Below are some links, that I have found and used, to sites which cover the following: Information on Airports that serve Portugal and the Algarve. Current baggage restrictions. Places where it is possible to get 'Cheap' Flights and reasonable Car Hire. Also if you don't need or want a rental car for your stay, transfer services between the (Faro) Airport and the town of Praia da Luz, or alternatively timetables for the Bus and Train services from Faro to Lagos / Luz.

 2012  Tolls on the A22
09/03/2012 The European Commission has now deemed the toll implementation as illegal, so we can expect a European Court of Justice ruling somewhere along the line, but in the meantime....
01/02/2012 Unfortunately Tolls will be in effect on the A22 from April. The tolls will be calculated whenever a vehicle drives under one of the 'gates' that are laid between each exit of the highway. There are currently 10 'sites' that clock the toll price, see below ( cars are Class 1, mini buses are Class 2 )
Rental cars will normally have a device that will calculate tolls due. For each rental, you will enter a contract with the CTT ( the Portuguese National Mail ) where all tolls will be collected from your credit or debit card. Otherwise the drivers of non-Portuguese registered cars must either, have their credit / debit card scanned on joining the motorway, or, present the vehicle registration number (license plate no.) supported by the log book (if requested), or equivalent documentation at a Post Office or Payshop Agent, and purchase Via Verde prepaid Toll Cards in values of 5€, 10€, 20€ or 40€ sufficient for their journey on the motorway.
Note: There is no 'tourist' exemption, larger rental companies will have a device in their vehicles which will take tolls from a debit card produced at the time of vehicle collection and will be checked there are no outstanding payments on vehicle return. Smaller companies will expect you to take care of payments yourself and will check and charge you if necessary, so best check before you take a vehicle to avoid disputes later ( especially when dropping off the vehicle at the airport prior to your departure ).
There is an official website where you can see what tolls are owing A22 CTT Toll Checking Website. This is not too helpful at the moment ( March 2012 ) as the English version is still under construction, but you can check the tolls by entering the registration number in the first field, and the text on the image in the second one, and clicking "CONSULTAR" below. The list of tolls to pay should appear.
For a downloadable (.pdf) clarification of what's involved.
For a downloadable (.pdf) map of toll gates and exits.
Associated Algarve Resident articles...
new rental car system for tolls

 2011  It looks like tolls may be introduced for the A22 ( motorway ), nothing fixed yet though as there is understandable protest for the plan. You may be tempted to start using the N125 ( the 'old' A road ) but whist it is perfectly good for short 'hops' it is not really suitable for trips to the west Algarve. Also bear in mind there are substantial road works forecast this year for the N125 which can only make a journey even longer.

• Worth remembering is that whilst it is sometimes worthwhile 'holding out' for cheaper flight prices you will find that for car rental it is generally not, and premium rates apply when fleets are depleted in the high season.

• If you are in a group ( e.g. golfers ) and are looking for mini bus / transit type buses, be warned that they are harder to get at short notice in the peak season.

Any comments included are my own, if you have something to add, had an agreeable or disagreeable experience ( especially when using the services through any of the links I've listed ) with let me know so I can 'pass them on' here.

 Update  The Summer rail timetable ( effective 02/2012 ) is shown below and is now available as a downloadable ( .pdf ) file.

 Update  Buses to Luz are much reduced these days the Onda timetable is available as a downloadable ( .pdf ) file.

Airports

U.K. Airports	It was noted ( by Which Holiday Magazine 2010 ) that train services to the main airports were quite a bit more expensive than the service to the nearest town to a point where it was suggested that you could save money by travelling to the 'local' station and getting a taxi to the airport! The example quoted was the cost of travelling per mile to the station one stop before the airport on the Stansted Express, there was a 24% difference between the 39p per mile you would pay from Liverpool Street to Stansted Mountfichet, and the 51p per mile you would pay to the airport instead. Worth checking perhaps?
Faro  ( FAO )	Aeroporto de Faro Airport Information: Click Here Distance to Luz: 70km  ( approx. 45Mins ) Minimum check in time 90 minutes ( U.K flights )  11/2011  Passenger processing returns to normal. The system of passenger processing at Faro Airport which required passengers who had collected their luggage to be transported by bus from the baggage reclaim hall to the Parking Area (P6) has now come to an end. Check arrivals / departures Tel :(+351) 289 800 800 Tel :until 0.00 - (+351) 289 800 801 Tel :after 0.00 - (+351) 289 800 617
Lisboa  ( LIS )	Aeroporto da Portela Airport Information: Click Here Distance to Luz: 295km  ( approx. 2:30Hrs )
Porto  ( OPO )	Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport Information: Click Here Distance to Luz: 640km  (approx. 5:30Hrs )

