Portugal - Algarve - Bus Transport - Lisbon & Lagos - New Timetables - 1 June 2017

After many years,as from today, 1 June 2017, there have been big changes in the bus services operating between Lisbon, Portugal and Lagos in the Algarve Region of Southern Portugal

This article also applies to former RENEX services to the towns of Alvor, Portimão,Praia da Rocha, Lagoa, Armação da Pera.

As from today, RENEX Services have been merged with the services of the main national bus company Rede-expressos. 

Tickets on buses to the Algarve operated by EVA, RENEX and Rede-Expressos can now be bought online via the Rede-Expressos website:

http://www.rede-expressos.pt/ 

In Lagos, ALL bus services to Lisbon now depart from the main bus station just off the Avenida dos Descobrimentos.. 

RENEX Services continue to serve Lisbon Oriente Coach Station at Gare Oriente Railway Station, including the overnight services.



However, all services now call at Lisbon Sete Rios Coach Station first.


Links to extracts (pdf) from the new timetables valid from 1 June 2017 are shown below
(Disclaimer: Please check the bus company's online websites for latest timetables): 

Lisbon Sete-Rios <> Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

Lisbon Oriente via Lisbon Sete-Rios <> Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

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.

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..

Alvor, Algarve, Portugal - Public Transport to/from Lisbon, Portugal

Alvor is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination.

However, there are poor local public transport links linking Alvor to the train and bus stations at Portimão, the nearest main centre.

The bus company Renex.pt is the easiest option to travel directly from Lisbon to Alvor.

Bus timetable in pdf format is here:

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

I use RENEX if I need to get up to Lisbon Airport from Lagos, (final stop after Alvor) overnight, or to Porto as the connections are very easy..

At present, there are seven buses daily each way between Alvor and Lisbon.

These buses stop half-way up the motorway to Lisbon in the Alentejo for 15 minutes for a coffee, loo-stop and generally admiring the countryside or Alentejo night sky.

It is a pain one can't book online, but as long as one is at the ticket office at the Gare Oriente Bus Station, 30 minutes in advance, there is usually no problem with tickets..   

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

Lagos, Portugal to Lisbon, Portugal using eva-bus.com

I use the EVA bus/coach service from Lagos to Lisbon frequently.

The service from Lagos calls at Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Lagoa and then proceeds DIRECT NON-STOP to Lisboa Sete Rios Rodoviarío (bus station).

Lisboa Sete Rios Bus Station

IT DOES NOT PASS GO! IT DOES NOT COLLECT €200!!

Transit time from Lagos is 3hr45mins.

There is NO STOP between Lagoa and Sete Rios! This takes about 2hrs45mins

There is an on-board toilet and occasionally, a cafe service.

If the bus is full it can be fun!!.

On-board EVA Bus leaving Lagos, Portugal

Rede-Expressos and RENEX buses from Lagos to Lisbon do stop en-route, usually at the Aljustrel Service Area on the A2 Lisbon - Algarve Motorway. Transit Time is longer (up to 4hrs30mins) but, at least, one has 15 minutes to stretch one's legs. If one, takes the overnight RENEX service, and there are no clouds, one has the opportunity to marvel for 15 minutes at the beautiful night sky over the Alentejo!

Between the three bus services, there are, at least, 16 daily services between Lagos and Lisbon. In Summer frequencies increase.

Lagos Bus Station

A Final Point! The Renex service has its Lisbon terminal at Gare Oriente Bus Station which is only 3 Metro stops from Lisbon Airport.

EVA Transportes - Lagos to Lisbon

10:15 from Lagos to Lisbon Sete Rios.

Heading up the Alentejo.

Service 92.

Buses between Lisbon Airport (Portela) and Gare Oriente Staion, Lisbon, Portugal

If perchance one doesn't want to use the Metro between Lisbon Airport and Gare Oriente Station in Lisbon, local Carris Bus Route 744 operates this route throughout the day.

First bus is a 05:35 and Last one just after 20:30.

I've used it a couple of times when coming up from Lagos and the Algarve on the RENEX.pt overnight "Redeye" arriving at Oriente at 05:00.

