Transport between Lisbon, Portugal and Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

There are three main modes of travel between Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and Lagos, the historic picturesque city located in the south-west Algarve region of Southern Portugal.

These are:

Road:

By Toll motorway, Lagos is 300km from Praça Marques de Pombal, in the centre of Lisbon.

The route via either the Ponte 25 de Abril or Vasco de Gama Bridge runs via the A2 and the A22 Via de Infante Algarve Backbone Motorway.

Lisbon - Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge

Transit time with stops is about 3hrs15mins. At the time of writing (September 2016), the estimated toll & fuel costs for a small compact car from Lisbon to Lagos are:

Total: 44.93 €  (source: viamichelin.pt )

Tolls 20.45 €,
Fuel 24.48 €.


There are alternatives non-toll coastal routes along the Alentejo coast.

Rail:

Alfa-Pendular at Tunes Junction

National Portuguese operator cp.pt operates 2 Alfa-Pendular Hi-speed express trains per day between Lisbon Gare Oriente, Lisbon Entrecampos atations and Tunes Junction where there are connecting local trains along the Algarve Line (linha de Algarve) to Lagos. Transit times are approximately 3 hrs.

cp.pt also operates 3 Intecidade Trains between Lisbon Sete Rios, Lisbon Gare Oriente, Lisbon Entrecampos stations and Tunes Junction where there are connecting local trains along the Algarve Line (linha de Algarve) to Lagos. Transit times are approximately 3hrs45mins to 4 hrs.

Changing trains at Tunes Junction usually occurs on on Platform 2/3.It is better to stay on this platform unless otherwise advised.



Prices at the time of  writing in September 2016 are:

Single 2nd Class - Alfa Pendular - Lisboa Entrecampos to Lagos - (One way) 22,70€
Single 2nd Class - Intercidade - Lisboa Entrecampos to Lagos - (One way)  21,70€

Latest timetables in pdf format can usually be downloaded here:

http://www.cp.pt/StaticFiles/Passageiros/horarios/horarios/PDF/ap_ic/porto_lisboa_faro_lagos.pdf

Ticket can be booked online at cp.pt

Bus/Long distance Coach

There are two bus/long distance coach services between Lisbon and Lagos

a) rede-expressos.pt & eva-bus.com

These services depart from Lisbon Sete Rios Rodovíario (Bus Station) next to Sete Rios railway station and Metro Jardim Zoologíco (linha azul/blue line)

Eva Bus at Lisbon Setet Rios

The EVA bus departures are usually faster, taking +-3hrs45mins BUT there is no stop between Lisbon and Lagoa in the Algarve.


The Rede-Expressos buses take longer but there are usually stops en route.

There are upwards 12 daily services between the two locations. Additional Services operate at peak periods and high-season.

Timetables & online booking for both services can be found here:

http://www.rede-expressos.pt/

Ticket prices vary dependent upon the service used but at the time of writing begin at €20.00 single one way.

b) renex.pt

RENEX.pt also operate bus services from Lisbon Gare Oriente Bus Station (Metro Gare Oriente - Linha vermelho - two stops from the airport) to Lagos. In Lagos, the buses leave from and arrive at the Renex office by the Repsol Service Station on the Avenida by the Muncipal Market.

Renex Bus at Lisbon Gare Oriente

However, these services take longer. Transit times are between 03hrs 45mins and 04hrs30mins. Buses stop once en route for refreshments. It may be necessary to change buses at the Renex Vale Paraiso bus station near Albufeira.

There are 7 daily services. Timetables can be downloaded here:

http://renex.pt/Files/Horarios_SUL.pdf

Unfortunately, it is not possible to to book this service online. Tickets can be purchased at the Renex Booking Offices in Lagos and at Gare Oriente.

Ticket prices vary dependent upon the service used but at the time of writing begin at €19.50 single one way.

In the writer's opinion, with over 19 buse services daily between Lisbon & Lagos, bus offers the best option for return day trips between the two centres.

If arriving at Lisbon Airport and travelling to Lagos for for a stay, the train or bus from Gare Oriente to/from Lagos is the most convenient as there Metro runs directly between the two. (Three stops)

It should also be born in mind that, often, there are no taxis at either Lagos Station or Lagos Bus Station. There are usually taxis available near by the stop for Renex.pt buses in Lagos.

Lisbon to Sagres

There are three main very reasonable ways to get to Sagres from Lisbon, all via Lagos.

1) Rail/Bus

There are several trains a day from Lisbon Gare Oriente or Entrecampos stations via Tunes to Lagos.

Price per ticket one way will be +- € 23.00 per person depending on train

For timetable info, go to my blog at:


http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2008/04/lisbon-to-sagres.html

Scroll down on the right and you will find at panel entitled:

»» Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links

In this panel look for:

# RENEX Bus Service - Lisbon to Algarve timetable

Click on it to download the timetable in pdf format.

