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Alphabetical Index of places served by train and bus in the Algarve

Click on the place name to go to the timetable.  For some locations with several routes, there is extra information.
Some bus routes are marked below as 'fast'. This means that they miss out most stops between towns.

There are several villages in the Algarve with duplicate or very similar names i.e.different places with the same name and sometimes very close to one another. I have done my best here to mark the differences. Click here for a plan of the bus routes in the Algarve.
Click here for a list of local bus timetables and here for a list of those at each main town.
FOR LONG DISTANCE BUSES (COACHES TO BRITISH READERS) TO AND FROM LISBON ETC PLEASE GO TO THIS PAGE
TRANSPORT ON DEMAND - IN ADDITION TO THE PLACES BELOW, VAMUS OPERATES A FEW BUS ROUTES 'ON DEMAND'.
THESE SERVE VERY RURAL AREAS AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE. THEY TYPICALLY RUN ONCE EACH WAY, THREE DAYS A WEEK.
THEY OPERATE AROUND LOULÉ, SILVES, MESSINES, CASTRO MARIM AND THERE IS ONE AT ALBUFEIRA TO AND FROM COTIVO
They are not shown on the main maps. Some information I have here.
For detailed timetables and the number to call to make a booking click or tap here.

A - C D - L M - P Q - Z

(X) = crossroads where road to village turns off.

Açoteias

Malhadas and Maria Vinagre

QUARTEIRA

Agostos

Dom João II Hotel Alvor

Manta Rota

Quatrim

AIRPORT (Faro)
Mar Shopping and IKEA

Quatras Estradas

Alagoa (Praia De)

Encalho



ALBUFEIRA Bus Terminal Caliços

Espiche

Marim

Quatros Aguas and Ilha de Tavira ferry

Albufeira Estaçao/Railway Station

Éstadio do Algarve

Martim Longo

Quelfes

Albufeira Marina

Estevais

Meia Praia

Querença

Albufeira Continente/Modelo Shopping (the one in town)

Estiramantens

Mercador

Quinta do Lago (transport on demand only)

ALBUFEIRA Old Town centre

Estoi

Messines


Albufeira Railway Station connections with trains

Estombar

Mexilhoeira Carregação

Raposeira

Albufeira Algarve Shopping Centre near Guia

Falésia (Praia da)

Mexilhoeira Grande

Rasmalho

Alcalar

Faro Airport

Moinho Novo

Rocha Baixinha

Alcantarilha

FARO Bus Terminal and city buses

Moncarapacho (to and from Olhão via Fuseta)

Rocha Brava

Alcantarilha Estaçao

Faro Praia/Beach

Moncarapacho (others)

Rogil

Alcaria do Cume

Ferragudo

Monchique


Alcoutim

Ferredeira

Monte Carvoeiro


Aldeia das Açoteias Ferreiras Monte Clérigo
Sagres

Figueira (near Portimão) Monte Gordo  Salgados near Albufeira
Alfambras Figueira (near Salema) Monte Raposo Salema

Alfandanga

Fontainhas

Farol (Ilha/Island)

Salema (X)
Alfarrobeira (near Loulé) Fonte de Apra near Loulé

Monte Ruivo near Aljezur

Salir
Algarve Shopping Mall near Guia

Fonte da Matosa

Monte Ruivo near Lagos

Santa Barbara de Nexe

Algarve Stadium

Fonte de Boliqueime

Monte Seco and Charneca de Monte Seco

Santa Eulália

Algarve Zoo/Krazy World near Albufeira

Fonte Louseiro
Montechoro Santa Catarina (near Tavira)
Algoz Foupana

Monte do Rei

Santa Luzia
Aljezur Forum Algarve (Faro)

Montes da Cima

Santa Margarida
Almadena Foz Da Ribeiro

Montes de Alvor

Santo Estevão near Silves
Almancil Freixo Verde

Montes Novos

São Bartolomeu de Messines
Almancil Nexe Furzinhas

Montinho

São Bras de Alportel
Almargens Fuzeta

Motor Racing Circuit - see Autodromo do Algarve

São João (Albufeira)
Almeijoafras Galé

Mouricão

São Lourenço

Almodovar Galvana
São Marcos de Serra

Gambelas (University)
To Faro city To Loulé to Albufeira, Lagoa, Portimão, Lagos


Gancho


Alporchinhos - towards Albufeira   towards Portimão
The stop is the one AFTER Pestana Viking hotel in BOTH DIRECTIONS
Goldra Nave (near Monchique) São Rafael (Praia de)
Alportel Goncinha Nave Barão (transport on demand only)
São Romão
Alte Gorjões Odeceixe Sargaçal near Lagos
Alto Fica Guia Village Odeleite Sarnadas
Altura Guia - Algarve Shopping Odelouca (transport on demand only)
Senhora da Luz
Alvor Hotels Delfim and Dom João II Hotel Delfim Torralta Odiáxere Senhora da Rocha and (X) towards Lagoa and Portimão
ALVOR Centro/Rotunda/Roundabout Huelva (Spain) OLHÃO including ferries to islands Senhora da Rocha and (X) towards Armacão de Pêra and Albufeira
Amaro Gonçalves

Olheiros Senhora de Saude (X)
Ameixial Igreja Nova near Aljezur

Olhos De Água all times to and from Albufeira
Senhora do Verde

Amendoeira (near Loulé)
IKEA near Loulé / Faro Olhos de Água (to Vilamoura and Faro) Sesmarias near Albufeira
Aquamarina Beach Club Albufeira - see Rocha Baixinha Ilha de Tavira via bus and ferry Olhos de Água (towards Albufeira and beyond) Sesmarias near Lagoa