Timetable: www.carris.pt/pt/autocarro/744/ascendente/

Overnight Carris Night Route 208 also operates the route between Gare Oriente and the Airport.

Timetable: www.carris.pt/pt/autocarro/208/ascendente/

Bear in mind these buses may not have much space for big bags as they are local buses.

Lagos, Algarve, Portugal to Fatima, Portugal

A day trip from Lagos to Fatima makes a very long day.

There is no easy train connection as Fatima station is 20km from Fatima with infrequent bus connections. 

There is effectively only two ways to currently make the trip:

By Road:

Viamichelin.pt gives a distance of 381km one way with a transit time of 4hrs 15minutes, so +- 800km return trip by toll motorway.

Based on February 2015 prices, the estimated cost by car would be:

Tolls: One way 31.35 €
Fuel (based on prevailing prices): 43.62 €

By Bus:

By public transport, one would have to use the long distance EVA TRANSPORTES/REDE EXPRESSOS bus service via Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station.

See the Rede Expressos website: http://www.rede-expressos.pt/

A day return trip only really works on weekdays. If one catches the 05:45 EVA departure (Monday to Friday) from Lagos Bus Station, one arrives in Fatima at 11:30. There is a 60 minute layover in Lisbon.

One can then get the 18:30 departure back from Fatima, arriving Lagos at 00:15. Again there is a layover in Lisbon.

These are both daily services and times are correct as of February 2015.

As far as the writer is aware, there are currently no organised day-trips from Lagos to Fatima.

One can contact the information services at the Sanctuary for more information about the Sanctuary: www.santuario-fatima.pt/portal/index.php



By Aracuano (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Spain - Andalucia - Seville & Huelva Regions - Damas S.A. Bus Timetables - Winter 2014/2015

The Winter 2014/2015 Damas Bus timetables for that company's services in the Seville and Huelva regions of Andalucia, Spain, including services from Sevilla and Huelva to Faro, Albufeira, and Lagos in the Algarve region of Southern Portugal and with connections to Lisbon are available for download in PDF format using the following link:

http://www.damas-sa.es/horarios.pdf

Tunes Station-Algarve

Portuguese Railways, cp.pt South-bound Alfa-Pendular from Lisbon and Porto to Faro coming into Tunes Station in the Algarve, Portugal.this morning. (Station for connection to Lagos, Algarve, Portugal.)

Train/Bus from Evora to Salema

Since the demise of the local unprofitable local line between Beja and Funcheira, a couple of years ago, the only way by rail to get from Evora to Lagos is via Pinhal Novo. Basically, one takes the Lisbon train back up to Pinhal Novo and then connects with the Lisbon to Algarve trains.

The www.cp.pt site shows three departures as follows:

Evora 07h02 Lagos 12h06

Evora 09h02 Lagos 14h22

Evora 16h55 Lagos 21h15

One changes trains at Pinhal Novo and Tunes.

There is no direct bus service between Evora and Lagos. One would have to route via Faro and then catch a connecting bus or train to Lagos and then a further bus to Salema.

For Evora to Faro bus services see: www.rede-expressos.pt

For Lagos to Salema bus services see: www.eva-bus.com

Photo by Jimmy Kreislauf (Obra do próprio)

Transport from Lisbon, Portugal to Odeceixe

There is a coach daily departure from Lisbon by http://www.rede-expressos.pt/ as follows:

Lisbon Sete Rios Coach Station Dept: 17:30

Arrive Odeceixe: 21:05

There is a longer route which really only works on weekdays..

Take the bus, (renex.pt, rede-expressos.pt) or train (www.cp.pt) from Lisbon to Lagos and connect with a http://www.eva-bus.com/ service:

Dept     Arr

Lagos: Odeceixe:

08:45    10:01

13:45    15:07

16:40    17:58

18:20    19:38

19:15    20:33

Casa Beachcomber, Lagos, Portugal

Casa Beachcomber is a most attractive property located in Albadeira approximately 1km from the Marina of the historic town of Lagos in the wonderful Western Algarve region of Portugal. It is easily accessible from Faro International Airport and Lisbon.

