Giro Bus users
Printed From: Albufeira.com
Category: Tourism / Turismo
Forum Name: Local Transportation / Transportes Locais
Forum Description: Bus, Trains, Taxis, Transfer, Driving, ...
URL: https://albufeira.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=7539
Printed Date: 14/January/2026 at 21:46
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Giro Bus users
Posted By: PFCGOG
Subject: Giro Bus users
Date Posted: 09/October/2012 at 14:15
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Not sure if this has been mentioned before but you can buy a card from the EVA bus shop in Albufeira and load it with how ever many journeys you might need (although I think the minimum is 10 journeys and you have to pay about €3 for the card initially). I bought one of the cards a couple of years ago and still use it. To top up with 10 journeys cost us €8, which gives a saving of €6 if you paid the usual €1.40. Once you have your ticket after using the card, you can also use the same ticket for up to 1 hour after you purchased it for any onward journey on the Giro Bus. For example: My partner and I returned by train from Lisbon and got a bus (Orange Line/ Linha Laranja) back to the main bus terminal and then used the same tickets for the journey back to our apartment on the Blue Line/Linha Azul because it was still within the hour. ------------- Quem deus vult perdere, dementat prius |
Replies:
Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 09/October/2012 at 14:54
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Totally correct. The minimum top up is 10 journeys and you can also, as I do, get 20 at a time. I've been using the bus a bit more lately what with knee injury and all that. The card means that you can get from anywhere to anywhere else for 80 cents. They also sell the cards at the main bus station. And I am pleased to say that the buses still run every half hour everyday, unlike for example in Portimão and Lagos where weekend service has been totally ended or drastically reduced on most routes. Now if they would only put some information on the bus stops to tell people what times the buses come and where they go. Simple, yet seems to be beyond them. ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: Christina
Date Posted: 11/October/2012 at 12:35
 Is there a time limit in which you have to use the card once you have loaded it ? ------------- Christina James |
Posted By: PFCGOG
Date Posted: 15/October/2012 at 13:19
I don't think so. I used the same card from over a year ago. There was only one small problem though and that is that it didn't accept it because the price had gone up in the intervening time. Otherwise I don't think there's a time limit on it. ------------- Quem deus vult perdere, dementat prius |
Christina wrote:Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 16/October/2012 at 11:25
Yes, that's right. I think they gave users a couple of weeks grace last time the fares went up, but after that the rides at the old prices became invalid. ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: pheasant plucker
Date Posted: 29/January/2013 at 22:53
| Would the card be a good idea for us. We are visiting Albufeira for the first time in July and staying at Paraiso de Albufeira. We will probably go to the old town and the Beach regularly and maybe the strip occasionally. Is there a regular bus service passing the Paraiso? |
Posted By: edinjohn1
Date Posted: 29/January/2013 at 23:21
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Hi pheasant plucker
We stayed at the Paraiso de Albufeira last year and the bus stops for the Giro buses are fairly close by. Also, the Paraiso lays on a courtesy minibus service to the old town/beach and back two or three times a day so that's also an option. You could also walk there if you feel up to it.
Have a great time in July, I'm sure you'll absolutely love it. We've been going at least once or twice a year since 07 and can't wait to go back  ------------- Johnny |
Posted By: pheasant plucker
Date Posted: 29/January/2013 at 23:32
| We have 16 year old twins (boy and girl) and are hoping that the hotel suits them ! |
Posted By: edinjohn1
Date Posted: 29/January/2013 at 23:37
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I'm sure they'll have a great time. I usually go self-catering with my mum who's in her 70s but there seems to be plenty of things to do for the younger ones as well ------------- Johnny |
Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 30/January/2013 at 11:19
There is no bus from near Paraiso down into the old town and adjacent beach area and you can walk to the top end of the strip in 10 minutes, so it's probably not worth it. ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 30/January/2013 at 11:23
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Albufeira council announced the other day that 1.1 million journeys were taken on the GIRO bus system in 2012. I reckon they could double that if they actually told people where the buses ran and at what times. At most of the bus stops there is either no information at all or it is out of date. Even at the bus station there is only one tiny map, posted inside, and as there is no official timetable published most visitors give up and take taxis or the tourist 'train'. ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: pyrman