Areias São João
Ilha Deserta OURA – Praia da Oura

Seville (Sevilha) Spain
ARMAÇÃO DE PÊRA

SILVES
Armona (Ilha/Island)
Paderne Slide’n’Splash Water Park
Arrifana Near Aljezur Junqueira Palmeiral Soalheira
Aqualand water park
Parchal Spain - other destinations

Aquashow Family Park near Quarteira

Ladeira da Fonte (Paderne School) Parque da Floresta – see Salema (X)
Assumadas LAGOA Parque de Campismo Ferragudo TAVIRA
Autodromo do Algarve There are no buses at weekends! LAGOS Parragil
Ayamonte (Spain) Lagos Zoo Patã de Baixo  Terra Estreita ferry

Azinhal

LOULÉ
Patã da Cima Tôr, Aldeia da

LISBON by bus / coach

Pataçao
Torralta
Balaia going towards Albufeira LISBON by train Páteo Torre Natal
Balaia going towards Vilamoura and Faro (Praia da) Luz (near Lagos) Pechão Touriz
Barão de São João Luz de Tavira Pedras da Rainha resort, Cabanas Tunes
Barão São Miguel
Pedras D’el Rei
Barão São Miguel (X)
Pena
Barracão
Penha (Faro)

Vale Covo near Carvoeiro
Barranco Velho

Vale do Telha
Beja  consult www.rede-expressos.pt
Penina - buses towards Lagoa and Albufeira Vale de Boi
Bela Curral
Penina local buses to/from Portimão Vale de Éguas
Bela Salema
Penina - buses towards Lagos Vale de Murta
Bela Vista (near Ferragudo)

Penina (near Salir)

Vale de Parra
Benafim
Pêra

Vale de Lobo

Benagil

Peral

Vale Figueira
Bensafrim
Peralva Vale Judeu
Boliqueime
Pereiro Vale Serves
Bordeira (near Faro)
Picota Valverde Camping near Praia da Luz
Bordeira (out west)
Poço Barreto Vale da Telha
Branqueira
Poço da Areia Vaqueiros
Budens
Poço Partido Várzea da Orada near Albufeira marina
Burgau
Ponte do Vau Vendas Novas da Tôr
Burgau (X) 1.6km from Burgau!
Ponte Salir Vila do Bispo


Porches towards A.de Pera and Albufeira Vila Real de Santo António
Cabo de São Vicente/Cape St Vincent
Porches towards Lagoa and Portimão VILAMOURA
Cacela
Portela da Corcha
Cachopo
Porta Marchil (Faro) Zoomarine
Calvos
Portela de Messines
Camping Albufeira local buses from town and railway station
Portelas (Lagos)
Camping Albufeira Buses to/from Algoz,Silves,Messines
PORTIMÃO
Carrapateira - western Algarve not the one near Monte Gordo
Portimão Hospital VAMUS ALGARVE TRANSPORT ON DEMAND
Carrascalinho
Praia do Barril (Ilha de Tavira) Transport on demand buses run between very rural areas and nearby towns, usually
Carrasqueira
Porto de Lagos two or three times a week but never at weekends. Summary of operations here.
Carvalhal
Praia da Falésia Areas served are near Albufeira, Paderne, Loulé,
Carvoeiro
Praia de Faro Olhão, São Bartolomeu Messines,
Castro Marim
Praia da Luz São Bras de Alportel
Céu
Praia da Marinha (near Lagoa) Silves, Tavira, Vila do Bispo
Charneca (near Messines)
Praia da Marina Vilamoura towards Albufeira Vila Real de Santo António
Chaveca near Faro
Praia da Marina Vilamoura towards Faro
Chinicato
PRAIA DA ROCHA
Clareanes
Praia de São Rafael
Colinas Verdes
Praia do Carvalho
Conceiçao (Faro)
Praia do Vau
Conceiçao (Tavira)
Praia dos Caneiros
Corcitos
Prego
Corte Garcia
Purgatorio
Cotifo


Cruz da Assumada


Culatra (Ilha/Island)


Cumeada


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PLACES WITH SEVERAL BUS ROUTES

Most weekend bus service outside the main towns is now permanently withdrawn.

Buses at Albufeira Shopping near the Brisa Sol and Vila Galé Hotels

VAMUS routes 9 and 66 to and from Vilamoura, Quarteira, Almancil and Faro
Giro route 6 to and from  Açoteais, Falesia and Rocha Baixinha
VAMUS route 28 to and from Guia, Algoz and S.B Messines

Local GIRO buses stop here. Routes 1,2,4, 6 and 9. The stop is officially called Rotunda dos Relógios (Watches Roundabout)

DO NOT CONFUSE GIRO BUS 9 WITH VAMUS BUS 9. VAMUS BUS 9 (THE WHITE ONE) GOES TO VILAMOURA, QUARTEIRA AND FARO


Click here (for the official map of the local GIRO buses in Albufeira in PDF format. For all Giro bus times and maps, please start here.

This stop is the nearest to many of the major hotels and is also the nearest stop to the old town centre for  many VAMUS Interurban buses. It is close to the 'Watches' roundabout, McDonald's and several of the large hotels.

There is NO bus service from here down into this end of the old town. Walk the whole way (downhill) in six or seven minutes. Map here. Giro route 2 runs to the other end of the old town (Avenida Liberdade) and route 4 the reverse.

