- Recommended
Museu do Palácio de Mateus
Museum housed at Palácio de Mateus, presenting family collections, period interiors, manuscripts, and decorative arts in an iconic estate.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Albufeira to Vila Real
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18
Cheapest price on Sep 18
€31
Average ticket price on Sep 18
€31
Fastest journey on Sep 18
12 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
12 h 25 m
Buses on Sep 18
1
Distance
470 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Albufeira to Vila Real is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Albufeira to Vila Real will cost around €31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €31.
Fast buses
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 1 buses from Albufeira to Vila Real, including 1 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 470 km distance in an average of 12 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 25 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 12 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
10:35 PM12h25Albufeira11:00 AMVila Real€311One-way0 transfers
- 10:35 PM12h25Albufeira11:00 AMVila Real€311One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Albufeira to Vila Real
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Albufeira to Vila Real among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €36 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 11m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €36, while a flight costs an average of €156.
Distance: 292 miles (470 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€36 Average price Cheapest | €156 Average price | €61 Average price | €150 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 12m Average total duration 7h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 16m Average total duration 7h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Albufeira to Vila Real is a bus with an average price of €36.
This is compared to other travel options from Albufeira to Vila Real:
A bus is €25 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Albufeira to Vila Real costing on average €61.
A bus is €120 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Albufeira to Vila Real costing on average €156.
The fastest way to travel from Albufeira to Vila Real is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 11m.
Other travel options to Vila Real take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 42m.
Train takes on average 7h 46m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Albufeira and Vila Real including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Albufeira to Vila Real among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around €36 compared to roughly €150 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €114. The journey takes 7h 42m versus 5h 28m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Albufeira to Vila Real Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €13 |
Compare prices and tickets Albufeira to Vila Real by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Fri
Sep 18
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Sep 24
Why should you book Albufeira to Vila Real buses with Omio?
Rede Expressos as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Albufeira to Vila Real.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Albufeira to Vila Real.
Why book with Omio vs Rede Expressos?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Rede Expressos, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Albufeira to Vila Real.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Rede Expressos with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Albufeira to Vila Real.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Rome2rio or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Albufeira to Vila Real.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Albufeira to Vila Real.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Albufeira to Vila Real
PortugalPortugal
Buses from Albufeira to Vila Real run on average 9 times per day, taking around 7h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €20 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:00, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 292 miles (470 km) distance in 7h 0m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 292 miles (470 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price €20 |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 7h 0m |
First bus 2:00 AM |
Last bus 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 3 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: Rede Expressos, FlixBus, Rodonotre, Citi Express from Albufeira to Vila RealYou can travel by bus between Albufeira to Vila Real with Rede Expressos, FlixBus, Rodonotre, Citi Express for as low as €20. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
7h 30m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€20
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Citi Express
About
Citi Express is a bus company that offers express services connecting major Portuguese cities like Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and Guimarães to inland areas. They focus on providing quick, efficient, and high-quality travel with an emphasis on comfort. Citi Express is a brand under Transdev, a mobility company. It is important to note that there are other companies with similar names, such as "City Express" in Malaysia, which has over 30 years of experience and a large fleet of buses, and "City Express" courier services in Canada and the US. There's also a "CityExpress!" bus route in Honolulu, and "Melbourne City Express" by SkyBus for airport transfers in Australia. Additionally, "Citibus" is the public transportation provider for Lubbock, Texas.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Citi Express Duration
7h 35m
Cheapest Citi Express Price
€35
Citi Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. No refunds for cancellations within 24 hours.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Space for wheelchairs.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; guide dogs travel for free.
Rede Expressos
About
Rede Expressos is a leading bus company in Portugal, providing reliable and comfortable transportation services to passengers including buses #[+journey]. It operates a fleet of modern buses, ranging from luxury coaches to double-deckers, all equipped with air conditioning, reclining seats, and free Wi-Fi. The company offers a variety of ticket types, including single tickets, return tickets, and multi-trip tickets. It also offers discounts for students, seniors, and children. Rede Expressos operates services to and from major cities and towns in Portugal, including Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Coimbra. It also offers international routes to Spain, France, and Germany. The company operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with departures every hour. It is one of the most popular bus companies in Portugal, offering convenient and affordable transportation services to passengers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Rede Expressos Duration
7h 25m
Cheapest Rede Expressos Price
€35
Rede Expressos frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a partial refund. Fees may apply.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Seat reservation
Toilets
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible buses with wheelchair spaces.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; guide dogs permitted without a carrier.
Rodonotre
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Rodonotre Duration
7h 0m
Cheapest Rodonotre Price
€37
Rodonotre frequency
4 a day
Complete guide to Vila Real
Things to do in Vila Real
Discover the best of Vila Real — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Vila Real trip today.
Museu de Arqueologia e Numismática da UTAD
University museum with zoology, geology, and natural history collections. Worth visiting for science displays and a different side of Vila Real.
Museu de Geologia da UTAD
Small university museum focused on geology and regional natural heritage. A useful stop for visitors interested in landscapes and earth sciences.
- Must visit
Jardins do Palácio de Mateus
Landscaped gardens of the Mateus estate, famous for geometric design and reflections. A standout walking area paired with the palace visit.
- Recommended
Avenida Carvalho Araújo
Historic main avenue lined with civic buildings and shops. A practical starting point for walking the center and observing everyday city life.
- Recommended
Praça do Município
Central square that functions as a local meeting point. Visit for architecture, events, and easy access to surrounding historic streets.
- Gluten-free
Alheira e Fumeiro Transmontano
Smoked pork sausages from the Trás-os-Montes area, often grilled or served in stews. They are a hallmark of mountain preservation traditions.