Date Posted: 31/January/2013 at 11:43
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As mentioned on other patch about restaurants, I am producing said details for sale in a 24-page Tourist guide due out in late February. I also refer to Tom`s great site www.Algarvebus.info ... I think the Giro is a great service . As for the Paraiso, you could get a Giro bus at Modelo or Bellavista ... Green at Modelo takes you to `Flags` escalators in 20 mins goind east first. It is a nice wee run. Or remember the ticket last 1 hour ... so you can take any bus Blue or Vermelha 2 opposite at Bellavista and go to the bus station, where you have a choice of Old Town destinations, Marina, etc .... these are nice runs, particularly, Red out to Cerro D`Aguia and back to Liberdade. You also get to see the whole area ... ------------- Pyrman |
Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 31/January/2013 at 13:23
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A bit of a long way around to get to the beach! But you're right, it costs the same no matter where you go on GIRO including one transfer between buses as long as it's within the hour. If you don't mind a free tour around town, it's perfect. A one day ticket with unlimited rides is €4, buy from the driver. ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: Jock
Date Posted: 10/March/2013 at 23:25
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On previous visits I haven't used the Giro buses through lack of info. This time I've printed your map and some of the timetables so I reckon I'll see much more of the town. €1.40 a trip is a good deal. Thanks for the work you've put into this Cubsur. ------------- It is no coincidence that in no known language does the phrase 'As pretty as an Airport' appear. Douglas Adams |
Posted By: mariae67
Date Posted: 15/March/2013 at 08:00
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Just wanted to agree with jock, I have never used giro bus, lack of info etc, but will do this visit, thanks to the maps/timetables etc cusbar has put out there feel more confident about using them. ------------- mariae |
Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 15/March/2013 at 09:54
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If you plan to make more than three GIRO trips a day, buy a day pass for 4 Euros from the driver. If you plan to make more than half a dozen trips while here, go to the bus shop or bus station and buy the pre-pay pass. 3 Euros for the card then load with 10 or 20 tickets at 80 cents so 10 trips = 11 Euros or €1.10 each, 20 trips (maximum in one recharge) 19 Euros or 95 cents each. My card is in its 5th year of service! You can keep your card for the next visit or hand it back and apparently you get your 3 Euros back. Each single ticket is valid one hour, so you can change buses to complete a journey as long as it's within that hour. ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: pyrman
Date Posted: 18/March/2013 at 13:13
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On the last line of Cubsur`s advice, I have regularly done three buses on one ticket and with most drivers (no idea if it is legal) if you JOIN his bus within the hour, you have around 1.5 hours for the one ticket. This is particularly true if you live in one end of town and need to trip to the other, requiring two buses out, possibly changing at Liberdade or Town Hall for the third leg. That is one area where Cubsur`s www.algarvebus.info site timetables ... and my own printed version... are so important, though, obviously, a lot of tourists will not be too bothered about spending an extra 80 cents. ------------- Pyrman |
Posted By: pyrman
Date Posted: 18/March/2013 at 13:38
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It may be a bit presumptious, but having studied the system, I believe improvements could be made to `connect` east and west more. `Laranja` has an extra 10 mins free and could easily take over that part of Vermelha 2 to Calicos ...(from Ferreiras), then to Modelo, along the inner road ... to Town Hall and back to bus station. This would free up time for Vermelha 2 to go down the South Strip (as blue goes up the North) along to Pedra dos Bicos, up Sta Eulalia and back to its normal route. We`d then have more connectivity in all directions, apart from Pateo and Marina on the Red 1 route. ... though that has meetings with Red 2 at Liberdade and Ludico park. Red 1 already goes to Town Hall and could easily return to bus station via Descobrimentos, Ferreiras road and Calicos to keep the latter route at 4 per hour. Looks good and sounds good ... but, is it practical ? ------------- Pyrman |
Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 18/March/2013 at 14:16