There are NO direct buses from here towards Armação de Pera, Lagoa, Portimão, Lagos. These all leave from the main bus station in Albufeira, so you must change buses or walk (uphill) to the terminal - about 8 - 10 minutes.

Albufeira old town centre is served only by the local Giro buses.

The Albufeira tourist train operates a frequent daily service all year from outside Brisa Sol hotel to 'The Strip' area. For two people, it is more expensive than a taxi.

Buses at Alcantarilha and Pêra

VAMUS routes 13 and 14 Towards Albufeira via Guia or Vale de Parra
VAMUS routes 13 and 14Towards Armaçao de Pera, Lagoa and Portimão
VAMUS route 31 to and from Silves
VAMUS route 29 to and from Alcantarilha Railway Station (schooldays only)
VAMUS route 51 towards Albufeira
VAMUS route 51 towards Armacão de Pêra, Lagoa, Portimâo, Praia da Rocha, Alvor and Lagos
VAMUS Summer bus 52 Cliffs Line to Armação de Pêra, Benagil, Carvoeiro, Ferragudo, Portimão, Praia da Rocha and Alvor

The village of PÊRA is adjacent to Alcantarilha and most of the same buses go there. Local buses on routes 13 and 14 between Albufeira and Portimão via Guia stop on the main road (N125) just outside Pera but do not go into the village. Times eastbound 1 minute after Alcantarilha; westbound 1 minute before Alcantarilha.

The railway station called Alcantarilha is 4 miles/6 km from the village. There are no buses between the to places.

Buses at Algarve Shopping near Guia

algarve
                  shopping

official website (English version)

Giro Route 7 circular Albufeira - Algarve Shopping - Guia - Vale De Parra -Salgados - Galé - São Rafael - Albufeira Marina - Albufeira Bus Station
Giro Route 8 runs in the opposite direction. Buses run hourly every day between Albufeira and Guia via Algarve Shopping.

There are a few buses from places like Portimão, Lagoa, Armação de Pêra - times here and for the return journey times here.

Algarve Shopping is about 4 miles (6km) from Albufeira and about a mile (1.6km) from the village of Guia.

A taxi to / from Albufeira will cost 8 - 10 Euros. There is a taxi rank at the mall for the return journey. Uber and Bolt 'app' based 'taxi' service are also available.

I advise against walking from Guia village. Traffic on the road is very fast, very busy and there is no footpath for most of the way.

The free bus from major hotels in Albufeira no longer operates.

Buses at Algarve Stadium Algarve Stadium

The stadium is in open country between Faro and Loulé; about 5 miles /8km from each.

There are no scheduled buses actually at the stadium and they are rarely provided for events. The closest you will get by bus is Almancil Nexe (about 1 mile / 1.6km) on the various Faro to Loulé buses.  Almancil town is about 2 miles / 3.2km distant. There is no bus between those two places.

The nearest railway Station is Parque das Cidades, about 12 – 15 minutes walk away. Scheduled train times here; there are no extra trains or buses for matches. A taxi or driving are the only practical means to get there and back. Tip if driving – when leaving DON’T queue for the motorway if you can avoid it, find one of the back ways out of the car park.



Algarve Zoo and Krazy World

website – open daily April to September, limited opening remainder of year. Closed mid - December to mid - January.

There are no buses to this location, which about 6 miles (10km) from Albufeira. The park can arrange transport.

Buses at Algoz

VAMUS route 4 to and from Albufeira via Ferreiras
VAMUS route 28 to and from Albufeira via Guia
VAMUS route 28 to and from São Bartolmeu Messines
VAMUS route 4 to and from Silves

The main bus stop in Algoz is near the Post Office on the main road through the village. There is a shelter only on one side of the road; stand outside the pasteleria 'Tita' opposite if heading towards Albufeira. There is no actual bus stop sign but they do stop there, by the pedestrian crossing.

Trains run at irregular intervals between Algoz and Portimão, Lagos and Faro – for times click here. The station is a few minutes walk north of the village centre on the road to Messines.

Algoz outdoor market is just to the north of the village centre and next to the railway station.

Buses at Almancil

VAMUS routes 9 and 66 owards Faro Bus Station
VAMUS routes 9 and 66Towards Quarteira, Vilamoura and Albufeira
VAMUS route 55 and from Quarteira and Vilamoura via Aquashow Park<
Direct bus to and from University (and in summer to the Airport)
VAMUS route 85 and from Loulé, Vale de Lobo and (on demand only) Quinta do Lago
VAMUS route 2 to and from Mar Shopping (fare to be paid!)
Almancil / Mar Shopping FREE local bus timetable and route map with stops
There are also a very few buses between Almancil and Loulé railway station to connect with trains to Lisbon - details are on the same page. Go to Linha Vermalha.

The main bus stop for VAMUS and for all long distance buses (coaches) at Almancil is in the town centre in Avenida 5 de Outubro. VAMUS regional buses also stop elsewhere in the town.

The FREE Almancil local bus runs five times daily except Sundays and Holidays.  This bus calls at stops between Almancil centre and Mar Shopping via São Lourenço, Trota and Esteval. There are also one or two journeys to the Loulé railway station. Their main town centre stop is in Rua Vale Formosa, near the GNR (police station) around the corner from the VAMUS stop

The railway halt at Almancil is just to the north of the town centre and offers direct services about every 2 hours to Silves, Portimão and Lagos also Faro and beyond. Almancil outdoor market is on the south edge of the town near the Estadio Municipal.

