I've been lurkin' for a wee while on here now and I'd like to say what a great site you have here. Tons of info for me and S to look over before we arrive two weeks 2morro. Having to drive from Lisbon tho' because of flight change due to the demise of Globespan.

Many thanks to Steen for sorting out my access as I'm a bit of a luddite when it comes to t'internet, lol!

One question I have is how much will the tolls cost me each way if I use the motorway there and back ?

The tolls are about 18 euros (all credit cards accepted). We did it last year and it'll take you a couple of hours down to the A22. Its a different motorway experience than the UK; long distances between exits, few proper services (although there are rest stops) and a lot of dual rather than triple carriageway sections. The most striking thing is that you'll be alone on many sections, its quite bizzarre. I thought the road was closed and i'd missed the sign. All in all its a pleasant drive on the way to CVO, but it'll be a drag when you leave.

superbocker wrote:The tolls are about 18 euros (all credit cards accepted). We did it last year and it'll take you a couple of hours down to the A22. Its a different motorway experience than the UK; long distances between exits, few proper services (although there are rest stops) and a lot of dual rather than triple carriageway sections. The most striking thing is that you'll be alone on many sections, its quite bizzarre. I thought the road was closed and i'd missed the sign. All in all its a pleasant drive on the way to CVO, but it'll be a drag when you leave.

Thanx for the info. Are the tollbooths unmanned ? Do you just insert a cc ?

They have manned / womanned ones and I use them and pay cash, a word of warning though you pay when you leave the toll road like most other toll roads but they do have fast track lanes that people with a smart card use and they barely slow down! Its a pleasant drive and you will love Carvoeiro, book early if you want to eat out as the village is busy. Print out the FAQ sheets and take them with you is my advice.

Enjoy

Col

CM wrote:They have manned / womanned ones and I use them and pay cash, a word of warning though you pay when you leave the toll road like most other toll roads but they do have fast track lanes that people with a smart card use and they barely slow down! Its a pleasant drive and you will love Carvoeiro, book early if you want to eat out as the village is busy. Print out the FAQ sheets and take them with you is my advice.

Enjoy

Col

hahaha! perhaps I should've said "unstaffed" Anyway, thanks for that Col, I'll just have to ensure I'm in the correct lane.

I suppose I didn't properly introduce myself in my first post. This will be our 4th visit to CVO so I kinda know where you have to book in advance (like Taste and Ellie&Ella (sp)) There are still many, many eateries that we haven't tried but we tend to stick to the village in the evening as I'm fond of a libation or two so driving is out of the question. We've never had a nite out in Monte Carvoeiro as the walk from the far outreaches of the village to there would prolly kill me tbh. We might push the boat out this year and get a taxi up to there

If you were to push the boat out you may end up in Benagil!! and if so go to O Littoral for lunch! Enjoy it I wont be back till November BTW have you been to Porto? its about 2 1/2 hours North of Lisbon but I really enjoyed it

CM wrote:They have manned / womanned ones and I use them and pay cash, a word of warning though you pay when you leave the toll road like most other toll roads but they do have fast track lanes that people with a smart card use and they barely slow down! Its a pleasant drive and you will love Carvoeiro, book early if you want to eat out as the village is busy. Print out the FAQ sheets and take them with you is my advice.

Enjoy

Col

Don't get into the fast track lane by mistake! I did this once in heavy rain and fast moving traffic, and when I came to leave the motorway it cost me a fine of 70 euros.

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Don't get into the fast track lane by mistake! I did this once in heavy rain and fast moving traffic, and when I came to leave the motorway it cost me a fine of 70 euros.[/quote]

That's what I'm afraid of. I'd imagine these lanes are the outside lanes, so do you get countdown markers on the lead up to the tolls ? How frequent are these tolls anyway ?

question, questions

There is an entry toll where you pick up your ticket and then only the exit one where you pay. Keep out of the lanes marked with a V which are for people who are clocked automatically and pay later. Look for the block of toll gates with a green traffic light. It is not really a problem. The motorways are delightfully quiet compared with the UK. There are several service areas where there are separate restaurants which also offer a range of drinks and snacks as well as the normal fuel and associated shops. They vary in quality in my opinion and I use the Cavalo Lusitano which is about half way.

steve the blue?