PORTUGAL GOLF COURSES

Airports
The international airports are Azores Islands, Faro, Funchal (Madeira Islands), Lisbon and Porto. Throughout the country there are a number of small airports with limited facilities. It is possible to travel from the international airports to many of these smaller ones but it is important to first check as these services can be variable. At all international Airports a bus can be boarded outside the Terminal that will take you to the centre of the city. Taxis are also usually recommended.

Coaches
There is the national network of "Rodoviária Nacional (RN)", and competing private operators who run quick non-stop services on the more popular routes and often to destinations not covered by trains. The RN tends to be slower but its prices are cheaper. Many private operators offer more facilities on longer runs such as toilet, video, air-conditioning and snacks. Prior to a long trip it is best to check what the coach facilities are before boarding. You will find that in major tourist areas or cities there are excellent local excursions by coach. In almost all cases tickets are purchased in advance.

Disabled Facilities
The needs of the disabled are visibly evident with reserved parking spaces in public areas, special toilets at airports, stations, and centres of entertainment.

Driving
Portugal drives on the right side of the road except when otherwise indicated. In nearly all cases vehicles that are approaching from the right have priority. However, the driver who is already on a roundabout normally has the right of way. For more detailed information we recommend your read our "Rent a Car Agents" information

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 usually 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 stops.

Trains
he 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:

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
Outside of the towns and in all rural area of Portugal there is limited means of transport available. Taxis are the main source of travelling from one location to another. In urban areas they charge according to the taximeter. Outside these areas the charge is per kilometre and this includes the cost of the drivers 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.