The Algarve coast represents Portugal at its most captivating—where golden beaches meet dramatic limestone cliffs and centuries of history blend with modern coastal life. At opposite ends of this coastline sit two jewels: the historic charm of Tavira in the east and the vibrant coastal energy of Lagos in the west.

Tavira, with its Roman bridges and Moorish influences, offers an unhurried pace and access to the pristine barrier islands of Ria Formosa Natural Park. Lagos features dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and golden beaches perfect for both adventure seekers and sun worshippers.

The journey between these destinations spans approximately 100 kilometres of Portugal's southern coast. This guide focuses on the most practical transportation options to help you travel efficiently between these two Algarve highlights.
Related articles: Tavira introduction – Lagos guide

The railway which connects Tavira and Lagos is a regional line that extends the entire length of the Algarve coast. The train service is operated by Comboios de Portugal (commonly abbreviated to CP), the national train company of Portugal. The journey from Tavira to Lagos covers approximately 100km and takes between 2h24 to 3h05, depending on the specific service.

There are 8 daily departures in each direction, offering travellers multiple options throughout the day. The first morning trains depart early enough to reach your destination before noon, while the final evening services allow for a full day of activities before returning.

For the latest timetable please see the Comboios de Portugal website:
www.cp.pt/StaticFiles/timetables/vila-real-s.antonio-lagos-regional-trains.pdf
(Note: this link opens a PDF that may download automatically on some mobile devices)

An adult single ticket costs €10.35, representing excellent value for the distance covered. Discounts are available for seniors/pensioners (50% reduction) and young travelers under 25 (25% discount) with valid identification. As this is a regional train service, tickets cannot be pre-booked, but there is typically always space available on all services. Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices, from ticket machines at larger stations, or via the CP app.

Rail travel along the Algarve railway is safe, including evening services. The trains are comfortable with air conditioning, though journey times are leisurely as the line serves numerous coastal towns and villages. There is no onboard catering service, so passengers should bring water and any food they might need for the journey.

Faro is a connection point along the route, with some trains requiring a transfer while others continue directly through to their final destination. The train staff will announce any needed transfers, and fellow passengers are typically helpful with information.

The Algarve regional train

Lagos Train Station is housed in a modern building that opened in 2004, replacing the historic terminal that once served the town. Despite its contemporary design, it's a relatively small station with basic amenities including a ticket office (open daily from 6:00 to 22:00), restrooms, a waiting area, and electronic departure boards.

The station is conveniently located just 10-15 minutes' walk from Lagos town center and marina. The route into town is mostly flat and well-marked, making it easily navigable even with wheeled luggage. Local buses also stop near the station, connecting to various parts of Lagos and nearby beaches.

Lagos' new train station

Tavira Station is located approximately 1km west of the town center (GPS: 37.120, -7.655 – link to google maps). The ticket office operates during limited hours (typically 7:00-19:00 Monday through Friday, with reduced weekend hours), though ticket machines are available for self-service purchases. The walk from the station to town center follows cobbled streets that descend gradually toward the Gilão River. While picturesque, this route can be challenging with heavy luggage or for travellers with mobility issues.

Tavira train station

While the Algarve is well-connected by bus services operated by Vamus, there are no direct bus connections between Tavira and Lagos. All bus journeys between these towns require a transfer at Faro's main bus terminal, resulting in a cumbersome journey with waiting times between connections.

The total bus journey time from Tavira to Lagos (including the connection wait in Faro) typically takes between 3.5 to 4.5 hours, almost twice the duration of the direct train service. Additionally, bus fares for the complete journey are significantly higher than train tickets, often costing €15-18 for the combined segments compared to the €10.35 train fare.

Given the longer travel time, higher cost, and inconvenience of making connections with luggage, there is effectively no advantage to choosing bus travel over the train for this particular journey across the Algarve.

Tavira is situated approximately 100km to the east of Lagos and has both good road and rail connections. The journey by car offers two main route options:

A22 Highway: The fastest route follows the A22 highway from junction 1 (near Lagos) to junction 16 (near Tavira) and takes approximately 1 and a half hours. This well-maintained highway runs parallel to the coast and offers a smooth, efficient drive. The highway bypasses the coastal towns, allowing for quick and direct travel with minimal traffic concerns even during peak tourist seasons.

Scenic Route (N125): The alternative route follows the N125 national road, which winds through various towns and villages along the Algarve coast. This scenic journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic and time of year. During summer months, the N125 can become congested, particularly near popular resort areas and town centers. While slower, this route offers opportunities to discover authentic local villages and coastal viewpoints that you'd miss on the highway.

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