At Lagos, you walkover the marina bridge to the bus station and take a bus to Sagres. These leave on average every 90 minutes during the day.

If you go to my blog at:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/

You will see a copy of this message with a copy of the current Lagos - Sagres bus Timetable in png format. Click on it and it will enlarge.



2)Bus/Bus

Rede Expressos/EVA operate buses throughout the day from Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station to Lagos. Cost per person circa € 18.00 one way.

I have again placed a copy of the timetable on my blog.Click on it and it will enlarge.



Again from Lagos Bus Station grab a bus to Sagres

2)Bus/Bus

RENEX operate buses throughout the day from Lisbon Gare Orients Bus Station to Lagos. Cost per person circa € 18.00 one way.

In Lagos this drops you off at the Repsol Garage and you have a 10 minute walk to the Lagos Bus Station where you can get a bus to Sagres

For timetable info, go to my blog at:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2008/04/lisbon-to-sagres.html

Scroll down on the right and you will find at panel entitled:

»» Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links

In this panel look for:

Portuguese Railways - 2008 - Lisbon - Algarve Faro/Lagos Timetable

Click on it to download the timetable in pdf format.

CP - Portuguese Railways - Labour Disputes - Warning

Although there is a general tomorrow in Portugal, there are also ongoing periodic rail strikes and "works to rule" continuing on the railways. Although I live here, speak Portuguese, and was full aware of the problem , we got nobbled this morning when taking a train from Lisbon to Lagos. We picked up a ticket to get the 10:29 Intercidades from Lisbon to Tunes, whence we would have changed train to Lagos. We were not advised at the ticket office in Lisbon, that the connecting train from Tunes to Lagos was cancelled due to strikes! Furthermore, the ticket collector on-board the train smiled sweetly at us when we presented our tickets, said "mude em Tunes" (change in Tunes - as usual) and then carried on with no mentioned of the strikes or "work to rule". On disembarking at Tunes, (at 13:20) along with many locals, there was a garbled message which no one could hear because of the departing train. Following discussions with some interested locals over the lines, and using the help line, I established that the 13h25 to Lagos was cancelled owing to "strike action" and that the next train was at 16:57. In the end, we clubbed together with some locals and took a taxi at a considerable extra expense back to Lagos. The real issue is that information on late cancellations is not being passed on to the ticket offices, etc. As regards travelling to the Algarve, I therefore have to strongly recommend that anyone seeking to head from Lisbon to the Western Algarve, (i.e. Silves, Portimão and Lagos), DO NOT, for the present, use rail travel. There is no indication yet as to whether the current work to rule is going to continue after the national rail strike on 1st November, and as alternative public transport from Tunes to the above centres is non-existent, you may end up paying € 12:50 each for a cab with four people to get to Lagos. I STRONGLY recommend that anyone seeking to travel from Lisbon to the Western Algarve USE one of the three bus services, Renex, Rede Expessos or EVA (Search this forum for information this!:) I also strongly recommend travellers to continue to use this option until the rail labour disputes end! If these labour disputes do not end soon, I can see Portuguese Railways local rail services going out of business and, in reality, pehaps that would be the best giving the problems being faced by tourist visiting the Algarve!

Lagos, Algarve, Portugal - Travelling to/from Lisbon & Seville by Public transport

Visiting Lagos in the Western Algarve region of Southern Portugal.

Here's some tips on how to get to Lagos by public transport from both Lisbon, Portugal and Seville, Spain.

Travel to/from Lisbon, Portugal

There are both long distance buses and trains connecting Lisbon to Lagos.

Depending on time of year, there are approximately 18 services a day.

Train :

One takes either a cp.pt Alfa-Pendular or Intercidades train with destination Faro, from one of two Lisbon main stations, Gare Oriente or Entrecampos. One changes at Tunes, a village in the interior of the Algarve countryside to a local train to Lagos. This takes about an hour.

Alfa-Pendular at Estação do Tunes, Algarve

The current timetable in pdf format can be found here:

http://www.cp.pt/StaticFiles/Passageiros/horarios/horarios/PDF/ap_ic/porto_lisboa_faro_lagos.pdf

Bus/Long Distance Coach::

There are three operators:

- EVA-Transport Mundial / Rede-Expressos who operate a combined direct(with stops) long-distance coach service from Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station to Lagos and v.v.

Lisbon/Lisboa Sete Rios Bus/Coach Station - 2015

- Renex.pt which operates a long-distance coach service(with stops) from Lisbon Gare Oriente Bus Station to Lagos.

Transit times are between 03hrs 45mins and 04hrs30mins

Travel to/from Seville, Andalucia, Spain 

There are three operators.

- EVA-Transport Mundial / Dama-sa.es who operate a combined direct(with stops) long-distance coach service to/from Sevilla Plaza das Armas Bus Station to Lagos and v.v.
- Alsa.es also operates as service to/from  Sevilla Plaza das Armas Bus Station to Lagos and v.v.

