Work is underway to transform the Algarve train line (Linha do Algarve), including electrification of the line and upgrades to stations.
The 140km line has long offered a convenient and low-cost way to navigate the Algarve region by public transport. The line stretches from Lagos in the west, all the way to the eastern border town of Vila Real de Santo António. However, it’s not without its shortcomings.
The line’s creaking rolling stock is old and diesel-powered. The trains can get extremely hot in the summer months, with the large open windows only serving to blow around the stifling air. Journeys can be long, with trips along the whole length of the line requiring a change in Faro.
While the line is generally quite reliable, a lack of information boards and announcements can mean that passengers at remote stations don’t get to hear about delays until their train fails to appear.
Thankfully, the planned upgrades seem set to eliminate these problems.
The main upgrade to the Algarve train line is the electrification of the entire line. Currently, the only electrified section is between Faro and Tunes, which is also used by Inter-City and Alfa Pendular services between Faro and Lisbon. Full electrification is planned for completion by the end of 2024. This is anticipated to reduce east-to-west Algarve journey times by around 25 minutes, according to a report in The Portugal News.
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Huge East Algarve boost for the Algarve train line
Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) has also indicated that there will be a new timetable, which will include running long-distance trains to and from Vila Real de Santo António.
This is exciting news for residents of the east Algarve, who may soon be able to board a train from their nearest station and travel to Lisbon and beyond. (It’s worth noting that the fast Alfa Pendular train to Lisbon continues to Porto).
Improved passenger information is also part of the upgrade plans. New announcement speakers are being installed, along with new CCTV systems. For those who use unstaffed stations, this will be a huge upgrade from the paper timetables currently on offer!
Transport in the Algarve
The Algarve train line is just one part of a very comprehensive transport network across the Algarve. Getting to and from the region is also straightforward, thanks to a growing number of direct routes in and out of Faro’s well-appointed airport.
Around 800 flights pass through the airport each week, with more in the summer months. There are many daily flights to and from London and a wide range of the UK’s regional airports. The rest of Europe is well covered also. Destinations with direct flights to and from Faro include Helsinki, Vienna, Berlin and Milan. As well as providing an incoming route for tourists, these myriad routes also mean that residents of the Algarve have many convenient holiday and city break options.
Flights to further afield are on the up too, with direct New York flights recently joining those to Toronto.
After touching down in Faro, the A22 toll road puts most of the Algarve cost within an hour’s drive. This is a far cry from the situation before the road’s launch, where all the traffic ended up on the much slower N125.
The Algarve train line is just a short bus or cab ride away from Faro airport, offering connections to most of the Algarve, and to Lisbon and beyond. Faro is also the central hub for many bus and coach routes, with the main station just a few minutes walk from the train.
These upgrades to the Algarve’s train services have been a long time. The reduction of the journey time, along with cooler and more eco-friendly trains is sure to be much appreciated by residents and visitors alike.
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