Public Transport
Buses
Buses are a practical, clean, cheap and reasonably comfortable way to travel round. All buses display their destination (destino) at the front. Avoid long, boring journeys within the Algarve by booking express regional services. The Faro based EVA (www.eva-bus.net) run good local and regional services, and also frequent services to Lisbon and Spain. The Rede Nacional de Expressos (www.rede-expressos.pt) run a comprehensive national service. Both have good on-line routes and timetables.
Trains
Portuguese trains (Comboios de Portugal) are a clean, efficient, comfortable and inexpensive way to travel about the county. They run right on-time and are one of Portugal's secret gems, and well worth exploring. If you travel between Algarve to Lisbon, take the train! It is far cheaper and much more fun than the bus. The route pass through some spectacular scenery, particularly the hills and valleys of the lower Alentejo. Consider paying the little bit extra for 1º class, where you have soft reclining and aircon. Comboios de Portugal can be reached at 808 208 208 or visit www.cp.pt.