The best presentation on these services can be found on Cubsur's excellent site here:

http://algarvebus.info/001.htm

Lisbon to Lagos to Faro

Sorry for the delay in reply.

There are various options for driving from Lisbon to Lagos and Faro.

The Coastal route. There are various variants via Setubal, Troia Peninsula, Sines, Vila Nova Milfontes, Odeceixe, Aljezur to Lagos.

The bulk of this route is 3 metre single lane each way asphalt. Transit time to Lisbon dependent on traffic 5 to 6 hours although I have done it in 3hrs30mins when pushing it.Speed is restricted to 90km/hr.

The route is scenic but with curves in many places.

The Motorway Option. There is a main Arterial Toll Motorway (A2) running from Lisbon to the Algarve (Paderne) where it joins the Via de Infante (A22) Algarve Spinal Motorway. Lisbon to Lagos by this route can be done in 2hrs:30mins.

Parallel to that route is the old main route from Lisbon to the Algarve. (IC1) The bulk of this route is 3 metre single lane each way asphalt with passing lanes. Speed is restricted to 90km/hr.

There are other longer routes through the Alentejo including via Beja to Alcoutim to Castro Marim and then back along the Algarve coast to Lagos.

Essentially, to recap there are probably about 20+ variants on this route. Recommending a single route would be dependent on your interests.

Finally, remember when hiring a car to specify automatic shift, as most hire cars this side of the pond are manual shift.

Lisbon to Lagos- Train or Bus?

The main differences are as follows:

1) The train route is, in my opinion, more photogenic.

There is a great, if brief, crossing of the 25 de Abril Bridge which allows a wonderful view, in the day time down along the Tejo from Lisbon to Cascais.

There is then a lovely run through the Alentejo, which gives one a real taste of rural southern Portugal.

Be aware that you have to change trains at Tunes junction to a local rattler that wanders its way through the Western Algarve to Lagos. Again you get to see more than you would in the bus.

2) The trains from Lisbon to Tunes and onward to Faro have buffet cars onboard so that you can get up, wander around, have a coffee or a glass of wine, and thus is less restricting than a bus.

3) The two main bus routes follow the A2 tool main motorway from Lisbon the Algarve and then the A22 Via de Infante Algarve Arterial Motorway to Lagos.

4) The EVA buses from Lisbon Sete Rios only take 3hrs45 mins but are non-stop to Lagoa and then stop only in Portimão, Praia da Rocha, and then Lagos. They have pokey onboard toilets.

5) Renex buses from Lisbon Gare Oriente follow the same route to then end of the A2 motorway but then have more stops along the Western Algarve. They do stop for 15 minutes en route for Coffee etc. They can take up to +4 hours.

6) There are also a couple of daily Rede Expressos buses from Lisbon Sete Rios that follow rural routes through via Messines or via Odemira and Aljezur to Lagos. Again these take +4 hours.

For trains, you can by tickets/make reservations at most self-respecting CP(Portuguese Railways) stations in Lisbon. I would recommend Entrecampos,Gare Oriente,Stª.Apolonia, and I think from memory, Restauradores Station (Sintra Line).

For the buses:

1) EVA/Rede Expressos - Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station Ticket Office (Metro/CP Station Sete Rios)
2) RENEX - Lisbon Gare Oriente Bus Station Ticket Office (Metro/CP Station Sete Rios)

As regards purchasing tickets at the tourist office at Lisbon Airport or Restauradores/Liberdade not sure, Maybe someone can advise?

Sorry there's too much information. It's the first time we've had that complaint as far as I know.

Lisbon to Lagos

You can get down from Lisbon by either long distance bus or train.

Cost will be between € 16:00 and € 23:00 per person each way dependent on which service you chose.

Buses:

Eva Transportes/Rede Expressos operate several daily services leaving Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station / Metro Jardim Zoologico Bus Station and taking approx 3hrs45min to Lagos.

Renex operate several daily services from Lisbon Gare Oriente Bus Station to Lagos. Transit time circa 4hrs30mins.

Trains

Take between 4hrs and 4hrs:30mins. Note you have to changre trains at Tunes Junction and take an Algarve Line train to Lagos.

If you visit my blog:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/

»» Scroll down on the right hand side until you come to the panel entitled "Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links"

»» Click on:

- Porto - Lisbon - Faro Train Timetable
- Algarve Regional Line Train Timetable for connections along the Algarve.
- RENEX Bus Service - Lisbon to Algarve timetable
- Rede-Expressos - National Bus Timetable - Updated. (National Coach Operator) - Portuguese only.
- Eva Bus Service - Lisbon Sete Rios to Lagos

Also see Cubsur's excellent site here, complete with the Lisbon to Lagos Timetable.

http://thomasallen.home.sapo.pt/travel/006.htm#times

Bus is cheaper but train is more scenic and at least you can walk around.

Lisbon to Lagos by Road

You are really not leaving much time to spend in Lisbon which is a lovely city.

