Yes, Alfa Pendular has a high-speed direct train service between Albufeira and Lisbon. It will take approximately 2.5 hours to get from AlbufeiraтАЩs Ferreiras Station to one of LisbonтАЩs two train stations. LisbonтАЩs Santa Apolonia station is in the old town, and the Oriente station is in the city center.
Can you visit Lisbon from Albufeira?
Yes, you can- and should- visit Lisbon. You can travel by train, bus, or car to PortugalтАЩs capital. High-speed trains are the fastest, buses are the cheapest, and driving lets you see sights you may be missing from the trainтАЩs window. Pick the mode of transit that works best for you!
Can you do a day trip to Lisbon from Albufeira?
Yes, it's possible to do a day trip to Lisbon from Albufeira. Although it's about 2.5 hours each way, you can explore Lisbon's main attractions within a day and return to Albufeira. But to experience all Lisbon has to offer, consider staying a few days!
Is Albufeira cheaper than Lisbon?
Yes, Albufeira is somewhat cheaper than Lisbon due to its smaller size, especially when it comes to accommodation and dining options. This is of course not always the case, as prices may vary depending on the season and specific establishments.
Your journey from Albufeira to Lisbon will take you from PortugalтАЩs southern coast to its western coast. There are many culturally significant sites to see on the way that will make you appreciate and understand Portugal so much more than if you just headed straight to the capital. This trip has a distance of 155 miles (250 km) and goes by quickly! Make these stops to break up the travel and stretch your legs:
### Bacalh├┤a Winery
Bacalh├┤a Winery is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts, and easy to get to thanks to Daytrip's private car service. Situated at the Bacalh├┤a Palace, this winery is a gem for those who appreciate fine wine. Dating back to the 15th century, it is one of Portugal's oldest wineries. Having a private driver allows you to savor a couple of glasses during the wine tasting before continuing your journey.
### Silves Castle
Another uniquely Portuguese site is Silves Castle, constructed in the 8th century by the Moors. This sandstone fortress stands upon the remnants of an ancient Lusitanian stronghold, documented as early as 201 BCE. Inside its crimson sandstone walls, you can see the excellent construction of the ancient towers, ramparts, and archaeological relics that have stood the test of time. Perched atop a hill, the castle offers sweeping vistas (perfect for family photos!) and a place to reflect on the various conquests that shaped modern Portugal.
Take your time on this part of your journey, and at the end, youтАЩll be able to enjoy all Lisbon has to offer!
About Lisbon
The etymology of "Lisbon," or Lisboa in Portuguese, traces back to ancient origins. It likely came from the Phoenician term "Allis Ubbo," or "safe harbor." YouтАЩll see on a map that it is the perfect name for Lisbon, which sits right at the Tagus River delta as it spills into the Atlantic Ocean. Throughout history, Lisbon has been both a sanctuary and a conquest target for various civilizations. As your vacation takes a turn from PortugalтАЩs southern coast to the capital, youтАЩll fall in love with LisbonтАЩs charm and see why it was so desired through the centuries.
### Lisbon in a Nutshell
Lisbon's rich cultural tapestry spans over 3,000 years, characterized by a succession of conquests by major European powers and religions. Initially established by the Phoenicians around 1200 BC, it thrived as the Roman outpost Olissippo before centuries of Moorish rule. The Christian conquest in the 12th century brought an era of maritime exploration and global influence during the Age of Discovery.
This Age of Discovery unfolded during the 15th and 16th centuries, marked by unparalleled prosperity and influence driven by maritime expeditions. Portugal colonized vast distances, reaching as far as modern-day India, Africa, and Brazil. This period propelled LisbonтАЩs wealth and turned Lisbon into a pivotal trade hub where products from all around the world entered its ports. While this feels like the distant past, the result of PortugalтАЩs Age of Discovery is felt today. For example, Brazil, which boasts a population of 210 million Portuguese speakers, dwarfs Portugal's 10 million speakers today.
