Firm up your travel plans to determine where and when you need taxi service. Taxis are a cheap and efficient way to visit the relatively small Algarve area, so consider using them for more than just the ride into town from the airport. For example, the cliff town and old fishing village of Albufeira --- one of the more popular beachside tourist developments in all of Portugal --- is 24 miles from Faro and, in 2011, the cab ride costs 33 euros. Or take a taxi from Faro to Tavira, on the banks of the Ségua and Gilão rivers, with its canals and seven-arched Roman bridge, for 38 euros.
Review a trusted Internet travel site for references to reputable Algarve transfer providers. Some sites such as My Algarve Info.com, specialize in the region. Compare sites, including those listed in Resources, and choose a taxi company. Use the pop-down menus to identify the pick-up and drop-off locations and to view the price. Make transfer reservations directly from a taxi company site by filling in the form with your identification, email address and trip particulars. Alternatively, use the reservation service provided by the travel site. Most sites allow you either to prepay with credit card or to pay in the cab in euros.
Check your email for your reservation confirmation and booking voucher. Print it out and take it with you. If your first cab pick-up is at the Faro airport, look for your taxi driver as you depart the plane. He carries a sign bearing the name and logo of the cab company. If your trip begins elsewhere, check the booking voucher for instructions on where to connect with the taxi driver.