While you are there you must see at a minimum the Castelo São Jorge from where you will get a great view of the City, the Praça do Comercio, Jeronimos Monastery and Belem. Also the town and Castles at Sintra.

I think you will find the IBIS Saldanha not great for parking and a lot of traffic. When I drive up from Lagos to Lisbon we usually head to the IBIS Malhoa at Avda. Jose Malhoa. This has easier access to the ring road with routes to the Algarve over either one of Lisbon's Bridges.

Parking is easier there as well. You can go round the back of the hotel where there is free parking. The Metro Stations at Jardim Zoologico and Praça de Espanha are 5-6 minutes walk away and give great access to the rest of the city. You should walk or take public transport as you will see nothing by driving.

As regards travelling to the Algarve by car be warned we are now entering the hot season. The inland route to the Algarve through the Alentejo will be hot. I always try to leave at this time of year (going either way) early morning circa 07:30 to miss the worse of the traffic in Lisbon and teh heat in the Alentejo. The Coastal route can also be hot.

Note the Motorway is a toll road from Lisbon until you get to the Algarve A22 motorway.

If you want to take the scenic route I recommend leaving Lisbon on the Motorway and coming of just past suitable a Marateca. Once on the old National Road IP1 follow the signs for Alcacer do Sal and Grandola.

Option 1

At Grandola you can go right to Sines and then follow the coast road through Vila Nova Milfontes to Odeceixe, Aljezur and Lagos.

Option 2

Continue on through Grandola until you pass Mimosa. (Stop for a coffee and a break at the first cafe on the left.) Just after Mimosa you will find a road signed to the right indicating Lagos. Take this and you will eventually wend you way to coast road mentioned above.

Option 3

Another 25 km further there is another road to the right marked Odemira. Take this and pass through Odemira following the signs for Odeceixe, Aljezur and Lagos

Option 4

Continue down the IP1 towards Albufeira. You will intersect with the A22 coastal Motorway. Bear right and continue 60km till you get to Lagos.

On the return you could follow the coastal route to Sines and from there follow the road to Troia and take the ferry over to Setubal. From there you are only 40 km from Lisbon.

There is a great IBIS at Setubal as well with garden and pool. A nice place to relax after a days drive.

Trip to Lisbon Report.

Had to go up to Lisbon yesterday from Lagos, so a short report.

Left Lagos at 13:30 by hire car provided by Luzcar.

Took the Motorway on-ramp at the Total Service Station on the road to Praia do Luz / Sagres.

Joined the A22 and ran 10kms to Bensafrim and joined the EN 120.

Followed this road through Aljezur, Rogil, Maria Vinagre, Odeceixe, into the Alentejo and then onto to Odemira.

From Odemira, continued on the N120 to Cercal. (Very windy road.) From Cercal, took the N262 to Alvalade where I turned left onto the IC 1 (old Lisbon to Algarve arterial road. ). After 5 minutes stopped in Mimosa at the last Restaurant on the left going North.

Restaurante S. Sebastião de Mimosa,Mimosa

Tel: 269 595 202

Transit time to Mimosa by this route was 1hr. 40 mins.

It was a beautiful clear day, although very cold. A bit of Sunday traffic. The Alentejo was beautiful with blue skies, green pastures and lots of happy sheep, pigs and locals.

From Mimosa, headed North up the IC 1, past Grandola until I came to the N10 just past Marateca.

Turned right and after 1km entered the A2 Motorway to Lisbon. Everything was find until I arrived 2km from the 25 de Abril Bridge over the Tagus. However, the A2 between Palmela and Coima is being widened to three lanes. Work will continued through 2010. Until then, the Vasco da Gama bridge may be a better option for accessing Lisbon from the South.

There were the usual Sunday trippers coming back from the South Bank and substantial queues which meant that it took the 20 minutes to grind past the Almada and Costa Caparica off-ramps before getting to the tolls at the Bridge.

After that it was an easy run over the bridge, coming off right at the Marques de Pombal off-ramp and through the new tunnels to Marques de Pombal. (Note strict radar/photo 50 km/hr speed controls in place in the tunnels). Turned right down Avda. de Liberdade and dived into the Restauradores Public Parking at the bottom on the Avenida. Transit time by this route with stops and the delay at the bridge about 4 hours.

Overnighted at the following:

Residêncial Florescente
Rua Portas de Santo Antão, nº99
1150 - 266 Lisboa
Tel: +351 213426609
Fax: +351 213427733
E-mail: geral@residencialflorescente.com
web: www.residencialflorescente.com

This hotel had been recommended by German friends here in Lagos. It is a 2 1/2* hostelry doing B&B.With 6th Floors is a newly refurbished old Lisbon 5 storey building. The rooms have been repainted and refubished. They are warm and comfortable, with clean bathrooms but not deluxe. The price was good to this time of year.

The hotel is opposite the Teatro Coliseu, 2 blocks from Rossio and Rossio Station.