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Good point about the one hour thing. I have never done three buses on one ticket, but as long as it is timed for no more than hour before you board the next bus there seems to be no problem. Unless you are trying making a quick return to where you came from. As for route changes, the Laranja buses usually have 25 minutes layover at the bus station between trips. I have also thought it would be more useful if they spent ten minutes or so going down into the old town from Ferreiras, then back round past the town hall for the shops etc rather than people having to wait 20 minutes for another bus. Alternatively, if Vermehla 1 was sent along the same road near the Health Centre and told to wait for the Laranja from Ferreiras at the stop there (Cocheira), the same would be achieved without any extra mileage. Annoyingly and confusingly, this stop is actually shown on the official route diagram as a connection, even though Vermelha 1 doesn't actually stop there! At the moment you only have a 'connection' at Camping Albufeira, which involves crossing a busy road and you never know whether the other one has just gone or not and whether you have to wait 29 minutes for the next one. Vermelha 2 is the most useful cross town bus. I don't know what traffic it gets at Quinta de Balaia (not a lot I should think) and it would quite possibly be of more purpose if at the least it headed from the bullring down and back along Estrada de Santa Eulalia, although there is only one stop there, to provide a quick and direct link between that area and the big supermarkets (Continente and Pingo Doce) as well as the town hall area. Shouldn't take any longer. And better than having to do a tour of Montechoro. The current meets between Vermelha 1 and 2 are very hit and miss. Possibly too difficult to manage more accurately, especially in summer when traffic gets jammed up in the Avenida Liberdade. I can see a consultancy coming! ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: Jayjan
Date Posted: 18/March/2013 at 15:12
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Never seen many people waiting at Quinta Da Balaia but I would imagine majority of traffic would be used by the kids/mums from the school just higher up the road. ------------- Polli the dancing cat strikes again. |
Posted By: pyrman
Date Posted: 23/March/2013 at 17:40
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Given the space on the other side of Descobrimentos, all the way down from health centre, you wonder why they haven`t moved car parking there, pedestrian access through the wee tunnel ... with Liberdade left for bus only .. then the tour buses (possibly a lot more of them) could be moved away from regular services. ------------- Pyrman |
Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 24/March/2013 at 09:10
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That area floods regularly! It is very wet at the moment. The new car park under construction at the roundabout will only add to the congestion. Vehicles waiting to enter will be forced to queue on the road. It's usually bad enough in summer already. First time visitors think they can park right in town, find they cannot then turn back, jamming everything up. GIRO buses were very busy Friday and yesterday. There's a junior football tournament in town. The organisers have paid for free transport to anyone wearing the tournament ID. A majority of the other passengers were tourists of a certain age! ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: Jock
Date Posted: 10/June/2013 at 20:47
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Can I check whether the Giro fares are still €1.40 a trip and €4.00 for the day?
------------- It is no coincidence that in no known language does the phrase 'As pretty as an Airport' appear. Douglas Adams |
Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 13/June/2013 at 09:06
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It is. And it's still 80 cents per journey if you buy the €3 pass and load it with 10 or 20 trips. Which reminds me, mine needs topping up. ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: Jock
Date Posted: 13/June/2013 at 11:29
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Thanks. ------------- It is no coincidence that in no known language does the phrase 'As pretty as an Airport' appear. Douglas Adams |
Posted By: pheasant plucker
Date Posted: 20/June/2013 at 00:03
| If I buy a 20 trip card can I use it for a family of 4 or do we each need a card? |
Posted By: Algarveaddick
Date Posted: 20/June/2013 at 08:07
You can use it for the whole family. 
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Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 20/June/2013 at 09:13
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Just make sure you tell the driver you want to pay more than one fare at one go. The system doesn't like you passing the card across the reader four times in rapid sucession. ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: Orada-man
Date Posted: 20/June/2013 at 15:02
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I think I need to get out and use the bus but in the meantime a quick question as I don't have a route map in front of me.
Is the route from the likes of Lidl and the new Aldi straight forward enough from the Marina, from memory is is fairly direct in one direction but a bit of a tour on the return.