- Gluten-free
Bacalhau à Transmontana
A hearty codfish dish baked with potatoes, onion, olive oil and often cured ham. It is widely eaten in Vila Real and the Douro interior.
- Gluten-free
Cabrito Assado
Slow-roasted kid goat, usually seasoned with garlic, wine and herbs. It is a festive regional classic for family meals and celebrations.
Cepa Torta
Refined regional dining in a historic manor setting, known for Trás-os-Montes flavors, polished service and a strong wine list.
Chaxoila
Traditional restaurant serving grilled meats, regional sausages and hearty northern Portuguese dishes in a relaxed local atmosphere.
O Transmontano
Popular local spot for classic Portuguese comfort food, with a casual setting and reliable regional specialties.
Euro (€)
More affordable than Lisbon or Porto; hotels, meals, and local transport are generally lower, making Vila Real a good value for travelers.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for a simple meal or fast food.
- Mid-range
- €15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €40-70 per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.20-2.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, small change is enough.
Buses4U
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.60
- Day pass
- None
To the city center
Rua Doutor António Valente (Terminal Rodoviário) -> Avenida Carvalho Araújo, Vila Real
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Buy tickets from the driver if no kiosk is available; carry small change when possible.
- Contactless bank card payment on local buses is not reliably documented, so expect onboard cash payment.
FAQs: Bus from Albufeira to Vila Real
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Albufeira to Vila Real by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Vila Real, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Albufeira to Vila Real can start from as little as €20 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Albufeira to Vila Real is €36 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Albufeira to Vila Real is 7h 0m to travel the 292 miles (470 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Albufeira to Vila Real leaves at 2:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Albufeira to Vila Real leaves at 11:00 PM.
There are 9 buses a day from Albufeira to Vila Real which require at least one change with Rede Expressos, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Albufeira to Vila Real, you can count on Rede Expressos, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Vila Real. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Albufeira and Vila Real and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Vila Real from Albufeira is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Albufeira to Vila Real is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Albufeira and Vila Real including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Albufeira to Vila Real:
- Rede Expressos
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible buses with wheelchair spaces.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Albufeira to Vila Real for bus company Rede Expressos, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Vila Real are:
- Mateus Palace, an 18th-century baroque palace known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens
- Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its terraced vineyards and scenic landscapes
- Sé de Vila Real, a historic cathedral with impressive Gothic and Romanesque features
- Parque Natural do Alvão, a natural park offering hiking trails and picturesque waterfalls
- Casa de Diogo Cão, a museum dedicated to the history and exploration of the Douro River.
The best things to do in Vila Real include:
- Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering breathtaking landscapes and renowned wine tours
- Parque Natural do Alvão, a natural park perfect for hiking and exploring waterfalls
- Museu de Arqueologia e Numismática de Vila Real, a museum showcasing regional archaeological and numismatic collections
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour at one of the local vineyards, experiencing the rich flavors of the region
- Explore the vibrant local markets, where you can find traditional crafts and regional delicacies.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Albufeira to Vila Real depends on the bus companies:
- Rede Expressos
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a partial refund. Fees may apply.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Rede Expressos, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Albufeira to Vila Real.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Albufeira to Vila Real:
- Rede Expressos
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Albufeira to Vila Real:
- Rede Expressos
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Albufeira to Vila Real. The following conditions apply:
- Rede Expressos
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- guide dogs permitted without a carrier.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Albufeira to Vila Real with the following bus company: Rede Expressos, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Albufeira to Vila Real with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Albufeira to Vila Real with the following bus company: Rede Expressos, FlixBus.
Since both Albufeira and Vila Real are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Albufeira to Vila Real among Omio's users.
Portugal uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most transactions, especially in cities and larger establishments, while carrying some cash is advisable for small vendors, markets, or remote areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Vila Real, travelers should be cautious of petty theft such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and public transport. Avoid accepting unsolicited offers for transportation or tours to prevent scams. Always use official taxi services and keep an eye on personal belongings to ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Albufeira to Vila Real
Most Albufeira to Vila Real buses use the Albufeira, Terminal Rodoviário to Vila Real, Rua Doutor António Valente (Terminal Rodoviário) station pair. Use this guide to compare Albufeira and Vila Real bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Albufeira
Arrival bus stations in Vila Real
Which Albufeira station do buses to Vila Real leave from?
Buses from Albufeira to Vila Real leave from Albufeira, Terminal Rodoviário. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Albufeira city centre at Rua Paul Harris, 8200-125 Albufeira, Portugal.
Albufeira, Terminal RodoviárioRua Paul Harris, 8200-125 Albufeira, Portugal
City-centre transport
Getting to Albufeira, Terminal Rodoviário from Albufeira city centre
Albufeira, Terminal Rodoviário is 1 km from Albufeira city centre. Public transport options include:
BusGiro 10 · 14m · €3 · every ~31 min
Albufeira, Terminal Rodoviário bus station facilities and services
Albufeira, Terminal Rodoviário has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria and snack bar (in the station)
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Albufeira, Terminal Rodoviário.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Albufeira, Terminal Rodoviário: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Albufeira, Terminal Rodoviário: Elevators, ramps.
Albufeira, Av. da Liberdade
Vila Real, Rua Doutor António Valente (Terminal Rodoviário)
City-centre transport
Getting to Vila Real, Rua Doutor António Valente (Terminal Rodoviário) from Vila Real city centre
Bus1, 2 · 1m · €1 · every ~20 min
9 · 4m · €1
Most popular bus connections from Albufeira
More options for your journey from Albufeira to Vila Real
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Vila Real and Albufeira
Most popular bus connections to Vila Real
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