Two notes of caution: The wifi was not working and the staff are nice but 2 generations behind in their IT skills.

The Hotel website is a disaster and when we called to book, still had to send a fax to confirm.

When we arrived the receptionist, who was very pleasant still took 10 minutes to check us in, owing to problems "with the computer". Being an IT nerd myself methinks that a lack of training was more the reason. Even speaking Portuguese it was hard work.

We were on our way to see a performance at the Teatro Chapito near the Castelo São Jorge. From the Hotel is was easy to walk down and across Praça Figueira and then down to Rua dos Correios 223/225 where one finds the Restaurante Cesteiro. We have eaten here before, Not to touristy as it serves Bank staff during the week and very good Portuguese Food. The Bacalhau was wonderful, as was the Caldo Verde Soup. However, I had to chase them to heat the soup up for me, as it was done "Lisbon style" whereas I like my soup hot.

After dinner it was a 12 minute-walk uphill to the Chapitu on a cold but clear night. Wine on the terrace overlooking the Tagus bridge and then to see "O Tempestade", a visual take of Shakespeare's the Tempest, produced by John Mowat and performed by the "Companhia de Chapitu", with Jorge Cruz, Marta Cequeira, Tiago Viegas. As usual, a brilliant performance by these excellent young Portuguese Actors.

Returned the same way to Lagos today. A couple of notes. Being Monday a lot more heavy traffic on the road, It is obvious that many truckers are being told to avoid using Motorways to save on tolls. The Old Lisbon - Algarve IC 1 was very busy with heavy vehicles as a result and slow down our return transit on this route to 4 hours. However, the countryside is beautiful.

It is also noticeable as a result that the road pavement between Marateca and south of Grandola has been badly deformed. So a bumpy ride on this route. In future, unless this route is improved, I will probably join the A2 motorway at Grandola South and pay the tolls to get to and form Lisbon.

Lisbon to Vilamoura

There are two or three things to consider in making your decision as to how to get to Vilamoura from Lisbon.

1) Vilamoura is not the Algarve! It a modern Golf/Marina Complex. There are regular public buses to Quarteira and Albufeira during the day but if you want to explore the Algarve during your week here, a hire car is highly recommended.

The region is only about 160km by 40 km but its wide diversity from the wild rocky west coast, the historic town of Lagos where I live, to the inland hills and the Spanish border, is very difficult to explore without a car.

Consequently, you might consider hiring a car.

If you did, I would recommend picking it up at Lisbon Airport on your departure from Lisbon, cross the Tejo by the Vasco da Gama bridge and take the toll-motorway to the Algarve. On arriving at the A22, bear left on the the Via Infante Motorway and continue until you come to the Loulé/Almancil/Quarteira/ off ramp, bear right until you come to Quarteira and follow the signs for Vilamoura. (Transit Time with stops - 3 hours.)

A reputable hire company in Lisbon is Auto-Jardim.

You can see details here:

http://www.carhireyes.com/autojardim/

If you follow this option make sure you specifiy if you need an automatic, as most vehicles this side of the pond are manual shift.

2) If you really just want to relax in the Hilton, or not hire a car, I would recommend the train as it is a wonderful trip over the 25 Abril bridge and through the Alentejo. There is a cafe on-board and it is a wonderful relaxing way to spend 3,5 to 4 hours.

There are two types of Intercity - Alpha Pendular & Intercidades.

- The first operate twice daily from Lisbon Gare Oriente, via Lisbon Entrecampos stations to the Algarve. If you are staying in a central Lisbon Hotel the second station is the one you want.

- The second type are called Intercidades and follow the same route but stop at more stations and operate three times a day. There is a fourth evening service on Fridays.

You can find the timetable on my blog by scrolling down on the right hand panel, until you come to the section entitled:

>>>> Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links

Click on the item

>>>> # Portuguese Railways - 2008 - Lisbon - Algarve Faro/Lagos Timetable

You will be able to download it in pdf format.

For Vilamoura you will want to detrain at Loulé Station. There are often no taxis there but am sure you can ask the Hilton to have one meet you. It will take about 15 minutes from there to Vilamoura. Alterntively, continue to Faro Station where there are always taxis. It will take 25 minutes to Vilamoura and cost about € 25 to € 35 depending on time of day/week.

3) If buses really are you preference, bus operator RENEX operate several services daily from Lisbon Gare Oriente (same as the train station) to Vilamoura.

You can find the timetable on my blog by scrolling down on the right hand panel, until you come to the section entitled:

>>>> Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links

Click on the item:

>>>> RENEX Bus Service - Lisbon to Algarve timetable

Look at the the top panel entitled Lisboa - Loulé - Lisboa

N.B. "P" means departure / "C" means arrival.

Note that there is no Metro link yet to Lisbon Airport. On arrival you will need to grab a taxi or bus to your hotel.

Operator Rede Expressos also operates this route. Buses leave from Lisbon Sete Rios Coach Station (Metro Jardim Zoologico.)