### Lisbon Today
Modern Lisbon is a living city with endless possibilities and things to do. Historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto stand frozen in time with their winding cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and architectural marvels like the Jer├│nimos Monastery and Bel├йm Tower. They are symbols of Lisbon's imperial past, but there are plenty of modern examples of the future too.
Lisbon has a dynamic art scene with galleries, street art, and avant-garde theaters. Modern architectural icons like the MAAT museum and Vasco da Gama Bridge underscore Lisbon's progressive outlook and position as a beacon of modernity.
From Albufeira to Lisbon: Travel tips
So youтАЩve decided the next leg of your vacation will be from Albufeira to Lisbon, but how should you prepare? Follow these travel tips for the best possible experience!
Have the Essentials Close By
DonтАЩt get caught without your sunscreen, water bottle, fully-charged camera, and sturdy walking shoes for your excursions. Portugal is pretty sunny most of the year, so staying hydrated and sun protection are a must. You donтАЩt want to be late for a tour because youтАЩre rummaging around in a suitcase trying to find something!
### Take your Time to Explore
Your ride from Albufeira to Lisbon will bring you through the heart of southern Portugal. When you ride with Daytrip, you have the chance to break up the travel time and enrich your trip with sightseeing stops at some of the best destinations in Portugal!
Don't miss the ancient walled city of ├Йvora. The entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built around an ancient Roman temple! Because of its compact size, you can easily add to your Portuguese adventure by walking between examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
### Hire a Private Driver for Convenience
A private driver with Daytrip will upgrade your travel day to an integral part of your vacation. The flexibility and convenience of Daytrip outweigh a regular rental car service, and you can see sites in southern Portugal that you may otherwise miss. Your driver will speak English and Portuguese and help you with your luggage.
How to get from Albufeira to Lisbon
If you're still deciding how to get from Albufeira to Lisbon, you have several transportation options. Planes and high-speed trains are the fastest, the bus is the lowest cost, and driving is the best for cultural enrichment and traveling at your own pace. Read below to pick whatтАЩs best for you and your familyтАЩs vacation goals and needs.
Albufeira to Lisbon with a Private Driver from Daytrip
Driving from Albufeira to Lisbon takes about 2.5 to 3 hours via the A2 motorway without any stops (but you will want to stop and see the sites as you go!). The route offers scenic views of the Alentejo region with plenty of ancient places youтАЩll be amazed are still standing. For example, take a detour off of the A2 to Evora and see the Chapel of Bones, with decorations made of the bones of 5,000 people to commemorate their deaths in the 16th century. And as if that wasnтАЩt enough, the whole old town of Evora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As you get closer to Lisbon, youтАЩll be glad you didnтАЩt go with renting a car and driving yourself, as parking in the city is difficult and returning the rental car will take time away from your time to see Lisbon. Daytrip drivers even help with door-to-door luggage service and youтАЩll be able to start sightseeing right away.
### Albufeira to Lisbon via Bus
Rede Expressos operates direct bus services from Albufeira to Lisbon multiple times a day. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Buses are a great option if you are concerned about price. Tickets can be purchased online or at the bus station in Albufeira. The arrival point in Lisbon is the Sete Rios bus terminal.
### Albufeira to Lisbon via Train
You can take a high-speed train from Albufeira to Lisbon several times a day via the Alfa Pendular service. PortugalтАЩs southern countryside will whizz by your window for about 2.5 hours until you arrive at one of LisbonтАЩs two train stations: the Santa Apol├│nia (old town) or Oriente (city center).
### Albufeira to Lisbon via Plane
TAP has direct 50-minute flights from AlbufeiraтАЩs Faro airport to LisbonтАЩs Humberto Delgado airport at least once a day. Flights on weekdays cost about 80-100 EUR, and weekend flights can jump to 200-300 EUR before adding luggage. Once you arrive in Lisbon, you can easily access the city center via taxi, metro, or bus.
Things to do when you get to Lisbon
Once your driver gets you right to your accommodation and helps you with your luggage, itтАЩs time to explore all the things to do when you get to Lisbon. You'll instantly feel the dynamic energy of this contemporary capital (and your legs will definitely feel the hills!) all while preserving its rich Iberian heritage. It was definitely a good idea to make the journey from Albufeira to Lisbon!