Buses at Alvoralvor picture

VAMUS route 51 to and from Lagos and Albufeira: connections for Faro

VAMUS Summer bus 52 Cliffs Line to Portimão, Ferragudo,
Carvoeiro, Benagil, Praia da Marinha and Armação de Pêra

Local mini-bus 'Vai e Vem' services to Praia de Alvor (Alvor Beach), Praia do Vau and Portimão There is late night service in July and August only.

Last bus back to Albufeira is at 1823hrs daily in summer, weekdays in winter. On winter weekends the last bus to Albufeira is at 1642.

The main Alvor bus stop is at the roundabout on the edge of the village, as the roads in the village itself are too narrow for buses. It is the same stop for all buses in all directions. There is a taxi rank at the bus stop in case you need a taxi for the last leg of your journey.

The buses between Lagos and Albufeira (Route 51Linha Littoral) stop at the bottom of the hill leading to the Hotel Delfim. They also stop on request outside the Dom João II hotel.

Vai e Vem local buses on routes1P and14 also stop on the main road a few minutes walk away from the Delfim. They also serve the Dom João II hotel and the waterfront area close to where the picture at left was taken.  Route 15 calls near the waterfront.

There is a local agent selling Vai e Vem bus passes called Papelaria d'el Rei nearby at Rua Marquês de Pombal, nº 3. Open every day.

Picture to the left is the old village near the river front, about 5 minutes walk from the bus stops at the roundabout. The monthly open-air market stretches from the Dom João II hotel almost to the Alvor roundabout.

Aqualand

The Aqualand theme park is about 2 miles / 3.2km west of Alcantarilha on the N125. Although local buses do pass by, they are very infrequent.They no longer run their own transport and advance booking for a visit is now essential. Open mid June to Mid September.

Aquashow Family Park

Aquashow is north of Quarteira on the road to Loulé.  Local buses between Quarteira and Loulé stop outside. The website has pages in English and a location map. They it seems also no longer run their own transport.

Buses at Areias São João (the ‘Strip’ area of Albufeira)

VAMUS routes 9 and 66 to and from Vilamoura, Quarteira, Almancil and Faro
VAMUS route 28 to and from Guia, Algoz and S.B Messines
GIRO bus 6 to and from Olhos D'Água, Açoteais, Falesia and Rocha Baixinha
GIRO bus 1 from Branqueira and Vale Navio - cannot stop at Branqueira in reverse direction. You have to walk or catch another bus to here.
GIRO bus 2 to the old town (comes from Oura and Santa Eulália)
GIRO bus 4 from the bus station and old town (goes to Santa Eulália and Oura)
GIRO bus 1 to the bus station
GIRO bus 9 to Brejos, Vale Pedras, Câmara, Bus Station, Old Town, Páteo

There are NO direct buses from Areias São João towards Armação de Pera, Lagoa, Portimão and Lagos. These all leave from the main bus station in Albufeira, so you must change buses there. Bus maps of the area here

The Albufeira tourist 'train' operates every 20/40 minutes every day all year between Areias São João (the 'strip') and the escalators above the old town centre. Details here, official tourist train website here.

Buses at Armação de Pera

armacao de
                  pera and Praia Grande

to and from Lisbon
VAMUS busesTowards Guia, Albufeira and Faro
VAMUS buses towards Lagoa, Portimão and Lagos
VAMUS route 31 to and from Silves
VAMUS route 29 To and from Alcantarilha Estação

Summer only route 52 VAMUS Cliffs Line to Zoomarine Praia da Marinha, Benagil, Carvoeiro, Ferragudo, Portimão and Alvor

Picture is the beach at Armação de Pera, looking east towards Galé.

If intending to travel between Armação de Pera and Vilamoura, Quarteira or Loulé you must normally change buses in Albufeira Bus Station.

Beware stopping arrangements in the town. Map here.

There are two ticket sales point for Rede Expressos long distance buses about 450 metres from the main bus stop! 1- Papelaria Tio Papel, Urbanização Mar Salgado, Via Dorsal de Armação de Pêra, 8365-184 Armação de Pêra open weekdays only 0930 - 1330 and 1500 to 1830. Map link here. 2- Gormial LDA, an estate agents, located in Rua D. Afonso III in the town centre. Open 0900 - 1300 weekdays and Saturdays, 1500 - 1900 weekdays. Closed Saturday afternoons, Sundays and Holidays. Map here.

For all local journeys, if you do not have a pass or the VAMUS ticket app, buy your ticket from the driver when boarding the bus. Cash only!

Autodromo do Algarve - Algarve Motor Racing Circuit

Official website

The only public transport is a very limited minibus service on weekdays only - details here it's route 21. Groups may be able to arrange mini-buses runs from one of the local transfer companies, otherwise it's a taxi for about 7 miles/10km from Portimão. The city council have arranged transport for past events, but this is not well publicised.

Buses at Ferreiras

Bus times to and from Algoz, Silves and Messines click here but please read the note to the right.

Giro Route 5 from Albufeira via Camping Albufeira to Ferreiras and the railway station. thence to Vale Serves, Fontainhas and the Bus Station

Giro route 11 runs in the opposite direction

There are no buses to Guia, Algarve Shopping, Portimão or Faro.

