Can anyone help with details of what options there are to get from Lisbon to Faro? Is there a regular train service and if so, how long does it take. Is it better to fly? Thanks in advance.

WE drove (big mistake-quite harrowing as Portuguese apparently have more accidents per capita than any other European nation and 10 minutes on a major highway tell you why!!) My in-laws took a bus from Faro to Lisbon, I believe it was 4-6 hours...flying from L to F and vice versa is easy, maybe 1 hour...we flew into Faro and out of Lisbon on Air Transat, awful seating but cheap and flexible with regard to destination/departure switching...

There is a train from Lisbon to Faro and it takes about five hours. Check the eruail internet site and it will show you the route and train times. Iam taking this route in mid August. Good luck.

I too am going to be in Portugal in June. I was planning to take the bus from Lisbon to Tavira (Algarve). I've read that it is easy--anyone have any different opinions or experiences? Also, how easy is it to get around the Algarve with a backpack and a tent? Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the advice - we have decided on the grounds of price and convenience to fly.

You should drive down there1 It's the easiest way to go! It will take you about 2 hours. By plane it's just to expensive and by train it's too much time, not mentioning the boat ride between Lisbon and Barreiro, from where the train departs! <BR> <BR>Luis, Portugal

We've just booked round trips Lisbon/Faro for $110 on TAP...pretty darn cheap and takes 35-40 minutes. I've not spoken with anyone who's driven this route in under 3 hours in the best of circumstances, not a granny-driver in the bunch. Michelin lists quickest route at 3 hours 18 minutes.

Just got back from the Algarve. We drove between Lisbon and Tavira, and did well, but the drive was very long (4.5 hours)and some of the speeds others were moving at were intimidating. I returned alone and took an express bus, which was quite a good experience. you must book thse seats in advance. The service was called "Aqua Qualidade"

I'm going with a girlfriend to Spain and Portugal in September. We made the choice to fly from Lisbon to Faro and it sounds like the right one based on these posts. We also have reservations to fly from Faro to Malaga but that requires two flights and a layover back in Lisbon taking up a whole day. And for the cost to the both of us we could probably hire someone to drive us. Actually we'd like to find out if that's possible. Does anyone have any suggestions or know how long it takes.(algarve to Marbella) Does anyone have any info about it. Also trying to make a decision between hotels either the Sheraton in Albufeira or the Hotel Algarve/Casino in Praia de Rocha. Has anyone been to either? Thanks.