### LisbonтАЩs Old Town- The Alfama District
Explore Lisbon's Alfama District by boarding the iconic Tram 28 after settling into your accommodation. This is a quintessential Lisbon experience, so have your camera ready. This tram route winds through historic streets and is a tour guide of sorts. It will take you straight to the Estrela Basilica's doorstep, a magnificent example of Lisbon's architectural grandeur.
From there, wander through Alfama's maze-like streets, imagining the district's rich history since Moorish times. Discover historic landmarks like Lisbon Cathedral and remnants of ancient city walls. Stop by a boutique for Portuguese tiles and a bakery for the classic dessert pasteis de nata, or Portuguese custard tarts. Once youтАЩve had a snack, find St. George's Castle. This castle dates back over two millennia to Roman origins. Witnessing the city's cultural evolution, from Berber conquerors to Reconquista knights, the castle's ramparts offer stunning views of Lisbon's urban sprawl below.
### LisbonтАЩs Promenade- The Belem District
Next, walk down from Alfama towards the shores of the Belem district, with serene beaches to rest your feet after walking over all those hills. You can also see the Torre de Belem, an imposing fortress that has watched over the Tagus River's entrance since the 16th century. It truly represents all Lisbon has stood for over the centuries. Its architecture encompasses Roman, Moorish, Mudejar, and Gothic influences, and it is a symbol of the city's maritime might.
### LisbonтАЩs Artistic Legacy
Remember those beautiful tiles you saw all over the old town and for sale in little shops? These wonderful mementos of your stay in Portugal are a part of the national cultural heritage. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the National Tile Museum, which celebrates Portugal's expertise in ceramic craftsmanship. Here, you'll encounter stunning azulejos and discover the rich history of tile-making, tracing its roots back to Moorish influences.
Art lovers will find plenty to admire at the National Museum of Ancient Art, featuring Renaissance paintings, Baroque decorations, and ancient Roman relics, offering a glimpse into Portugal's vibrant artistic legacy. Similarly, the Museu do Oriente stands as a poignant testament to Portugal's imperial history, showcasing artifacts from its former colonies and trading outposts.
When is the best time to visit Lisbon
The best time to visit Portugal in general is typically during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) months when the weather is pleasant, and the tourist crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer season. These times offer comfortable temperatures for exploring the countryтАЩs attractions without the intense heat or heavy rainfall often experienced in summer and winter. But do not fear, you will find things to do on your trip from Albufeira to Lisbon no matter the time of year!
Many events in Lisbon are bi-annual. In spring, enjoy the IndieLisboa- International Independent Film Festival and the Lisbon Half Marathon. If youтАЩre visiting in the fall, you can participate in very similar events like the DocLisboa Documentary Film Festival and the full Lisbon Marathon.
тАЬWe cannot say enough good things about MyDayTripтАЩs services. Our group of 6 adults booked 4 trips in Portugal and Spain. All 4 English speaking drivers were punctual, courteous, professional and personable. The vehicles were spacious and clean. We received door-to-door service for the pre-arranged prices and felt comfortable and safe on all trips. Our drivers stopped for comfort rests when we asked. Prior to each trip we received emails confirming the trip, along with the driverтАЩs name, phone number and picture. Our drivers were Miguel (Lisbon to Albufeira), Carlos (Albufeira to Seville), Francisco (Seville to Granada) and Rafael (Granada to Madrid).
We highly recommend MyDayTripтАЩs services and will certainly use it again.тАЭ
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тАЬWe enjoyed our relaxing drive from Lisbon Airport to Albufeira. It was a great idea after a flight to be able to sit back, enjoy the view and arrive to our apartment with no stress or delays. The trains are great too but having to wait for the next train would delay our arrival so having the option for a driver was perfect! We received professional, friendly and good value. I recommend you consider Day Trip for your next vacation.тАЭ
