Algarve Train Line
Transport
The Algarve railway line, operated by CP (Comboios de Portugal), provides a scenic and affordable rail connection along the south coast from Lagos in the west to Vila Real de Santo Antonio on the Spanish border. The single-track line, which runs for approximately 140 kilometres, connects the region's main towns and offers an alternative to driving for both visitors and residents.
The principal stations along the line, from west to east, are Lagos, Portimao, Silves (Tunes junction), Albufeira-Ferreiras, Loule, Faro, Olhao, Fuseta, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo Antonio. Some of these stations are located at a distance from the town centres they serve: Albufeira-Ferreiras station is about 6 kilometres from Albufeira old town, and Loule station is on the outskirts of the town.
Two types of service operate on the Algarve line. The Regional service is a stopping train that calls at all stations and halts, offering the most frequent service and the lowest fares. The InterRegional service, which runs less frequently, is slightly faster and marginally more expensive, skipping some of the smaller stops.
Journey times are modest but not fast. Lagos to Faro takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes on the Regional service, while Faro to Tavira takes about 40 minutes. Faro to Vila Real de Santo Antonio takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. Services run from early morning (around 5:30 or 6:00) to mid-evening (around 21:00 or 22:00), with approximately 6 to 10 services per day depending on the section of line.
Fares are very affordable by European standards. A single ticket from Faro to Lagos costs approximately 7 to 8 euros, and from Faro to Tavira approximately 3 to 4 euros. Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices, from ticket machines or online through the CP website and app. Children under 5 travel free, and discounts are available for seniors and youth.
The Tunes junction, located between Silves and Albufeira, is the Algarve line's connection point with the national rail network. From Tunes, trains run north to Lisbon via the Alentejo, with journey times of approximately 3 hours. This provides a practical and scenic alternative to driving or flying for travel between the Algarve and the Portuguese capital.
The train journey itself offers pleasant views of the Algarve countryside, passing through the Barrocal hinterland, crossing river valleys and skirting the edge of the Ria Formosa lagoon in the eastern section. The line is not electrified, and services are operated by diesel multiple units.
The main limitations of the Algarve railway are the distance of some stations from town centres, the relatively low frequency of services and the single-track nature of the line, which limits capacity. Buses or taxis are often needed to complete journeys from stations to final destinations.