------------- 
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Posted By: pheasant plucker
Date Posted: 20/June/2013 at 18:28
| Thanks Cubsur. Your advice is greatly appreciated. It's great to be able to get information of this nature prior to arrival! |
Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 21/June/2013 at 11:28
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"Is the route from the likes of Lidl and the new Aldi straight
forward enough from the Marina, from memory is is fairly direct in one
direction but a bit of a tour on the return." The Giro 1 from the marina will drop you at the secondary school stop near the footbridge across the main road. That's about 100 metres from ALDI and 200 metres from LIDL. Unfortunately there is no sensible alternative (unless you enjoy walking 300 yards or so with shopping bags) to getting on the same stop and going the pretty way round via the Cámara, Bus station (10 minutes wait), Camping Albufeira, Old Town and Páteo. The un-sensible alternative is to come out of ALDI or LIDL, walk along Rua Baden-Powell to the end, turn left and wait for the bus at the stop outside the café a little way along. You still get a tour of Camping, Old Town and Páteo but at 1.40 (or 80 cents if pre-paid) is a nice tour if you are not in a hurry. Or I suppose you could walk down the main road and into the old town Avenida Liberdade and pick up the GIRO 1 there. Bags had better not be too heavy though or invest in one of those shopping bag trolleys with wheels. Or you get the Linha Verde from the stop near the entrance to ALDI to the bus station., You can use the same ticket to transfer to GIRO 1 there. Still very round the houses though. ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: pyrman
Date Posted: 03/July/2013 at 11:20
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I am planning a 4-hour `Giro Tour`for just 2.00 euros to pre-paid holders in the East End to help people to use the buses and see the area. Passes will also be available for 7.00 euro and can be sold back for 3.00 euro ... so you have the 80 cent fare from the outset. The tour includes strolling the main Old Town highlightsl and time for refreshments of around 1 hour 45m. My http://albufeiraguide.yolasite.com/restaurants.php" rel="nofollow - Albufeira Guide (with printed timetables and Giro Maps) was distributed widely in the area in Spring 2013 and will be the basis of tours from October 2013 to May 2014. There is also an equivalent D.I.Y. Tour ... so you can take your family and friends ... for 2.00 euros. Not intending to make a load of cash ... but I`d be in town anyway, so might as well help. Anyone going next winter/spring most welcome to e-mail me and book (no cash) if you like. There`ll be FREE tours in the week from Sep 30 from Pedra dos Bicos and Strip Central. ------------- Pyrman |
Posted By: M Scotland
Date Posted: 03/August/2013 at 13:52
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About times for buses : I once asked for them at the bus station and the lady shrugged her shoulders and told me that "they come". That seemed to be all that needed to be said. When in Rome........
 |
Posted By: pyrman
Date Posted: 03/August/2013 at 20:41
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I tend to agree with the Camara about printing timetables ... since I have done. They are only needed by people who don`t know and want to know ... which is why Cubsur and myself have bothered, he with his site and me with Albuferia Guide. However, at certain places (like the Town Hall stop) most of the locals are also confused .. so instead of wasted timetables for the 1.25 million users each year ... they really only need to put the times on the stops ... eg Green to Terminal .. 0720, 0750 ... until 2150 winter and 2350 June to Sept. I`m impressed with those new digital electronic ones in major UK cities that tell you when the next bus will arrive and where it is going ... but it could be a century before these arrive in Albufiera .. ------------- Pyrman |
Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 04/August/2013 at 10:12
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Many of the bus stops in Lisbon have electronic displays but I haven't seen them elsewhere on Portugal. The local councils in Lagos, Portimao and Faro see for to publish actul timetables. it is bizarre that Albufeira, one of the biggest destinations for tourists, does not. I and others have written to the Camara and the local opposition party made quite a mention of the GIRO situation in a recent newsletter. They conceded that it is good and that the council has done well to maintain the level of service, but much more can be done at little cost to make the service more user friendly. And yes at the Town Hall stop (where there no information at all about where any bus goes or wnat time it comes) even locals are confused, often stopping buses to ask where they are going! ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 27/September/2013 at 15:17
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The GIRO buses were free this morning as it is World Tourism day today. Nice little bonus. Now on what shall I spend the 80 cents I saved? ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: Algarveaddick
Date Posted: 27/September/2013 at 15:50
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It was a great idea to publicise it all over town, what a great success... Oh, err hang on a minute... They don't get any smarter do they. |
Posted By: Algarveaddick
Date Posted: 01/February/2014 at 10:48
| Nice new stickers on the bus stops showing the route and first and last bus times, in Portuguese and English. Also shows the stops where the route intersects with others. The only minor problem being that you need to know the town to know where the stops are - would have been handy if they had added a small picture of certain landmarks, such as the watches roundabout and the Marina, but that's a minor issue, credit where it's due, well done the council. |
Posted By: lucyr
Date Posted: 01/February/2014 at 11:44
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That is brilliant news, thanks for tha ------------- my beautiful portugal |
Posted By: lucyr
Date Posted: 01/February/2014 at 11:46
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Thanks for that, new computer, still learning how to go it. ------------- my beautiful portugal |
Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 01/July/2015 at 11:24
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The council has spent some money on nice shiny new buses for the GIRO routes. They are 32 seaters that will replace some of the clapped out vehicles that have been running since the service began. They have the same centre ramp for wheelchairs as those already in service. I will try to get a picture later. Now if they would only tell people where and when they ran! The information at bus stops has still not been updated following the February changes. ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 03/July/2015 at 10:56
  ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: Big Col
Date Posted: 03/July/2015 at 13:44
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They look very bright and smart. Not sure about the need for curtains though? ------------- Colin |
Posted By: Algarveaddick
Date Posted: 03/July/2015 at 13:58
| They are good on a hot sunny day Colin, a little bit of shade is sometimes very welcome. |
Posted By: Jock
Date Posted: 14/January/2017 at 11:08
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Coming out in March. and will be using the Giro buses. So that I can have the cash ready could you tell me if the fare is still €1.40 for an hour?