Booking Buddy.co.uk	Online multiple airline search for flights to Faro.
Cheap onlineflights	Cheap on line flights from the U.K. Reservations and information on flights, holidays and airports for travellers from the UK.
Flightline	All airline search from one page. Check availability and book on-line. Tel (U.K):0800 541 541.
Flightsdirect	All airline search from one page. Check availability and book on-line. Tel (U.K):0871 226 2674.
The Flight Room	Airline, Hotel and packages.  2009  Freedomflights.co.uk rebranded. Tel (U.K):01665 660 055
Lastminute	All airline search from one page.
Lightbluetravel	Flights and Car Hire samples. Email (U.K):sales@lightbluetravel.co.uk Tel (U.K):01223 568 904 Fax (U.K):01223 568 907

Major Airlines flying to Portugal

Which Magazine 2010 rated the eight worst-rated carriers as British, apart from Irish airline Ryanair. Thomas Cook Airlines came bottom of the short haul table, deemed worst for leg room; while Ryanair was rated poorly for its checked baggage allowance. Jet2.com, Easyjet, BMI Baby, Thomson Airways and Monarch Airlines were all poorly rated. Ryanair ( despite the reputation ) and Easyjet ( despite the added extras ) still seem to be the ones to consider for flights to Portugal. If it proves practical / possible also consider perhaps using different airlines for outbound and return flights as great savings could be made if you are flexible on travel dates.
British Airways	Generally the most expensive. Single flights to U.K. reasonable.
Easyjet	Probably the cheapest on a good day. Can be very good if you're lucky / flexible with your timetable. Still hopeless if you're six foot plus. Also everything is an 'extra' these days.  02/2007  Managed to get cheaper prices for April 2007 compared with 2006. Beat Ryan Air for the Budget Airline for Portugal destinations.  01/2011 Last Used.  07/2011  New service to Faro from Southend.  01/2012  Check the prices carefully as 'Extras' being added.
GO Airlines	Uses various airlines, occasional bargains.
Monarch Air	Always worth checking. Most flexible pricing. They have been pretty good on prices / availability lately. Tend to have slightly better legroom than Easyjet. Watch out though for possible hefty 'service' charges for some dates.  11/2007
TAP Air Portugal	Expensive. Rare bargains. Prices better for trips originating in Portugal.
Thompson	Some heavily discounted flights can be found for the rest of the summer due to a poor first half of 2009.  07/2009  From November until spring 2010, flights to Faro will be limited to London Gatwick and Manchester airports only.
XL	08/2008  Ceased Trading
Aer Lingus	Added for 2009. I've noticed some incredibly cheap prices appearing lately, not to mention more flights from London ( Gatwick ). Base prices look excellent but like all the rest has all sorts of add-ons. Bookings are not guaranteed until you receive a confirmation.  03/2009
Ryanair	Some excellent good prices coming up on the Stanstead route. Prices from £35. Certainly worth checking but see below.  12/2012  A £6 per person single flight surcharge from December 1st, even using their own credit card!
Palmair	Only flies from Bournemouth. Recommended by Which 2008
Jet2.com	Only flies from Midlands / Northern airports. Recommended by Which 2008.
Flybe	Only flies from Exeter and Southampton. Recommended by Which 2008.