There are different bus stops in Ferreiras  - map here

ferreiras If you are staying in or near Ferreiras, trains give you the best options to get to and from Faro, Tavira, Vila Real, Portimão and Lagos. The ALBUFEIRA /FERREIRAS railway station is just outside Ferreiras, about 10 minutes walk from the village centre. For train times click here.  Picture is Ferreiras centre, click for larger size

Buses at Forum Algarve Shopping at Faro

forum algarve pictureNB this is NOT the Algarve Shopping Mall, which is  the one near Guia/Albufeira! Nor is it Mar Shopping, which is halfway between Faro and Loulé.

Forum Algarve website

This shopping mall is about 1 mile / 1.6km west from the centre of Faro on the N125 road towards the airport. It is served by the local Proximo buses, also the Albufeira – Faro routes including Transrápido and the buses between Faro and Loulé. Also route 68 Olhão - Loulé via Mar Shopping stops here, same page as Faro - Loulé buses.



Buses at Guia Guia chickens roundabout

Giro Route 7 to and from Albufeira Bus Station via the N125 road - the most frequent service. Stops outside Camping Albufeira, but does not go into the old town area.
Giro Route 8 to and from Albufeira via Vale de Parra, Salgados and Galé VAMUS route 28 to and from Albufeira via Páteo very infrequent
VAMUS route 57 to and from Faro direct
VAMUS route 57 to Armacao de Pera, Lagoa, Portimão and Lagos
VAMUS route 28 to and from Algoz and S.B Messines

See this map for details of bus stops at Guia and Algarve Shopping Mall. The Algarve Shopping Mall and Albufeira Retail Park are about a mile/1.6km from the village of Guia - uphill along a very busy road with no footpath!

Picture to the left is the roundabout in the centre of the village with its chicken sculptures. Guia is the 'Chicken Capital' after all! Picture below is the Algarve Shopping mall.

algarve shopping

Buses at LagoaLagoa Bus
                    Terminal

All VAMUS buses towards Armaçao de Pera, Guia, Albufeira and Faro

VAMUS fast buses to Albufeira, Faro Airport and Faro

VAMUS fast buses to Portimão and Lagos

All VAMUS local buses to and from Portimão
VAMUS route 113 to and from Silves and S.B Messines
VAMUS route 110 and from Carvoeiro, Vale Covo and Praia do Carvalho
VAMUs route 77 to and from Benagil and Praia da Marina
VAMUS route 110 to and from Monte Carvoeiro, Sesmarias and Ferragudo

Lagoa bus terminal is just off the main road on the edge of the old part of the town.


The bus stops are arranged by ROUTE, so for example buses to Portimão can leave from any one of three stops! Check which one yours leaves from to avoid being stranded.

Buses at LagosLagos Bus Terminal

To Huelva and Seville
to and from Lisbon
VAMUS fast buses to Portimão,Lagoa, Albufeira, Faro Airport and Faro
VAMUS fast buses from Faro, Albufeira, Lagoa and Portimão
VAMUS local route 80 to/ from Portimão
VAMUS route 47 to and from Budens, Vila do Bispo, Sagres and Cape St Vincent
VAMUS route 79 to and from Bensafrim, Aljezur and Odeciexe
A Onda route 6 to and from Barão São Miguel via Lagos Zoo
A Onda route 4 to and from Praia da Luz and Burgau
Trains and buses to and from Meia Praia

Diagram of the local bus routes etc here.

For longer distance journeys to Faro and beyond check the train timetable as an alternative. Lagos Bus Terminal is by the river a few minutes walk from the old part of the town and also about five minutes walk from the railway station. Many buses also stop along the ‘Esplanade’ alongside the river and closer to the historic town centre. Diagram of the local bus routes etc here.lagos marina

The quickest route between bus station and train station is to take the footbridge over the river then walk through the fish docks (not as horrible as it sounds) and the station is right in front of you. From the train station to bus station, turn sharp left and go into the docks past the long white building and the side of the marina to the bridge. Click picture for larger version.

Lagos outdoor market is on the eastern edge of the town next to the football stadium – look for the tall floodlight towers. It’s maybe 10 minutes walk from the bus terminal.

Buses at LouléLoulé bus terminal

VAMUS routes 10, 59, 68 to and  from Faro
VAMUS route 118 to and from the Airport via Gambelas
VAMUS route 10 to and from Albufeira
VAMUS route 87 To and from Quarteira via Aquashow
VAMUS route 85 and from Almancil, Vale de Lobo and 985 (on demand only) Quinta do Lago
VAMUS routes 72 and 83 to and from Salir
VAMUS routes 83 and 89 to and from S.B Messines via Benafim and Alte
VAMUS route 27 to and from Touriz via Querença
VAMUS route 84 to and from Paderne (schooldays only)
VAMUS route 90 to and from São Bras de Alportel
Transport on demand for nearby small villages

Click here for a map of Loulé centre showing the bus stops etc.

There are NO direct buses between Loulé and places west of Albufeira  – a change of bus in Albufeira, Quarteira or Faro is necessary at all times.

Loulé Saturday OUTDOOR market is on the Boliqueime road, a few minutes walk from the town centre. The INDOOR market is in the city centre, in the nicely restored market hall.

Loulé railway station is about 3 miles/ 4.8km from the town, it is near Quatros Estradas. There is a bus stop about 300 yards from the station on the main road.  The VAMUS buses to and from Albufeira and Quarteira stop there.

Local minibuses in Loulé -  two routes operate around town, each with a bus every 20 minutes. Buses run from 0740  to 1920 on weekdays and from 0740 to 1400 on Saturdays. There is no service Saturday afternoons, Sundays or holidays. Timetables at most stops. There is also a very limited service between the town and railway station. The details are here in Portuguese only. These buses are now FREE to all users.

