Has anyone got the train from Estombar to Faro?
I should imagine the journey is very scenic.

I am coming to Carvoeiro in September and would like to see more of Faro than just the airport and also plan a day in Alvor but I will possibly get the bus if there is one for that
Any tips would be welcome.
Janet O

Hi Janet. Hope you are well

Yes we've got the train from estombar to faro a few times. Unless the trains have been upgraded recently, they are a bit battered and bruised, but much cleaner than in the uk. The scenery on the way to be honest is not particularly impressive, but it's a fast efficient service. Watch out for the trains comng back as they tend to be a bit spaced out. The station is in the centre and a short walk from the old town with the walled square and lots of original restaurants. It really
Is a lovely day out. Next time we go, I want to stay overnight, as there are lots of good restaurants many with fado

Recommend going to the harbour and taking a boat trip to see the unusual river systems and wildlife or/and going to one of the islands.
The old town is pleasant to walk around and there are some good restaurants. The market is good too.

Thank you both for your suggestions. I can't wait to get started..it sounds like a great day out..

Janet O

I use Faro to Estombar train couple of times a year, single fare is €5.60 or thereabouts. Never managed to find timetable at Estombar station.

tricky wrote:Hi Janet. Hope you are well

Yes we've got the train from estombar to faro a few times. Unless the trains have been upgraded recently, they are a bit battered and bruised, but much cleaner than in the uk. The scenery on the way to be honest is not particularly impressive, but it's a fast efficient service. Watch out for the trains comng back as they tend to be a bit spaced out. The station is in the centre and a short walk from the old town with the walled square and lots of original restaurants. It really
Is a lovely day out. Next time we go, I want to stay overnight, as there are lots of good restaurants many with fado

Hi Tricky, I can recommend the Hotel Eva and the Restaurant Faro e Benfica, both close to the Marina.

Thanks Sam x

The train website is www.cp.pt and is available in English. All train timetables are available on here.

We went the other way in February : Parchal to Lagos ( 1.1€ single if >60)....that is scenic, and nice to wander around marina & old town at Lagos....there is a big gap in trains in the afternoon though. You can get out at Meia Praia , nice beach restaurants and walk by lagoon...or to Marina and get train back. Lagos is the end of the line.

Just remembered I had train times from Faro to Lagos on my phone for when I was over in May.

9.02, 10.23, 12.22, 16.19, 17.15, 18.12, 19.38 and 20.18.

As Geoff points out a long wait early afternoon!

Also, as it is single track for most of the time, train sometimes has to wait at a station until train coming in other direction passes. Last time the Lisboa/Faro express was late and we waited at Albufiera for 15 mins. Time for conductor to have a cigarette and bica at nearby cafe!! Had I known length of delay, I would have joined him!!

Went to the beach at Faro last year - to be honest, I thought it and the town was a bit dreary and scruffy.

Yes, wouldn't waste my time going to Faro beach either...but marina and old town/pedestrian precincts are worth a wander....there is an old church with an ossuary too : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capela_do ... %28Faro%29

I don't think the connections are very good, but if you then got the train to Tavira, you would see the lovely old Roman Bridge and Castle ruins...a great place to wander!

Tavira is beautiful and well worth the trip to get to it.
Lovely old buildings, fab cafes and resturants, especially along the riverside and a few good hotels and B & B's
We walk to it from Cabanas de Tavira, a long walk, but worth it. Cab it back tho.