Driving
Portugal drives on the right side of the road
Except when otherwise indicated all vehicles approaching from the right have priority. The driver already on a roundabout normally has the right of way
Safety-belts are compulsory in all circumstances
Drinking and driving is severely controlled and limited to a restriction of 0.3 g/l
Unless otherwise indicated urban limit is 50 km/h
Rural roads other than those zones indicated are limited to 90 km/h
Motorways are limited to 120 km/h
Rent a Car
In all major towns there are a number of companies providing rent a car service. Proof of identity and a valid current Driving Licence is required. The minimum age to hire a car is 21 years old but some companies' place the age higher. Make sure that all needed documents relating to the hired vehicle and the driver are always available in the vehicle as Traffic Police often check these legalities on roads.
Trains
The Portuguese railway system is State owned and has the name of Caminhos de Ferro Portuguese (CP). The system provides a very reasonably priced transport within the country. Major lines are fast, efficient and comfortable.
There are daily international connections as shown below.
Lisbon - Porto - Paris (Twice daily)
Lisbon - Madrid
Porto - Vigo (Spain)
Lisbon - Badajoz (Spain)
There are express trains (Alfa) between Lisbon and Porto, and in the tourist season also from Lisbon and Porto to the Algarve. A regional train system operates throughout the country joining up the main towns. This system (IC) is less comfortable than (Alfa) and is slower. There are two classes, 1st and 2nd with the exception for local trains where there is only one class. Special tourist tickets may be purchased valid for 7, 14 or 21 days. There is also the Cartão de Familia, that gives special terms for families on journeys over 150 kms. Outside most provincial stations there is a normally a coach waiting to take you to the centre as the stations can be distant from the town.
(Alfa) and (IC) tickets can be purchased up to 20 days in advance. Other train tickets are bought on the day of travel.
Urban
In the towns of the Algarve there is limited means of transport. Taxis are mainly used and they are painted in a cream colour. In urban areas they charge according to the taximeter. Outside these areas the charge is per kilometre and this includes the cost of thedrivers return trip. Luggage over 30 kilos is charged at a fixed rate. All taxis drivers have in their possession their printed rates in two languages.