I have published a copy of the relevant timetable here:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/2929565/3seteriosvilamoura


Hope this helps and thanks again for contacting me.

Train from Lisbon to Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

The two daily Alfa-Pendular and three Intercidades trains leaving from Lisboa Entrecampos for the Algarve have Faro as their terminus.

To travel to Lagos by Train, one must descend at Tunes Junction and connect to a local train to Lagos.

If one searches the www.cp.pt in the panel on the top right hand of the first page for trains from Lisboa Entrecampos to Lagos and then click on the "details" link next to each result on the following page, it shows Tunes these details.

There are NO direct trains from Lisboa to Lagos.

However, we use the train regularly to get up and down from Lagos to Lisboa and the change at Tunes usually works like clockwork as one has +- 10 to 20 minutes to wait after the Lisbon train arrives before the Lagos one comes in and wanders of down to Lagos.

By public transport the only way to get from Lisboa to Lagos directly is by long-distance coach.

However, this takes a minimum of 3hrs:45mins with no stops! (On board toilet!) Not recommended for kids, especially in summer. (See: http://www.eva-bus.com/novo/)

There are slower buses www.renex.pt or www.rede-expessos.pt which do stop en-route for 15-20 minutes but these take up to 4hrs:30mins to do the trip.

Take it from an old hand....Take the train!

Lisbon to Salema

There is no direct public transport link from Lisbon to Salema.

You would either have to take a train or bus from Lisbon to Lagos and then a local EVA bus to Salema.

You best bet would be by EVA Transportes bus from Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station to Lagos and a local bus to Salema.

I have posted the current Lisbon to Lagos EVA bus timetable in pdf format on Scribd here:

www.scribd.com/doc/12917712/Lisboa-Lagos-Eva

I have posted the current Lagos to Salema bus timetable in pdf format on Scribd here:

www.scribd.com/doc/12917675/Lagos-Salema

Lisbon to Lagos

Provided you travel down by public transport I would think Lagos would be ideal for you this summer.

I refer to the public transport issue as the town centre will be a disaster this summer owing to ongoing and delayed roadworks.

You can get down from Lisbon by either long distance bus or train.

Cost will be between € 16:00 and € 23:00 per person each way dependent on which service you chose.

Buses:

Eva Transportes/Rede Expressos operate several daily services leaving Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station / Metro Jardim Zoologico Bus Station and taking approx 3hrs45min to Lagos.

Renex operate several daily services from Lisbon Gare Oriente Bus Station to Lagos. Transit time circa 4hrs30mins.

Trains

See Cubsur's excellent site here, complete with the Lisbon to Lagos Timetable.

http://thomasallen.home.sapo.pt/travel/006.htm#times

We have several great beaches here including the 5km long Meia Praia Beach. Lagos is on the world traveller/backpackers circuit and there are great bars, restaurants and hostels.

Lagos also retains the feel of a small Portuguese town thanks to its history, town walls and location.

If you want to get out for the day you can get by bus to places like Salema, Luz and Burgau where there are also nice beaches:

Porto to Lagos - Summer 2009

Both options are equally feasible.

My partner often goes up to Porto from Lagos to teach. She takes the train. The only problem is that the first 60kms from Lagos to Tunes Junction is on a local Algarve Line rattler.

The benefit of the train is that you can get up and walk around, go to the on-board cafe.

There are two Hi-Speed Alfa Pendular though trains per day from Porto to Tunes and vice versa.

If you go to my blog here,

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/porto-to-lagos-summer-2009.html



(Click on image to enlarge)


I have published an extract from the current Portuguese railways timetable for the run Porto to Lagos.

Transit time is between 6hrs45mins and over 8 hours.

There are two bus operators on the route. Renex and Rede Expressos.
Only Renex neatly ties in with the train as its Lisbon Station is at Gare Oriente.

Rede Expressos may be the best bus option. However, at time of writing, their website was down. Transit time will be about 7:hrs + but one would have to change train in Lisbon.

Renex takes 3hrs:30mins from Porto to Lisbon and 4hrs:30mins from Lisbon to Lagos.

The bus stops en route between Lisbon and Lagos.

The bus route is not as scenic as the Train route and you can't move around.

Personally for not much more I would normally recommend the train.

Bus from Lisbon to Lagos

(This is an example itinerary on how to get, by public transport, from Lisbon Airport to Lagos, Algarve based on a mid/late-morning flight arrival.)

With children, I would usually recommend the train.

There is a 14h20 train departure from Lisbon Gare Oriente arriving in Lagos at 18h57. (Change at Tunes junction.) One can buy tickets online at www.cp.pt (click on the Union Jack in the top right hand corner for the english version.)

There is a 12:30 departure EVA Bus departure from Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station arriving Lagos Bus Station at 16:15. One would need to take a taxi from the Airport to the Bus Station, as timing may be tight by the time one pass through immigration and collect your bags. This bus does NOT stop en route...there is an on-board toilet. One can buy tickets on-line through http://www.rede-expressos.pt/. (click on the Union Jack in the top right hand corner for the english version.)

