Getting Around the Algarve Without a Car
Let's be honest about something: when most people think about moving to the Algarve, they imagine needing a car to get anywhere. And while it's true that having your own wheels gives you maximum freedom, you absolutely can live here without one. It just depends on where you choose to base yourself and how you like to get around.
After digging into the transport reality across the region, here's what you actually need to know about getting around car-free in the Algarve.
Public Transport: The Real Story
The Algarve's public transport isn't Amsterdam, but it's not as hopeless as some people make it out to be either. You've got buses and trains connecting most major towns, though the coverage varies dramatically depending on where you want to go.
The Train Line There's one main train line that runs from Vila Real de Santo António in the east all the way to Lagos in the west. It hits the main stations at Tavira, Faro, Loulé, Albufeira-Ferreiras, Portimão, and Lagos. Journey times are reasonable - Faro to Lagos takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, Faro to Tavira is roughly 40 minutes.
Here's the catch: some stations are miles from the town centers they supposedly serve. Albufeira's train station is actually in Ferreiras, over 3km north of town. You'll need a bus or taxi to bridge that gap, and the connections aren't always perfectly timed.
The Bus Network Eva Transportes runs most of the regional buses, with some routes handled by Frota Azul around Portimão. The good news? They connect virtually every town and village in the region. The less good news? Timetables can be sparse, especially on weekends, and many smaller villages have no service at all on Sundays or holidays.
Buses generally run from 7am to 8:30pm on weekdays, with reduced weekend service. A trip from Faro to Lagos costs around €7.95 and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. Local journeys are much cheaper - typically €1.50 to €2.70 depending on distance.
Tourist Passes You can grab unlimited travel passes that work across both EVA and Frota Azul networks. A 3-day pass costs about €12, 7-day pass around €22. If you're doing multiple journeys, it works out much cheaper than individual tickets.
Airport Connections Faro Airport is well-connected despite not having a train station. City Bus 16 runs hourly between the airport and Faro city center for €2.70. The Aerobus connects the airport to Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa, and Albufeira - though it doesn't always show up on Google Maps, so ask at the airport.
Cycling: More Viable Than You'd Think
The Algarve is quietly becoming a decent cycling destination, though it's not quite Copenhagen yet. The infrastructure is improving, especially around major towns, and the climate works in your favor most of the year.
Main Cycling Routes The big one is the Ecovia do Litoral, which theoretically runs 241km from Vila Real de Santo António to Sagres as part of the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast Route. In reality, only sections are properly completed and signposted. Some bits are excellent purpose-built cycle paths; others dump you onto busy roads with minimal marking.
The Via Algarviana offers 300km of cycling through the interior, from Alcoutim to Cape St. Vincent. It's more suited to mountain bikes or robust touring bikes, winding through countryside and smaller villages away from coastal traffic.
For something more manageable, there are 20 official circular cycling routes across different municipalities, typically 15-30km each. These use a mix of quiet country roads and dirt tracks, designed for regular touring bikes.
Bike Rentals and Tours Most coastal towns have bike rental shops, with options ranging from basic city bikes to mountain bikes and e-bikes. Daily rentals typically cost €15-25. Many shops offer delivery and pickup services across the region.
Guided cycling tours are increasingly popular. Companies like The Mountain Bike Adventure in Lagos offer everything from beginner rides to challenging hill climbs in the Monchique mountains.
Cycling Realities The terrain varies massively. The coast is mostly flat or gently rolling, perfect for leisurely rides. Head inland and you'll hit proper hills, especially around Monchique and Serra do Caldeirão. The weather's usually cycling-friendly, though summer afternoons can be brutal - best to ride early morning or evening.
Road quality is generally good, and Portuguese drivers are reasonably respectful of cyclists, particularly on quieter routes. The main coastal roads (N125 and A22) can be busy and aren't ideal for cycling.
Walking Culture: Town by Town
Some Algarve towns are genuinely walkable; others definitely aren't. Here's the honest assessment of where you can realistically get around on foot.
Highly Walkable Towns
Tavira tops the list. The historic center is compact and mostly pedestrianized, with cobbled streets connecting cafés, churches, and the riverside. You can walk everywhere within town, though you'll need a ferry to reach Ilha de Tavira beach.
Lagos has excellent walkability within its old town walls. The historic center is largely pedestrian-only, with restaurants and shops clustered around pretty squares. Several beaches are within walking distance of the center, including the dramatic cliffs at Ponta da Piedade (though it's a decent walk).
Faro has a charming walkable old town (Cidade Velha) within the city walls, plus a pleasant marina area. The train and bus stations are walkable from the center. However, reaching the islands for beach days requires boats or buses.
Moderately Walkable
Olhão has a lovely compact old town perfect for wandering, plus the famous market halls. The waterfront promenade is pedestrian-friendly. Ferries to the islands leave from the town center.
Portimão has a walkable old town core, though the city sprawls quite a bit. Praia da Rocha beach area is separate and requires transport from the center.
Less Walkable
Albufeira is spread out and hilly. The old town itself is walkable and charming, but getting between different areas often means taxis or buses. The famous "Strip" is a fair distance from the historic center.
Carvoeiro is tiny and walkable within the village itself, but most accommodation is spread across the surrounding area. Limited bus connections make it car-dependent for wider exploration.
When You Actually Need a Car
Be realistic about the limitations. While you can definitely live car-free in the right locations, there are situations where public transport just doesn't cut it.
Remote Beaches Many of the Algarve's most beautiful beaches are only accessible by car. Think hidden coves like Praia do Carvalho (reached via steps and a tunnel through rock), secluded spots along the Costa Vicentina, or the dramatic beaches near Sagres. Buses might get you to nearby towns, but you'll often face long walks or no access at all.
Mountain Villages Places like Monchique, Alcoutim, or inland villages in the Serra do Caldeirão have minimal or non-existent bus services. If you want to explore the Algarve's rural interior, hiking trails, or wine regions, you'll need wheels.
Shopping and Daily Life Large shopping centers like Faro's Forum Algarve or Mar Shopping in Loulé are usually accessible by bus, but weekly grocery shopping becomes more challenging without a car, especially if you live outside town centers.
Evening Transport Bus services generally stop around 8:30pm, and many routes have no weekend service. If you enjoy evening dining, bars, or events in different towns, taxis and Uber become necessary.
Flexibility for Emergencies Medical appointments, urgent shopping, or unexpected situations are easier to handle with your own transport, especially in more remote areas.
The Best Bases for Car-Free Living
If you're committed to living without a car, choose your location strategically:
Lagos offers the best overall package: walkable historic center, beaches within reach, good public transport connections to other towns, and plenty of local amenities.
Faro works well as a transport hub with train and bus connections throughout the region, plus ferries to island beaches. The old town is charming and walkable.
Tavira is perfect if you prefer a quieter, more authentic Portuguese experience. Everything's walkable, there are good train connections, and the pace of life suits those who don't need to rush around.
Portimão offers good transport links and urban amenities, though it's less charming than the other options.
The reality? You can absolutely live car-free in the Algarve if you choose your base wisely and adjust your expectations. You'll miss some hidden beaches and mountain villages, but you'll also avoid parking hassles, fuel costs, and the stress of navigating narrow village streets.
For many expats, the sweet spot is having a car available occasionally - whether through car-sharing, rentals for specific trips, or lifts from friends - while relying on walking, cycling, and public transport for daily life.
The Algarve's improving its transport infrastructure year by year, and with more focus on sustainable tourism, the car-free experience is only getting better.
