Since mid 2011 the Algarve has introduced a toll road system on the main motorway that runs across the Algarve. This is the logical route from the airport and the quickest to the apartment and other places.
Expect to pay additional charges for using the toll roads (and with airport transfers) however the system is not straight forward.
As a visitor, when you go through a toll booth you should note the date you travelled and 2 days later, must visit a local post office to give details of your car registration and pay the fee. You can do this between 2 and 5 days after the trip, however beyond that time scale you will be fined. With car hire, it means the company ask you to sign a waiver to cover those costs, or they will charge you afterwards for any additional fines.
In theory, its a simple system once you know where the post office is, and don't use the road too often however on your return trip you will not be in the country 2 days after you have left!
We therefore recommend taking advice from the car hire company, and by now there are plans in place to find a better solution for visitors, or by following the directions that take you on the N125 between the airport and the apartment, particularly for your return journey.
Please click here to download instructions.