The property is located on a +-1 hectare plot with an established hedged and fenced garden, well away for the hustle and bustle of Lagos and yet close to wonderful Meia Praia, a 5km long sand beach that skirts Lagos Bay.

The writer has known this property for 10 years and recent improvements make it an even more desirable holiday destination.

Swiiming Pool - Casa Beachcomber

Overlooking a delightful pool deck, Casa Beachcomber comprises 3 two-bedroom and 3 one-bedroom apartments. These can be rented individually or together.


The property can accomodate up to 18 to 20 adults and children. This makes it an ideal location for family group holidays.

Each apartment has its own distinct character. Of note is Balcony Apartment with spectacular views toward the sea and Orchard Apartment with its secluded patio areas.

To view details in each apartment, click on the following links:

• Balcony Apartment  
• Cottage Apartment 
• Garden Apartment
• Orchard Apartment
• Poolside Apartment
• Jacuzzi Apartment

Beachcomber is an ideal base for self-catering vacations. One can explore the region, easily visit the beach and down-town Lagos, or simply spend your time relaxing by the pool.

Click to see some client reviews here:

More information can be found on the Casa Beachcomber Vacation Rental (Click here) website.

Ryanair plans Polish domestic routes

See: Ryanair plans Polish domestic routes | News | Breaking Travel News

Now, once again I ask,  can we please have routes from Warsaw Modlin to either Lisbon or Porto and seasonally to Faro.

In the past 6 weeks, we in Lagos, Algarve, have seen at least 1 coach load of passengers per week, (buses with Polish Plates and brands) arriving, presumably having driven all the way from Poland!!!!
(48-72 hours?).

There must be a market for these routes!!!!!

Sete Rios Bus/Rail/Metro Station to Lisbon Airport - Taxi Costs

Just a info quicky about taxi prices in Lisbon..

I had to get from Lagos to Lisbon Airport on Tuesday and on arrival by EVA bus at Lisbon Sete Rios Long Distance Coach Station my sore paw was playing up. So instead of waiting 40 minutes for the Aerobus to the Airport, I took a taxi from outside Sete Rios train station.

I insisted on him switching on the meter. I had to bags in the boot. The time was 12:00 midday. Traffic was reasonably light and it took us +- 12 minutes to Terminal 1 at the Airport.

The price on the meter was € 7.55.

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

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!

Junne 2013 brings historic inflation in of 30% to Lisbon Hotels

Intersting Article in Portuguese magazine - Dinheiro Vivo.

Junho traz inflação histórica de 30% aos hotéis de Lisboa - Dinheiro Vivo

Lisbon hotel prices are reported to have gone up 30% in price on average between March 2013 and June 2013. One hopes this is a real reflection of market conditions.

The same article also reports that Hotels in most other Portuguese towns have dropped or at least maintained 2012 prices.

The only exception, which does not make any sense to me, is Lagos in the far western Algarve where I live. There is plenty of capacity here so I can only think that local hoteliers, like many other businesses in Lagos, are, as usual, being unrealistic!!

Travel from Lisbon to Lagos - Summer 2014

1) Train and Bus Fares are usually set on an annual basis. Fares do not change for the summer season. It is highly unlikely that there will be any change in train or bus fares before August 2013. If there are changes it would only be by 5% or so. 

2) Bus Schedules - Usually there is an increased frequency of service by rede-expressos.pt and renex.pt services in summer. However, it is unlikely one will be able to confirm this until June/July.

3) Train Schedules - Based on previous years, there is likely to be an increase in services in the summer. However, it will probably be only one or two extra services per day. Again, it is unlikely one will be able to confirm this until June/July. 

4) Luggage Storage - There are currently luggage lockers on the basement floor of the Gare Oriente Train/Bus Station from whence renex.pt bus and cp.pt train services (change at Tunes Junction for Lagos) to Lagos depart.

There are also luggage lockers and a left luggage department at Lisboa Sete Rios Bus Station (Metro/CP Sete Rios) from whence depart rede-expressos.pt and http://www.eva-bus.com/novo/index.php?lang=uk services for Lagos