Sites for Car Hire

Booking from the U.K. is easy, but be aware there are dangers in booking the cheapest you find. It is probably worth paying that bit extra and booking with a 'big name' firm direct. I have come unstuck by paying an agent on-line and finding no car on arrival and no trace of the agents on my return home. Having said that it is still worth looking around and of course now days you can book on-line directly with Portugal firms which is slightly more reliable. Look for Rates which include: Unlimited Mileage, Third Party Insurance and Taxes. You also need to consider Collision Damage Waiver, Personal Accident Insurance or Full Insurance options. Any of these 'extras' can really bump up a 'cheap' base price. Regrettably the Algarve has its share of car crime ( as do many holiday destinations ) so avoid leaving any personal items in the car, even if its in the boot, hire cars are easily recognized and targeted by would-be thieves. Always carry some means of identification with you and have car documents to hand when driving. Failure to produce identification if stopped by the police may result in a substantial fine, even if you haven't done anything wrong.
Rhino Car Hire	This is a agent who will search 500+ suppliers for the best quote for your requirements. Example: ( quoted in February 2012 ) 5 seat, Ford Fiesta, one week in June, all inclusive = £84 Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Vehicle Theft Waiver, Liability Insurance, Premium Location Fee, VAT Local Tax, Road Fund Tax (RFT), Unlimited Mileage, Break Down Assist are all included where applicable. A worldwide hire service, not just limited to Portugal. ( Launched in 2007, Voted Best Car Hire Website 2010 ). U.K. : +44 (0) 845 508 9845 Email : info@rhinocarhire.com
Algarve Car Rental	Quad Bikes, Scooters and Bicycles available at Luz branch ( by the church ). Some good prices to be had here. Luz : (+351) 282 789 510 Lagos : (+351) 282 761 961 Airport : (+351 ) 289 817 355
Dailyrent	A company based in Lagos. A full range of vehicles at reasonable rates. Prices available on request. On-line booking form. Where :Rua D. Vasco da Gama nº51 B8600 - 722 Lagos. Tel :(+351) 282 799 380 Fax :(+351) 282 799 369
Luzcar	A long established, and reliable 'company'. Not bad rates. I've used them more often than any of the the others, with no problem. Address :Largo Portas de Portugal Nº 10.8600-657 Lagos. Tel :(+351) 282 761 016 Fax :(+351) 282 767 725 Email :email@luzcar.com; luzcarentacar@sapo.pt.
Master Kings	A rental company opened at Lagos Marina in June 2008. All inclusive prices. Collection and Return to / from Faro Airport or Lagos. Where :Lagos Marina. Address :Marina de Lagos, Nucleo Gil Eanes , loja 8 8600-780 Lagos. Tel :(+351) 91 295 00 69 Fax :(+351) 289 819 960 Email :evacristinasantos  03/2009  Now have a U.K. booking agent. DoveHouse Travel - U.K.  Web : Masterkings.co.uk  Address : 377 Warwick Road, Solihull, West Midlands, United Kingdom, B91 1BQ  Tel : 0121 705 7425
Lightbluetravel	Flights and Car Hire samples. No longer on-line checking, on request only.
Holidayautos	Another possible option for booking in advance. Part of Lastminute.com.
Portugal Car Hire	Rates from Faro Airport. Not the easiest of sites to use. Mobile :(+351) 016 173 985
Yor-car	Another rental firm with a good range of cars / buses at average rates, but possibly more secure, ( as advertised by "The Resident", the English newspaper in the Algarve ). Address :Faro Airport - Montenegro 8000 - Faro - Portugal E-mail : info@yor-car.com Admin : Mr. João Correia UK Tel :0871 733 6759 Tel :(+351) 969 777 854  05/2009
Rentalcargroup	Instant Price Comparisons ( Budget / Europcar / Thrifty / Alamo ) Some good rates but cannot seperate out the groups, just a listing of all.
Cartrawler	Used by travel agencies for price comparisons. Average prices.

Rental companies with fleets at Faro Airport

If you haven't booked in advance, most of the major car hire firms are represented at the airport with offices either in the airport and / or just outside the door. You can get reasonable 'deals' depending on demand / season. If you use a 'partner' company to the airline you travelled on, show them your boarding card and you will normally still get the discount that you would have if you had booked before travelling. I managed a 40% reduction (Nov 2007) from Sixt by showing my Monarch boarding ticket stub.
Auto Jardim do Algarve	Tel :(+351) 289 800 881
Avis Sovial Lda.	Tel :(+351) 289 889 456 - B.A. and T.A.P partner
Budget A. Castanheira	Tel :(+351) 210 323 605
Europcar / National	Tel :(+351) 289 818 726 Leading European Car Rental Company. Easyjet partner.
Guerin	Car hire, Limo services. Tel :(+351) 289 800 883
Hertz HR Aluguer de Automóveis	Tel :(+351) 289 818 248
Rentauto Machado & Monteiro	Tel :(+351) 289 818 718
Sixt Rent a Car Globalrent	Tel :(+351) 289 818 294 - Monarch partner
Alamo.co.uk	Tel :(+351) 289 818 726

