Algarve Transport Informations

Algarve - Relevant Information - Transport Tips 

Airports

The international airport is at Faro. Throughout the country there are a number of small airports with limited facilities. It is possible to travel from the international airports to many of these smaller ones but it is important to first check, as these services are variable.
At Faro Airport a bus can be boarded outside the Terminal that will take you to the centre of the city. The local buses, numbers 17 and 18 will also take you to and from the airport, a distance of 11 kms. Taxis are also usually recommended.

Coaches
There is the national network of "Rodoviária Nacional (RN)", and competing private operators who run quick non-stop services on the more popular routes and often to destinations not covered by trains. In almost all cases tickets are purchased in advance.

Disabled Facilities
The needs of the disabled are visibly evident with reserved parking spaces in public areas, special toilets at airports, stations, and centres of entertainment.

Driving
Portugal drives on the right side of the road
Except when otherwise indicated all vehicles approaching from the right have priority. The driver already on a roundabout normally has the right of way
Safety-belts are compulsory in all circumstances
Drinking and driving is severely controlled and limited to a restriction of 0.3 g/l
Unless otherwise indicated urban limit is 50 km/h
Rural roads other than those zones indicated are limited to 90 km/h
Motorways are limited to 120 km/h

Rent a Car
In all major towns there are a number of companies providing rent a car service. Proof of identity and a valid current Driving Licence is required. The minimum age to hire a car is 21 years old but some companies' place the age higher.

Trains
The Portuguese railway system is State owned and has the name of "Caminhos de Ferro Portuguese (CP)". The system provides a very reasonably priced transport within the country. Major lines are fast, efficient and comfortable.

Urban
In the towns of the Algarve there is limited means of transport. Taxis are mainly used and they are painted in a cream colour. In urban areas they charge according to the taximeter. Outside these areas the charge is per kilometre and this includes the cost of the drivers return trip. Luggage over 30 kilos is charged at a fixed rate. All taxis drivers have in their possession their printed rates in two languages.

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