------------- It is no coincidence that in no known language does the phrase 'As pretty as an Airport' appear. Douglas Adams |
Posted By: bob d
Date Posted: 14/January/2017 at 12:25
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Yes, 1.40€. I take it you are aware of the card you can buy to bring the price down to 80 cents per trip. ------------- we're not brazil we're norn iron |
Posted By: Jock
Date Posted: 15/January/2017 at 14:27
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Thanks Bob.
------------- It is no coincidence that in no known language does the phrase 'As pretty as an Airport' appear. Douglas Adams |
Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 16/January/2017 at 13:14
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Yes the fares haven´t gone up for 2 years now. A one day tcket is still €4. Reminds me I must top up my card. The card itself has a deposit of €3. You can then load with 10 or 20 journeys, which as Bob says brings the cost of any single journey down to 80 cents and also valid for 1 hour. Cards will deactivate if not used for 3 months though. ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 21/January/2017 at 11:15
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The council's generosity knows no ends! RESIDENTS over 65 can now travel free on the GIRO buses on Saturdays. However special ID pass is needed, obtainable from council offices. Details (only in Portuguese) at http://www.cm-albufeira.pt/content/seniores-podem-utilizar-o-giro-aos-s-bados-sem-pagar-bilhete" rel="nofollow - http://www.cm-albufeira.pt/content/seniores-podem-utilizar-o-giro-aos-s-bados-sem-pagar-bilhete A normal monthly pass for senior residents is €11. Photo ID required. ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: enrique
Date Posted: 25/January/2017 at 11:51
| We are coming to Albufeira , usually we travel about on the tour train, but we are pensioners and the train day ticket is only 3 euros , but as has been noted a monthly Giro bus ticket is 11 euros, so as we normally stay at Brisa sol we are considering this , we only have to go to the Bus shop or station and show our passports , that would let us travel around to some of the places we have not been to in Albufeira, and we will probably get an idea of the times of the buses by using them on a regular bases |
Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 26/January/2017 at 09:44
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As far as I know, the €11 seniors pass is only available to residents of Albufeira. A normal monthly pass is €18 (photo required) , or you can buy a 20 journey pre paid pass (photo not required) for €16 + the €3 deposit for the pass card itself. That 20 journey pass does not expire with time. I must check that information. There is no official bus timetable isssued, but over the years we have worked out what they are - see http://www.algarve.info/albufeira.htm" rel="nofollow - www.algarve.info/albufeira.htm ------------- Albufeira Resident www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve |
Posted By: Jock
Date Posted: 26/January/2017 at 12:11
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Never used a pre paid pass but I think I will on my next visit. The 20 journey pass sounds right for me for a week. Using street view I've tried to find the Bus Shop in Av. da Liberdade but no luck. Googling didn't help either. Could someone give me a clue as to where in the Av. it is? ------------- It is no coincidence that in no known language does the phrase 'As pretty as an Airport' appear. Douglas Adams |
Posted By: pyrman
Date Posted: 26/January/2017 at 15:31
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I have the senior bus pass ... €5 for the card and €11 per month ... you need to fill out an application and provide a passport photo, as well as showing it for ID. Tell them you are staying for 2 months. You need to give them 5/6 days to process the application and make the card. Each time I come, I pay the 11 euro even if it is only for 7 days ... still cheaper than 80 cents a trip.... The bus shop is behind Liberdade bus terminal ... that is right at the opp. end from square. ------------- Pyrman |
Posted By: Jock
Date Posted: 26/January/2017 at 16:55
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Thanks Pyrman. I'll know where to look now. I'm there so seldom, maybe twice a year for 7 days, that only the 20 journey pass will be of use to me. Having said that, I'm happy to pay the €1.40. It seems a bargain to me. ------------- It is no coincidence that in no known language does the phrase 'As pretty as an Airport' appear. Douglas Adams |