If you miss this bus, the next service from this bus station is the 14:00 Rede Expressos arriving 18:05 and there will be a 15 to 20 minute stop en route. (Instructions for ticket purchase as above)

The Renex.pt bus takes the longest but there is one that leaves Lisbon Gare Oriente Train/Bus station at 13:00 arriving Lagos 17:30. There will be a 15 to 20 minute stop en route. This appears time-wise to be the best connection. However, purchasing tickets for these Renex services outside Portugal can be a pain. The Lagos Renex agent says that if one calls the Lisbon office on 218 956 836, they can reserve seats and one can pick up the tickets at the RENEX Gare Oriente Ticket office on arrival there. There is no email service.

The problem with groups and in high season one really needs to reserve tickets before hand to ensure seats.

If one choosea either the RENEX Bus or the CP Train from Lisbon Gare Oriente, one can get the Lisbon Metro Red Line from the Airport in the direction of São Sebastião. It is only three stops.

From Lagos to Luz one has have two options: taxi or bus

The relevant bus timetable can be found here:

aonda.pt/templates/…Linha4Amarela.pdf

Lagos to Sintra to Cadiz

Lagos to Sintra.

You have two options:

1) Rail

Local train from Lagos to Tunes
Intercity from Tunes to Lisbon Entrecampos

Timetable can be downloaded from my blog here:

You can find a link to timetables on my blog here:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/

Scroll down on the right hand side panel till you come to:

»» Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links

»» Continue scrolling down in this section till you come

Portuguese Railways - 2008 - Lisbon - Algarve Faro/Lagos Timetable

Suburban train from Entrecampos to Cacem - Weekdays trains every 20 minutes or so

Suburban train from Cacem to Sintra - Weekdays trains every 20 minutes or so.


2) Bus

EVA Bus from Lagos to Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station.

You can find the timetable here on my blog here:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/lagos-to-sintra-to-cadiz.html

lagos sete rios eva - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: lagos sete rios eva

Suburban train from Sete Rios to Cacem - Weekdays trains every 20 minutes or so

Suburban train from Sete Rios to Sintra - Weekdays trains every 20 minutes or so.

3) Sintra to Cadiz

Suburban train from Sintra to Sete Rios - Weekdays trains every 20 minutes or so

Suburban train from Cacem to Sete Rios - Weekdays trains every 20 minutes or so.

Long distance coach with www.alsa.es from Lisbon Sete Rios Coach station to Jerez la Frontera. (Current Timetable)

Dept: Lisbon: 09:00
Arr: Jerez la Frontera: 20:00
Dept: Jerez de La Frontera 21:35 (Train Renfe)
Arrive: Cadiz 22:24

Dept: Lisbon: 21:30
Arr: Jerez la Frontera: 08:30
Dept: Jerez de La Frontera 09:30 (Train Renfe)
Arrive: Cadiz 10:19

Train or drive from Lisbon to Lagos?

Remember, you are from Texas!

Although you guys think the price of petrol is high stateside right now, it is currently around the equivalent of US$ 10.70 a gallon here in Portugal. A small car will use about 3 to 4 gallons for the Lisbon to Lagos run depending on loading. Add the tolls and you are looking at a minimum of about US$ 55.00 if you take the motorway.

Also as you are from the otherside of the pond, remember that most vehicles this side are manual shift. If you need an automatic, remember to specify this when booking and be aware that you will pay a premium for an automatic vehicle.

Train tickets are about € 20.00, not US$ 20.00

You will need a car in the Algarve so better to hire when you arrive the Algarve.

As regards train stations, your best bet is to take a taxi from Lisbon Airport to Gare Oriente Station. (About 5 minute drive.)

From there you can get either a long distance RENEX Coach to Lagos or the train, changing at Tunes.

For direct links to timetables, see my blog at

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/

Scroll down on the right hand side panel till you come to:

»» Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links

»» Continue scrolling down in this section till you come

Portuguese Railways - 2008 - Lisbon - Algarve Faro/Lagos Timetable

or

RENEX Bus Service - Lisbon to Algarve timetable

Click on these to download the timetables from the respective sites.

Southern Portugal Itinerary

Sintra is only 30kms from Lisbon and is in fact now virtually a suburb of Lisbon.

