albufeira and Loulé.

TIMETABLE LAGOS > PORTIMÃO > TUNES > ALBUFEIRA > FARO

Daily - train runs every day including most holidays
MFO - train runs Mondays to Fridays (weekdays) only except holidays
SHX - train does not run on Sundays and Holidays

From Lisbon - trains run from Lisbon Oriente also all calling at Lisbon Entrecampos, also the IC trains call at Lisbon Sete Rios
please also read the note below the timetable
IF YOU USE AP OR IC TRAINS FOR THESE LOCAL JOURNEYS A MUCH HIGHER FARE IS PAYABLE - SEE NOTE

Train type

REG
REG
REG
REG
AP REG
IC
REG
REG
IC REG
REG
AP
REG
IC
Days of Operation
Note
Daily SHX Daily MFO Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily MFO Daily Daily Daily
Lagos

0610
0654
0747
0903
---
1110
---
1323
1509
---
1720
1827
---
2011
---
Portimão

0631
0714
0806
0923
---
1130
---
1349#
1529
---
1744#
1847
---
2031
---
Estombar/Lagoa
E
0640
0723
0814
---
From
1140
From
1357
1538
From
1753
1857
From 2040#
From
Silves
D
0648
0731
0823
---
Lisbon
1148
Lisbon
1405
1547
Lisbon
1801
1905
Lisbon 2051
Lisbon
Alcantarilha
F
0659
0742
0834
---
at
1200
at
1416
1559
at
1813
1921
at 2100
at
Algoz
G
0704
0747
0840
---
0823
1205
1002
1422
1604
1402
1818
1926
1723 2105
1832
Messines - Alte
H



---


1252

    ↓
1657



2122
Tunes (arrival)

0710
0752
0846
---
1052 1211
1300 1427
1610
1705 1823
1932
1953 2111
2132
Train to Lisbon leaves X
0729
--- 0851
---
--- --- --- 1444
1630
--- 1844
--- ---
---
---
Tunes (departure)

0711
0754
0851
---
1054 1212
1302 1427
1611
1707 1825
1933
1955 2112
2134
Albufeira - Ferreiras
C
0722#
0800
0858
---
1059 1219
1306 1438#
1623#
1711 1837#
1939
2000 2123#
2138
Boliqueime
G
0735#
0808
0905
---
1226
1446
1631 1850#
1947

2131
Loulé
B
0743
0815
0919#
---
1111 1242#
1318 1453
1638
1723 1859
1955
2012 2138
2150
Almancil
G
0747
0819
0923
---

1246

1457
1642

1903
1959
2142
Parque das Cidades
A
0752
0829#
0928
---

1251

1502
1647

1909
2004
2147
Faro

0759
0835
0934
---
1123 1257
1330 1508
1654
1735 1916
2010 2023 2154
2202







to
VRSA
weekdays

to
VRSA
daily







Some local trains run through from Faro to Vila Real de Santo António (VRSA) via Tavira as shown, but this is not advertised. There may be others than shown above

# arrives about five minutes earlier. Waits for another train to pass on the single track    ↓ - train does not stop at this station

AP - Alfa Pendular high speed tilting train. Departure time is from Lisbon Oriente station (closest to Lisbon Airport) also stops at Lisbon Entrecampos 8 minutes later.
AP trains start in PORTO CAMPANHÃ at  0532 and 1432 respectively running via  Gaia, Aveiro and Coimbra-B before Lisbon (Oriente) station. Full details at www.cp.pt
IC - Intercity train. Departure time is from Lisbon Oriente station, also stops at Lisbon Entrecampos 8 minutes later, Lisbon Sete Rios 12 minutes later.
X - departure time at Tunes for trains towards Lisbon originating in Faro. Connection is usually on the same platform. These trains also stop at Loulé and Albufeira.

