We traveled by Alsa from Santiago de Compostela to Fatima via Porto. As this is a long journey from Spain to Portugal, the bus journey will break at Campanhã Bus terminal in Porto for approximately 45mins for lunch.
There is no change of buses and that the bus will be locked once all passengers alight. The driver does not announce in English, it is good to be-friend other passengers onboard the bus as they will be delighted to be your translator.
One man’s meat is another man’s poison, I do not have much issues with the washroom at this bus terminal. I have been to worse ones. The terminal building is big and has large waiting rooms with sockets to charge your devices, cafeterias, shops, lockers and connection to bus bays and train station.
We arrived at Fatima at 3:55pm after departing from Santiago de Compostela at 9:30am. An excellent timing to walk to the hotel when it is cooler and not having to wait for check-in time.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima (Portuguese: Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário) looking as majestic as always. The last time I was here in Fatima was in 2019, looking at the elegant and beautiful Basilica gives me the impression that time stood still in Fatima.
Tip: For updates of mass and rosary schedules, click here for the Official site of the Shrine of Fatima.
Walking around Fatima, I must agree that there have been many developments in Fatima. Despite all that, either restaurant businesses do not seem to do well or restaurants happen to be closed on the day of our visit.
The triple room at Hotel Cruz Alta with breakfast included was a very good deal. The room was bigger than I expected with lots of space to pack our luggage all at the same time. We had a hearty breakfast before departing from the hotel. It was a good experience in having a taste of Portuguese tarts and savory breads.
There has been some developments to Terminal Rodoviário de Fátima. The facilities in the waiting room have been improved. There are more seats, better washrooms and charging stations. Everything comes with a price. The fee for the use of the newly renovated washroom at the Autobus station is EUR1,00.
Tip: For more updated information of the Fatima Bus Terminal, click here for the Official Site of Comboio de Fátima
Tip:
If your bus arrives, pack your luggage in the storage compartment and either stay onboard or right in front of the bus, I suggest never to take any chances of wandering from the bus even if the driver allowed the passengers to alight to use the washroom. Buses do not make announcements before leaving. I have witnessed passengers chasing the bus down the road and being left behind without their luggage.