Shuttle / Private Transfers to / from Faro / Luz

I've found that pre-booking transport to your accommodation whilst in the U.K. ( or anywhere else for that matter ) is a painless operation and can be extremely useful. If you are visiting a town or resort for the first time you are more than likely to spend the first few days just walking about to see the sights and get your bearings. In which case why have a rental car sitting outside doing nothing? If you need a car later during your holiday it is easy to rent one for a day or two when required. There is nothing better ( especially after a very early or late night flight ) than having someone to meet you in arrivals at the airport, taking care of your luggage and driving you to the door of your destination, definitely a stress free start to your holiday. Depending on your numbers and your destination you can get a private transfer or a shared transfer, costs vary accordingly. Either way the costs should be no more than getting a taxi from the rank outside the airport. From Faro Airport will cost about €65 to €80. If you have not paid in advance (e.g. on-line) you should check the price with the driver before travelling, don't be afraid to query anything that does not match the rate you were originally quoted.
a-t-s.net	A-t-s.net Advertised by Easyjet and by far the cheapest I've found so far.
Faro Airport Transfers To	Faroairporttransfersto.com Airport transfers to Praia da Luz. Book on-line. €136 Euros return ( 1 to 4 ), €160 Euros return ( 5 to 8 ). Also rates for groups up to 19 passengers, enquire for larger groups. You can pay online or direct to the driver. All other Algarve destinations covered. 05/2013Web :faroairporttransfersto.com/praia-da-luz
Take me There	Take Me There Airport transfers to Praia da Luz. Book on-line. €152 Euros return ( 1 to 4 ), €172 Euros return ( 5 to 8 ). Also rates for groups up to 16 passengers, enquire for larger groups. You can pay online or direct to the driver. All other Algarve destinations covered. 07/2013Web :takemetherealgarvetransfers.com/
Algarve Transfers Direct	Algarvetransfersdirect.com Airport transfers to Luz. Book on-line. €140 Euros return per vehicle ( car / 1 to 4 ), €170 Euros return per vehicle ( minibus / 5 to 8 ). No pre-payment required. Pay the driver. You can also book the transfers from your hotel or villa, to all Algarve locations, to Faro and other airports and to the golf course of your choice at very competitive prices. Use the link to their site for complete price lists. Algarve Property owners can get discounts. Tel : (+351) 914 863 462 05/2013Email : Transfers.direct@gmail.com
Polotur	Polotur.com Airport transfers to Luz. Instant Quote on-line. Pay in advance or driver. Tried this in June (07) and found them spot on. Since been used frequently by friends with equally good results. Courteous and prompt service. Reliable. €160 return for a private (mini bus) transfer for 5 to 8 adults + luggage (door to door). 05/2013
Shuttledirect	Shuttledirect.com Airport transfers to Luz. Instant Quote on-line. Pay in advance or driver. A bit more expensive than above. 02/2007
Transferstore	Transferstore.com On line search and booking service ( up to four days before travel ).
a2btransfers	A2Btransfers.com On line booking centre. Shuttle bus from £20, Taxi from £63.

Trains from FARO to LAGOS ( 2012 )

The train station is 5kms from the airport. Take a taxi or a bus, both from just outside the Arrivals entrance at Faro airport to the train station. You can then take a train along the coast. Services tend to be infrequent and can be unreliable, but they are getting better. The journey to Lagos takes about 1¾ hours and costs around €7 Euros. Its then a ten minute taxi ride from Lagos station to Praia da Luz. Altogether the most cost effective way to get to Luz (but not the most practical if you have a lot of luggage).  Tip :  Senior citizens aged 65 and over are eligible for a 50% discount on weekday rail travel using the cartão dourado (senior card), which can be purchased at ticket counters. Note: Discounted tickets can only be purchased at certain main-line stations ( Lagos & Faro are o.k. ) and cannot be used on suburban commuter trains at rush hour. Please note that train times below take effect from December 2011. Please check before travelling >> CP ( Train Timetable ) Website select the Regional / Inter Regional option then the Lagos/ Vila Real de Santo António / Lagos service. or use the link below for a download of the timetable. Downloadable .pdf version  Faro > Lagos > Faro - February 2012  01/2011  As part of the Portuguese government's cost cutting exercise it looks like there will be some heavy duty reductions in train services ( and possible station closures ) in the Algarve during 2011. For up to date information check Algarvebus ( formerly Thomasallen's ) website.
Number:	5900	5902	5904	5906	5908	5910	5912	5914	5916
all stops	Daily
Faro	07:12	09.27	10.55	13:00	16.17	17.30	18.27	19.10	20.10

Pq. Cidades	+7	7
Almancil	+6	13
Loule	+8	21
Boliqueime	+7	28
Albufeira	+9	37
Tunes	+6	45
Algoz	+7	52
Alcantarilha	+5	57
P. Barreto	+5	62
Silves	+6	68
Est.-Lagoa	+7	75
Ferragudo	+4	79
Portimao	+8	87
Mexilohoeira	+8	95
Meia Praia	+6	101

Lagos	08:50	11.13	12.34	14:46	17.56	19:07	20.08	20.52	21.48
- Not Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays
Number:	5901	5903	5905	5907	5909	5911	5913	5915	5917
all stops	Daily
Lagos	06.11	06.55	08.26	10.37	12.53	14.10	16.24	18.10	19.15

Meia Praia	+4	4
Mexilhoreira	+6	10
Portimao	+9	19
Ferragudo	+3	22
Est.-Lagoa	+5	27
Silves	+7	34
P.Barreto	+5	39
Alcantarilha	+6	45
Algoz	+5	50
Tunes	+5	55
Albufeira	+11	66
Boliqueime	+8	74
Loule	+8	82
Almancil	+5	87
Pq.Cidades	+5	92

Faro	07:51	08.37	10.18	12.19	14.32	15.48	18.06	19.57	20.57
Be sure to check train times. For more detailed information, contact the Information Service.

Buses from the Airport to FARO centre to LAGOS