Buses at Mar Shopping / IKEA

This major shopping mall and complex is about 12km (7 miles) from Faro and about 6km (4 miles) from Loulé. There is only a bus stop there, no grand facility where you can wait. Buses run daily on all but one route, but some service does not run when Mar Shopping is closed, for example on December 25th and January 1st.
VAMUS routes 10, 59, 68 and 118 to and from Loulé and Faro
VAMUS route 10 to and from Boliqueime and Albufeira (very limited)
VAMUS route 68 and from Olhão
VAMUS route 2 to and from Almancil and Quarteira.
FREE bus from and to Almancil
The bus stop is across the car park from the main entrance. Picture here.

Buses at (São Bartolomeu) Messinesmessines

VAMUS route 28 and from Albufeira via Algoz and Guia
VAMUS route 4 and from Albufeira via Paderne and Ferreiras
VAMUS route 113 to and from Portimåo via Silves and Lagoa
VAMUS route 83 and 89  and from Loulé via Alte and Benafim
VAMUS route 71 and 117 to and from São Marcos de Serra and Foz de Ribiero
Transport on demand for nearby small villages

Messines has three daily train services to and from Lisbon. These start from Faro and also provide local service at regional prices to and from Faro.

The railway station is only about five minutes walk from the town centre. The picture is Messines town from the railway station - the new bus station is about five minutes walk away.

The bus station is located in Rua Primeiro do Maio, slightly to the south of the town centre. It looks a very extravagant facility for a place that has 20 buses a day at best. The stop for the long distance Rede-Expressos services to and from Lisbon etc is also there.

Buses at Montechoro Montechoro
                  Hotel

Local bus Map here
GIRO route 6 runs between the
Bus Station, Brejos, Montechoro,
Santa Eulália, Balaia, Olhos D'Água, Açoteias, Alfamar and Rocha Baixinha.
Giro Route 1 comes from the Bus Station via Vale Pedras and runs to the main road thence to Quinta de Balaia, then a few times a day continues to Branqueira and Vale Navio. It does not go via Montechoro in reverse direction. Illogical, captain.
FOR VILAMOURA, QUARTEIRA AND FARO

Buses to Vilamoura, Quarteira and Faro leave from the stop at Arcadas São João (the ‘Strip’ area of Albufeira) about 10 minutes walk.

FOR LOULÉ AND MAR SHOPPING / IKEA

The number 10 bus to Loulé and Mar Shopping stops in Vale das Pedras at Brejos Sul opposite the Casa Benfica, about 10 minutes walk. How to get there here. Times here.

For all destinations west and north of Albufeira you must first go to the bus terminal.

Picture is the Hotel Jupiter. The Giro buses stop outside Erin's Isle bar close by.

Buses at Olhão

olhao

VAMUS route 66 and 67 to and from Faro, Tavira, Monte Gordo and Vila Real de S. Antonio

VAMUS routes 62 and 70 and from Alfandanga, Fuzeta and Moncarapacho

Other local routes including ferries to outlying islands

Olhão Map

Olhão has good train services to and from Faro, Fuzeta, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António. You can also, usually with a change of train in Faro, travel to Portimão and Lagos. Train times are here.

Olhão is also the point from which scheduled passenger ferries leave for the outlying islands of Armona, Culatra and Ilha Farol. The ferries are about a ten minute walk from the bus and train terminals, going through the old part of town.

Picture is the old dockside waterfront seen from the ferry pier.

Buses at Parchal

VAMUS buses (various routes) to and from Portimao and  Lagoa
VAMUS route 13 and 14 to Lagoa, Armação de Pêra and Albufeira
VAMUS routes 13 and 14 from Albufeira, Armação de Pera and Lagoa
VAMUS route 110 to and from Ferragudo and Praia dos Caneiros

Buses from Portimão stop in Parchal about 5 minutes after leaving; towards Portimão about 5 minutes before the arrival time shown for Portimão. Also the buses to and from Ferragudo stop at Parchal (X), which is on the main road near LIDL. The railway station called Ferragudo is actually in Parchal. The 'Bela Vista' football stadium is about ten minutes walk from Parchal, at the top of the hill towards Ferragudo  along Rua da Escola - School Street.

Buses at Portimão - click here

The link to the left opens a detailed page about the buses in Portimão including local city buses between Portimão, Praia da Rocha, Alvor, Praia do Vau etc.

Buses at Praia da Rochapraia da
                    rocha

Local Vai e Vem buses to/from Portimão

VAMUS route 51 towards Alvor and Lagos

VAMUS route 51 towards Lagoa and Albufeira

VAMUS Summer bus 52 Cliffs Line to Ferragudo, Carvoeiro, Benagil, Armação de Pêra and Zoomarine


Local Vai e Vem buses stop at various locations in Praia da Rocha including Hotel Jupiter, the Marina and Clube Praia da Rocha. The VAMUS route 51 buses to Lagos and Albufeira, also the route 52 summertime bus, only stop on the main avenue at the Clube Praia da Rocha stops.

There are no direct buses between the western end of Praia da Rocha and Alvor, except for the infrequent VAMUS route 51.

Buses at Quarteira

VAMUS routes 9 and 66 to Almancil and Faro Bus Station
VAMUS route 55 to and from University (and Airport in summer) via Aquashow Park and Almancil
VAMUS toutes 9 and 66 towards Vilamoura, Olhos de Agua and Albufeira
VAMUS 87 route  and from Loulé
VAMUS route 2 to and from Mar Shopping
Local town buses - external link - a FREE service

old busPart of the tiled mural at Quarteira bus station.