NOTES ABOUT STATIONS

A - this is the nearest station to the Algarve Stadium, about 1km (3/4 mile) away. This station has no ticket office; buy your ticket on the train.
B - Loulé Station is over 3 miles/5km from the town. A FREE bus (official times here) connects Loulé Avenida 25 Abril (NOT the Bus Station) with a few of the trains.
Buses also run between Quarteira, Almancil and the station.. Same document for the information.
Otherwise, there is a bus stop about 250 yards/metres from the station; use the crossing at the end of the platform and follow the path by the green fence and turn right.
The bus stop is just beyond the end of the street; buses to Loulé stop on the left hand side as you look under a tree. Buses are infrequent and irregular. Check both route 10 and route 87 for times.
There is also a very limited FREE local bus between the station entrance and Loulé in connection with some trains to and from Lisbon. Click here for details.
C - Albufeira station is in FERREIRAS about 3.5 miles/6.5km from old town. There are buses to/from the town's main  bus station (which itself is a 1 mile / 1.6km from the old town) some also go down into the old town.
D - Silves station is just over a mile/1.8km from the town. Uphill on the way back! There are a few buses to/from town; click here for times.
E - Estombar/Lagoa station is in ESTOMBAR 2 miles/3.5km from Lagoa. This station has no ticket office; buy your ticket on the train.
F - Alcantarilha Station is 4 miles/6km from the village of that name. It has no ticket office. There are no longer any useful buses between the station and the village. The service is reduced to one bus each way on schooldays only.
G - this station has no ticket office; buy your ticket on the train. Cash only or at the CP website or app.
H - this station is unstaffed. Buy your ticket on the train, CASH ONLY. Regional fares are charged for trips between Messines and other stations in the Algarve. Reservation not needed.

FARO > OLHÃO > TAVIRA > VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTÓNIO

ALL TRAINS BUT NOT ALL STATIONS ARE SHOWN  BELOW

To view and print the complete Algarve timetable, click here. External link opens in new window.

Daily - train runs every day including most holidays
MFO train runs Mondays to Fridays (weekdays) only. Does NOT run on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays.
All trains are Regional services, second class only.
Trains call at all stations, except for the 1108 and 2107 from Vila Real de Santo António and the 2216 from Faro.

# arrives five minutes earlier. Waits for another train to pass on the single track.
THIS TRAIN WILL BE REPLACED BY A BUS ON WEEKDAYS UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER
THIS IS BECAUSE OF ONGOING MODERNISATION AND ELECTRIFICATION WORK. FULL DETAILS IN ENGLISH HERE
SOME OF THE BUS STOPS ARE AWAY FROM THE RAILWAY STATION.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. WHEELCHAIRS AND BIKES WILL NOT BE CARRIED ON THE BUSES.

Days of operation

Daily MFO Daily Daily MFO Daily Daily Daily Daily MFO Daily Daily Daily
Train from Lisbon arrives

---
---
---
1123
---
1330
---
---
1735
---
---
2023
2202
Train from Lagos arrives
Z
---
0835 0934 ---
1257
1257 1508
1654 ---
---
1916 2010 2154
Faro

0720
0857
0955
1130
1300
1355
1515
1713
1753
1826
1927
2030
2216
Olhão

0735#
0908
1006
1141
1311
1406
1531#
1729#
1804
1838
1939
2040
2227
Fuseta A ##
G
0743
0916
1014
1149
1320
1414
1539
1737
1812
1846
1947
2048
2236
Fuseta - Moncarapacho
G 0750# 0924# 1017
1152
1327# 1417
1542
1740
1815
1849
1954# 2051
2239
Luz
G
0759
0923
1026
1201 1336
1426
1551
1749
1824
1859
2003
2100
2248
Tavira

0806
0939#
1033
1208
1342
1433
1558
1756
1831
1905
2010
2106
2254
Conceição
G
0813
0946
1040
1215
1350
1441
1605
1803
1838 1913
2017
2114
2304
Cacela
G
0821
0955
1048
1223
1358
1449
1614
1812
1846
1925#
2025
2122
2314
Monte Gordo § G 0830
1004
1058
1233
1408
1459
1623
1821
1856
1934
2035
2132
no
stop

Vila Real de Santo António ++

0834
1008
1102
1237
1412
1503
1627
1825
1900
1938
2039
2135 2329

Z  1257 and 1508 arrivals at Faro are usually through trains Lagos to Vila Real de Santo António. Others may be, but this is not advertised.
The 2010 arrival in Faro from Lagos shaded green runs on weekdays only. It does NOT RUN on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.

VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTÓNIO > TAVIRA > OLHÃO > FARO

THIS TRAIN WILL BE REPLACED BY A BUS FROM TUESDAYS TO SATURDAYS UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER
THIS IS BECAUSE OF ONGOING MODERNISATION AND ELECTRIFICATION WORK. FULL DETAILS IN ENGLISH HERE
SOME OF THE BUS STOPS ARE AWAY FROM THE RAILWAY STATION.
THE BUS WILL LEAVE EARLIER THAN THE TRAIN TIMES SHOWN BELOW
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. WHEELCHAIRS AND BIKES WILL NOT BE CARRIED ON THE BUSES.

Days of operation

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily MFO Daily Daily MFO Daily
Vila Real de Santo António ++
0548
0639
0706
0840
1108
1243
1430
1524
1633
1753
1910
2107
Monte Gordo § G 0552
0643
0710
0843
1111
1246
1433
1527
1636
1756
1913
no
stop
Cacela
G
0602
0653
0720
0854
1120
1257
1449#
1538
1647
1812#
1925
2122
Conceição G
0609
0700
0727
0901
1127
1304
1456
1545
1654
1818
1931
2130
Tavira

0617
0708
0735
0909
1135
1312
1504
1558#
1702
1831#
1940
2138
Luz
G
0623
0714
0741
0914
1141
1318
1510
1603
1707
1836
1945
2143
Fuseta - Moncarapacho G 0632
0723
0750
0924
1152# 1327
1519
1612
1717
1849
1954
2150
Fuseta A ##
G
0635
0726
0753
0927
1155
1330
1522
1615
1720
1852
1957
2152
Olhão
0644
0735
0802
0936
1204
1339
1531
1624
1729
1901
2006
2201
Faro

0654
0746
0813
0946
1214
1349
1542
1634
1739
1912
2017
2211
Train to Lagos leaves
Z
0711
---
0902
1023
1225
---
1617
---
1741 1918
2050
---
Train to Lisbon leaves
0700
---
0822 ---
---
1415
1600
---
1815
---
---
---

Z - The 0711 train from Faro to Lagos does NOT RUN on Sundays and Holidays.

The 1214, 1739 and 1912 arrivals at Faro normally run through to Lagos. Others may do but this is not shown in the official timetable.
The good news is that these stations are mostly in the towns they are named after!

Note G = this station has no ticket office; buy your ticket on the train - CASH ONLY or use the website or app.

## - there are two stations in Fuzeta - Fuzeta-A is better placed for the town centre, beach and seaside area. It is often unstaffed and at first sight is a bit off-putting!.
The other station (called Fuzeta - Moncarapacho) is three minutes further down the line towards Luz and some way from the town and beach.
§ Monte Gordo's little 'halt' is about ¾ mile/1.2km from the town. The walk is along a road and flat.
++ the station here is about 1km (12 minutes walk) to the ferry across to Ayamonte in Spain.

RAIL MAP OF THE ALGARVE

click on the map below to see the larger size. List of stations here.

rail map

RAIL ENTHUSIAST? CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES

Connections Algarve <> Beja and Évora

There are no direct trains between any Algarve station and Évora or Beja.

Connections are available to Évora changing at Pinhal Novo using the trains from Faro at 07.00, arriving at 10.35 (weekdays) or 11.26 (weekends) and 14.15 with arrival at 18.35.
Return journeys leave from Évora at 07.06 (weekdays only and with 1 hour 20 minutes wait at Pinhal Novo), 09.06 daily, with 55 minutes wait at Pinhal Novo, and in the afternoon, daily, leaving Évora at 16.57 with about 20 minutes wait in Pinhal Novo. Pinhal Novo is not the most pleasant station at which to spend any length of time!

Rail connections to/from Beja are only possible via Pinhal Novo. Times as above, a second change of train is needed at Casa Branca.

Reservation is compulsory on all these trains. Tickets are on sale up to 60 days in advance. Big discounts are often available if seats are booked more than a week in advance.
Go to https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/buy-tickets

The more direct way to travel between Beja and the Algarve is by long distance bus (coach) www.rede-expressos.pt. Rede-Expressos has three daily journeys each way, taking about two hours. Extra journeys are operated on Fridays and Sundays during University terms. There is a fourth journey daily each way in summer.

Travelling by train to or from Lisbon?

This little map may come in useful to show the different stations in Lisbon. Click to see it full size

Lisbon city rail
            map

For a list of all the timetables on the site, click here
For an alphabetical list of places in the Algarve, click here
For some important general notes about buses in the Algarve, click here
Back to the main page here

www.algarvebus.info