Praia da Luz, Algarve, Portugal

Information and Resources

Praia da Luz
Portugal
Transport in the Algarve


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Transport to and whilst in the Algarve

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. Places where it is possible to get 'Cheap' Flights and reasonable Car Hire, Also if you don't need 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.

   


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Airports in PortugalAirports in Portugal

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)

Cheap Flight SitesCheap Flight Sites

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.
 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.
Click Here for current cabin baggage restrictions

Airport Baggage Restrictions (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.co.uk All airline search from one page.
Flightsdirect.com All airline search from one page.
Lastminute.com All airline search from one page.
Lightbluetravel.co.uk Flights and Car Hire samples.
Easyjet 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 
XL Some good prices in May to October only.
Flymonarch.com 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 
Gemstone Travel We've used this company many times and been well satisfied with the service and prices, but that was pre-online days (2005). As it is now part of Last Minute.com you might as well go on-line to book.

Cheap Flight SitesFlight Sites

Other Sites for Flights

British Airways Generally the most expensive. Single flights to U.K. reasonable.
TAP Air Portugal Expensive. Rare bargains.
GO Airlines Uses various airlines, occasional bargains.
Monarch Airlines monarch airlinesAlways worth checking. Most flexible pricing.
Thomas Cook Thomas CookNormally uses BA. Occasional offers.  
Easyjet Probably the cheapest on a good day.

Car RentalCar Rental

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 Faro Airport:
(+351) 289 817 355
Luz:
(+351) 282 789 510
Lagos:
(+351) 282 761 961
Quad Bikes, Scooters and Bicycles available at Luz branch ( by the church ). Some good prices to be had here.
Luzcar 1 Star LuzcarsA long established, and reliable 'company'. Not bad rates. I've used them more often than the others, with no problem.
Master Kings Master Kings Car RentalA 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: 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.co.uk Flights and Car Hire samples.
Holidayautos.co.uk Another possible option for booking in advance.
Portugal-car-hire.com Rates from Faro Airport.
Rentalcargroup.com Instant Price Comparisons (Budget/Europcar/Thrifty/Alamo)
Cartrawler.com Used by travel agencies for price comparisons. Average prices.
Gemstone Travel We've used this company many times and been well satisfied with the service and prices. ( Now a subsidiary of Lastminute.com but still as good  04/2005  ).

Airport Rental OfficesAirport Rental Offices

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 AutojardimTel: (+351) 289 800 881
Avis / Sovial Lda. AvisTel: (+351) 289 889 456 - B.A. and T.A.P partner
Budget / A. Castanheira BudgetTel: (+351) 210 323 605
Europcar / National EuropcarTel: (+351) 289 889 447
Leading European Car Rental company.
Easyjet partner.
Hertz - HR Aluguer de Automóveis HertzTel: (+351) 289 818 248
Guerin GuerinCar hire, Limo services.
Tel : (+351) 289 800 883
Rentauto / Machado & Monteiro Tel: (+351) 289 818 718
Sixt Rent a Car / Globalrent SixtTel: (+351) 289 818 294 - Monarch partner
Alamo.co.uk AlamoTel: (+351) 289 818 726

Airport Transfer ServicesAirport Transfer Services

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 Advertised by Easyjet and by far the cheapest I've found so far.
Transfers Faroprivatetransfers.com
Airport transfers to Luz. Book on-line. €145 Euros return ( 1 to 4 ), €160 Euros return ( 5 to 8 ). Pay the driver. Also Golf Course transfers.  12/2008 
Transfers Algarvetransfersdirect.com
Airport transfers to Luz. Book on-line. €145 130 Euros return ( 1 to 4 ), €160 150 Euros return ( 5 to 8 ). Pay the driver. Also Golf Course transfers. Prices reduced for 2009!  01/2009 
Polotur 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 Airport transfers to Luz. Instant Quote on-line. Pay in advance or driver. A bit more expensive than above.  02/2007 
Low-cost-transfer Airport transfers to Luz. Instant Quote on-line. Pay in advance or driver. A bit more expensive than above.  02/2007 

Bicyle HireCycles

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 Luz.
   

Car IconCar Icon

Distances between Algarve Towns in Kilometres

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
                                       

Train Services to LuzTrain Services to Luz

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 10 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.

Bus iconBus icon

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. There are buses that run from Faro to Lagos (approx one and a half hours).
The times shown are the current published, however there may be some changes during the season. So check before travelling using the link at the foot of the table.
TRANSRAPIDO - Faro <> Lagos - 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
Downloadable .pdf version  Faro > Lagos
Downloadable .pdf version  Lagos < Faro


Bus iconBus icon

Buses from LAGOS to LUZ to LAGOS

There is a local bus from Lagos to Praia da Luz (approx.20 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 ).
ONDA Normal Daily Service ( Not Sundays or Holidays* )
Click here for the complete timetable 
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 ) halfway down the Av. Descobrimentos / Marina. Current fare ( 2008 ) €1.70. Stops at the Intermarche (Superstore). The bus takes the old road into Luz.

Last Update: 04/08/2009 - Neils Web Pages - Praia da Luz - The Algarve - Portugal - Airports, Flights, Car Hire, Trains and Buses

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