The bus station at Quarteira is about three minutes walk from the beach.

If you are intending to travel from Quarteira to anywhere WEST of Albufeira (eg Portimão or Lagos) you must change buses in Albufeira Bus Station. There are no through services. Quarteira and Vilamoura area map showing routes and stops here.

The Wednesday morning outdoor tourist market in Quarteira is about a mile out of town on the road to Almancil, past the camping site. The nearest bus stop is about 100 metres from the entrance at Fonte Santa, outside LIDL.  Details here.

The Parque Campismo de Quarteira (camping site) is on the road to Almancil about 3 minutes before/after the bus terminal in Quarteira.  Buses stop outside.

Quarteira / Vilamoura also has an ‘Urbanas’ local mini-bus service that does a circuit round the towns once an hour weekdays from 0730hrs to 1930hrs, but on Saturdays only until about 1400hrs. There is no service in winter on Saturday afternoons after about 1400hrs, nor all day Sundays and Holidays. In summer there are buses on some parts of the route all day Saturday, Sundays and Holidays until after midnight.Timetables and maps (only in Portuguese)  here. These buses are now FREE for all users.

Buses at São Bras de Alportelsbras terminal

VAMUS route 61 and 65 to and from Faro via Estoi
VAMUS route 90 and from Loulé
VAMUS routes to and from Alportel, Martim Longo, Sta Barbara de Nexe and nearby villages
VAMUS route 121 to and from Tavira one bus a week!

The new bus terminal in São Bras de Alportel is about 800 metres to the north of the town centre, next to the Rotunda dos 100 Anos de São Brás de Alportel.

The official bus company website states that buses continue to call at the more central stop in Rua Jõao Louro, pictured to the left. Click to see that picture in a larger size.

Buses at (Estrada) Sta Eulália, Albufeira

This is the Estrada da Sta Eulália outside the tourist information office.
Map.

VAMUS routes 9 and 66 to and from Vilamoura, Quarteira, Almancil and Faro
Giro Route 2 to Arcadas São João, along the Avenida to the Câmara (Town Hall) and then to the Bus Station. Does NOT go into the old town.
Giro Route 4 to Oura, Câmara and to the Bus Station.
GIRO Bus 6 to and from  Açoteais, Falesia and Rocha Baixinha

There are NO direct buses from Sta Eulália towards Armaçao de Pera, Lagoa, Portimão and Lagos. These all leave from the main bus station in Albufeira, so you must change buses there.

Giro 2 runs via ALDI, the Avenida dos Descobrimentos, Albufeira Shopping (Continente) and down into the old town Avenida da Liberdade.

There are no longer any buses to the nearer side of the old town. You can go on the Giro 4 to the Inatel and walk about 200 metres and go down the escalatores or get off at the Câmara (Town Hall) and wait for a Giro 10 bus.

Buses also stop outside the Santa Eulália resort hotel on the road towards Balaia.

Buses at Silves 

silves church

VAMUS route 17 to and from Albufeira
VAMUS route 113 to and from Messines, Lagoa and Portimão via Silves Railway Station
VAMUS route 31 to and from Armaçao de Pera
Transport on demand for nearby small villages

NOTE – Silves Railway station is just over a mile from the town but the train does give the best direct options to get to Faro, Tavira etc. The bus stop in the town centre is near the football ground and by the river at the tourist office. There is no enquiry/ticket office at the bus stop itself, but there is an office at the town's indoor market building about 100 metres away. Some outbound buses first stop across the road  from where you are sitting, go up to a junction, turn round and then come back, so do not panic. Map.

Slide’n’Splash

Not very well served by buses!

Website

This popular theme park is on the N125 between Lagoa and Estombar. There is a bus stop about 200 yards/metres from the entrance on a busy road with no proper footpath. This is served by the LOCAL buses between Lagoa and Portimão. The little railway station of Estombar / Lagoa is about 1.2km (3/4 of a mile) away, so the brave can go by train plus a short walk. Train times here. Like the other waterparks, they no longer operate their own transport.



Buses at Taviratavira bus terminal

VAMUS route 66 and 67 Tavira - Olhão -  Faro also Vila Real
VAMUS route 105 Tavira – Santa Luzia – Pedras d’el Rei
VAMUS route 41 Tavira – Cabanas
VAMUS route 121 Tavira – Sta.Caterina – São Bras de Alportel

VAMUS route 42 Tavira - Cachopo
Ferries Tavira – Quatros Aguas and Ilha de Tavira

Tavira Bus Terminal is only three or four minutes walk from the historic town centre and various attractions. Click the picture to view full size.See also the trains page for options to Vila Real de Santo António, Olhão, Faro etc. Trains are irregular, but run every day. They can be cheaper than buses and are faster.The railway station is about half a mile (0.8km) from the town centre.

Tavira also has a local mini-bus service around town. Two routes operate on weekdays at irregular intervals between 0730 and 2000, but there are only five journeys on Saturdays and none at all on Sundays and Holidays. Timetables were posted at the bus stops I passed except the stop at the railway station. Maps and timetables on line here. Click the route name to see a map of the stops, Horários for the timetables.

There is also a tourist 'train' which may be useful to get to the ferry at Quatros Aguas. It operates through the summer until October. Details here

Details of ferries and water taxis to the island and the beaches can be found here.