I would suggest something along the following lines:

Full Day 1 -- Lisbon - See the Baixa, Alfama and possibly take the tram to Belem to see the Jeronimos Monastery and the tower of Belem.
Full Day 2 -- Lisbon - Take the Train from Rossio Station to Sintra (+- 60 minutes by train)- Full day in Sintra and/or take a bus to Cascais (Scotturb 403 every 75 minutes or so) or Estoril . Return from Cascais by train to Cais de Sodre station (+- 45 minutes). Wander up to the Bairro Alto for dinner.
Full Day 3 -- Lisbon - Tidy up what you didn't achieve on the first two days.
Full Day 4/5/6 -- Pick Up car at Lisbon Airport - Head North to Obidos, Batalha, Alcobaça and Nazare as public transport links to these from Lisbon are slow and convoluted. You might even have time to stay in Coimbra. There are IBIS Hotels in Leiria and Coimbra which might be good economic bases to stay at.
Full Day 7 - Head back via Santarem and the inland bank of the Tagus to Evora.
Full Day 8 - Day in Evora
Full Day 9 - Leave Evora and travel via Monsaraz (Fortified Hill top town) and Alqueva Dam to Serpa. (I recommend Casa da Serpa - see http://www.casadeserpa.com/ )
Full Day 9 - Travel via Beja and Mertola to Tavira.
Full Day 10 - Tavira and possibly old Town Faro or pop over the Guadiana to Ayamonte in Spain for Tapas.
Full Day 11 - Tavira
Full Day 12 - Lagos - Explore Lagos
Full Day 13 - Lagos - explore West Coast to Sagres.
Full Day 14 - Leave Lagos and make your way by car up the West Coast to Setubal. Stay at the IBIS just outside Setubal. Explore are and then head for Lisbon Airport (40 minutes).

I understand your concerns about driving on the wrong side. However, once you are clear of Lisbon, things are very easy as we have an excellent motorway system. To undertake the itinerary you want to do, hiring a car is the only realistic option if you don't want to spends hours grinding around on local buses or trains. This is particularly true when trying to visit Obidos, Nazare etc.

Check out some of my comments about this on my blog:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com
http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/search?q=Obidos+Nazare
http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Portugal%20Lisbon%20Praya%20de%20Rey%20Obidos
http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Portugal%20Lisbon%20Nazar%C3%A9
http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Portugal%20Lisbon%20Figueira%20da%20Foz

From Praça Marques de Pombal, Lisbon, Portugal to Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

From Praça Marques de Pombal, Lisbon,one has two simple options to get to Lagos in the Algarve.

1) By Train

Descend into the Metro station.

Take the Metro Line Amarelo(Yellow line) direction Odivelas.

Descend at the 4th stop Entrecampos.

From here one can catch all cp.pt south-bound trains to the Algarve.

(Both Alfa-Pendular & Intercidades)

They usually leave from Platform 4

Remember that one has to change at Tunes Junction (between 2hrs 20mins and 2hrs 50mins from Entrecampos ) for the connecting local Algarve Line train to Lagos. There have been recent reports that conductors have NOT been announcing Tunes prior to arrival, causing mayhem on occasion.

2) By Bus

Enter the Metro

Take the Metro Line Azul (Blue) in direction of Reboleira (new terminus as from 13th April,2016) and descend at the 4th stop Jardim Zoológico Metro Station. Follow the signs for Rodoviario. This bus station is also know as Sete Rios, as is the train station next door.

The bus service from Lisbon to Lagos from this station is jointly operated by rede-expressos.pt and eva-bus.com

The EVA bus departures are usually faster, taking +-3hrs45mins BUT there is no stop between Lisbon and Lagoa in the Algarve. 

The Rede-Expressos buses take longer but there are usually stops en route.

As mentioned above, RENEX.pt also operate bus services from Lisbon Gare Oriente Bus Station to Lagos. However, these services take longer and from Marques de Pombal it will also take longer to get to that bus station..

Ibiza to Lagos, Algarve

Regrettably, there is no easy nor cheap option to allow you to travel direct from Ibiza to Lagos or the Algarve.

Air Berlin (http://www.airberlin.com) do operate daily flights from Palma da Mallorca to Faro in the Algarve. There do appear to be ferries between Ibiza to Palma,(see for example, http://www.balearia.net)

There are no direct buses from Faro airport to Lagos. You would have to arrange a hire car (I recommend http://www.lagoscarhire.com/), an airport transfer, (e.g. http://www.low-cost-transfers.com/faro-airport/index.php) or take a taxi. There are trains from Faro town to Lagos, but you would have to take a taxi into Faro and then should make sure that you have a taxi waiting for you on arrival at Lagos station as there are often none there on arrival.

As regards the return trip by train, this will be tortuous. You will need to catch a local train from Lagos to Tunes Junction. There you connect to the Alfa-Pendular high speed train to Lisbon Gare Oriente Station. From Gare Oriente, you will need to connect with the daily 16:14 Overnight Sud Express Departure for Hendaye where it connects with a TGV to Paris Montparnasse. From there you will have to transit to Gare du Nord to catch the Eurostar.

Links (pdf format) to the train timetables can be found on my blog on the right hand side in the panel entitled:

>> Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links

You will need to check three timetables:

> Algarve Regional Line Train Timetable
> Porto - Lisbon - Faro (Algarve) Train Timetable
> Paris to Lisbon Train Timetable - Sud Expresso