Buses at Torralta Hotel Pestana Delfim and Dom João II

VAMUS rotue 51 Fast buses towards Portimão, Lagoa, A.de Pera and Albufeira
VAMUS route 51 ast buses towards Lagos
Vai e Vem Local buses to and from Portimão and Alvor

VAMUS Summer bus 52 Cliffs Line to Ferragudo, Carvoeiro, Benagil, Armação de Pêra and Zoomarine

VAMUS route 51 buses between Albufeira, Portimão and Lagoa and the summer time route 52 stop in Torralta on the main road near Hotel Delfim and also the Dom João II.

Local buses Routes 14 and 1P of the Vai e Vem local network stop on the main road at the bottom of the hill from Hotel Delfim. Route 10 stops about 100 metres further away and elsewhere in the area.

The local open-air market stretches from the Dom João II hotel almost to the Alvor roundabout.

Buses at Tunes (Gare) (Railway Station)

All bus times here but please read note to the right. Bus service is very limited and very irregular.

If you are staying in or near Tunes, trains give you the best options to get to and from Faro, Tavira, Vila Real de Santo António, Portimão and Lagos. For train times click here

Buses at Vale de Parra

VAMUS route 13 Towards Albufeira direct
VAMUS route 13 Towards Armaçao de Pera, Lagos and Portimão
Giro Route 7 to Salgados, Galé, São Rafael, Albufeira Marina, stops near the old town then to Albufeira Bus Station
Giro route 8 to Guia, Algarve Shopping and Albufeira Bus Station

Buses to and from Guia and via Galé stop on the road towards Galé; direct buses to and from Albufeira etc on the main road near the roundabout. On the direct route, there are only two buses each way at weekends.

You cannot use Giro tickets and passes on VAMUS buses, nor vice-versa.

Buses at Vila Real de Santo António

VAMUS routes 66 and 67  to and from Monte Gordo, Tavira, Olhão and Faro
Local bus connections to Castro Marim, Azinhal and up into the hills
Coaches run to Huelva and Seville and there are ferries across the river to Ayamonte.

vrsa bus
                  station 

There are frequent buses between Vila Real de Santo António and Monte Gordo in summer. The main bus route to Tavira, Olhão and Faro now runs only every 2 - 3 hours.

Vila Real has a good train service along the coast to Tavira, Olhão and Faro with connections there to Portimão, Lagos also to Lisbon. Train times here.

There are no trains across the border into Spain. There is no railway station across the river in Ayamonte. The railway station there was closed and converted into the bus station.

Pictured to the left is the bus station at Vila Real de Santo António, The ferry across to Ayamonte is behind the photographer's position.

Buses at Vilamoura

VAMUS route 9 and 66 to Quarteira, Almancil and Faro
VAMUS routes 9 and 66 to Olhos de Agua, Balaia, Areais São João and Albufeira
VAMUS route 55 to and from University (and in summer the airport) via Quarteira and Aquashow Park
Local town buses- external link - a FREE service!

Aerial photo of Vilamoura Marina area

Vilamoura marina area map

There are two bus stops near the tourist part of Vilamoura around the marina. See the map. Because of the one way street system ALL BUSES IN BOTH DIRECTIONS stop  at the same stops, so you get back on exactly where you got off, not on the other side of the road etc. Long distance coaches (buses) to Lisbon etc (Rede-Expressos)  stop outside Jafer's supermarket (top of the map) which is also the ticket sales point.

To get from Vilamoura to anywhere west of Albufeira eg Portimão and Lagos, you must change buses in Albufeira Bus Station. There are no through services. For Loulé; you will have to change buses at Quarteira or walk to the stops on the other side of the stadium - again see the map. Click the map for a view of bus stops in the general area.

map.

Quarteira / Vilamoura also has an ‘Urbanas’ local mini-bus service that does a circuit round the towns once an hour weekdays from about 0730hrs to 1900hrs, on Saturdays until about 1400hrs.  There is no service in winter on Saturday afternoons, nor all day Sundays and Holidays. In summer there are buses on some parts of the route all day Saturday, Sundays and Holidays until after midnight.

Timetables and maps (only in Portuguese) here. These buses are now FREE for all users.

There is also a road 'train' that does a circuit of the town from May to end October every day about once an hour. Their current information flyer can be viewed here.



Zoomarine

Official website - open from early March until late October. Check dates and times here.

VAMUS route 57 Transrápido Faro - Albufeira - Lagos buses call here on request.

VAMUS route 14 from Albufeira via Guia, going to Lagoa and Portimão
VAMUS route 14 from Portimão and Lagoa

VAMUS Summer bus 52 Cliffs Line to Armação de Pêra, Benagil, Carvoeiro, Ferragudo, Portimão, Praia da Rocha and Alor

Zoomarine theme park runs its own visitor buses, which pick up at major tourist locations. These include many places in the Albufeira area, also Tavira, Lagos, Portimão, Alvor, Armacão de Pêra and much of the Algarve in general. 

These buses can be booked via the website when you buy your tickets or through one of the 'ticket shops'. Zoomarine transport information is here. There is a map showing their pickup locations at https://pickups.zoomarine.pt/ - so it's easy to find the one most convenient.

Transport must now be pre-booked before 5pm /1700hrs the previous day. Please do double check times and  pick up places to avoid being left behind.  You can book on line at the Zoomarine website.

The local public bus stop nearest the park is about 150 metres from the main entrance, along a busy road with no footpath.

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

www.algarvebus.info