How to get to Faro? Our tips

Planning a trip to Faro, the sunny capital of the Algarve? Whether you’re attracted by its historic streets, unspoiled lagoon or gourmet specialties, the first step is to organize your arrival!

Plane, train, car… Find out our practical advice and the different options for reaching Faro according to your travel preferences.

This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

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How to get to Faro: quick answer

Getting around Faro in the Algarve

How to get to Faro: quick answer

There are several options for getting to Faro:

By plane:Faro airport is just 7 km from the city center. It is well served by numerous international routes. – see available flights.
By train: Faro station is an important connection point for links to the Algarve and Lisbon. The CP (Comboios de Portugal) network makes it easy to reach Faro from Lagos, Tavira, Albufeira or Lisbon.
By car: theA22 freeway serves Faro. Just take exit 13 to reach the center via the N125. Cabs are also available for transfers in the region.
By bus: several companies (Vamus, Rede Expressos, ALSA, Flixbus) serve the Albufeira bus station daily from various Portuguese cities.

To reach Faro from Faro Airport, consider a private transfer – see options.

Our map of the Algarve will help you locate Faro:

WHERE TO STAY IN Faro

Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels

Best apartment hotel
Amália Boutique Suites & Studios – See prices, photos and availability

Best boutique-hotel
Roots Hotel – See prices, photos and availability

Best luxury hotel
3HB Faro – See prices, photos and availability

See our complete selection of the best hotels in Faro

See all available accommodations (coming soon) >>

Option 1: by plane

Faro can be reached via its international airport, around 10 minutes away by car.
Numerous direct flights connect Faro with major European cities, both in low and high season. – see available flights.
To reach Faro from the airport, several options are available: cab, private transfer, bus or car rental.
By public transport, with bus line N° 15, which links the airport to Faro bus station in 20 to 25 minutes. Information and opening times here.

OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN THE Algarve

Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
For more choice, book early.

See available cars >>

Read our tips (coming soon)

Option 2: by train

The train is a comfortable and economical option for getting to Faro.
Faro station is well connected to other Algarve towns.
Estimated journey times: 3h from Lisbon, 1h40 from Lagos, 1h25 min from Portimão, 16min from Loulé, 50min from Albufeira.
Faro railway station is a 10-minute walk from the historic center.
Check timetables on the official Portuguese rail network website here.

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Option 3: by car

Travelling to Faro by car allows you to travel at your own pace and explore the region more freely. The roads in the Algarve are in very good condition, well signposted and easy to use.

From Lagos: approx. 1h10 via A22
From Albufeira: approx. 40min via A22
From Lisbon: approx. 2.5 hours on the A2, then the A22

A vehicle will also give you easier access to the remote beaches, inland villages and spectacular cliffs for which the region is famous. Remember to check whether your accommodation has parking, as some areas of the center may be pedestrianized or difficult to access in high season.

faro street — Street with parking in Faro

Traffic in Faro is generally smooth, but parking can be a challenge, especially during the tourist season. The city center offers a wide range of parking options, with paid zones and a few strategically located free spaces. We recommend Parking Parque Saba da Pontinha as a secure solution close to tourist attractions. Otherwise, there are plenty of squares in the city streets. You’ll notice that parking zones in Faro are color-coded:

blue zones indicate paid parking,
yellow lines indicate prohibited areas,
Green zones are generally reserved for residents.

We recommend that you download the EasyPark application, which makes it easy to pay for parking in the city.

DISCOVER Faro

Option 4: by bus

Faro is well served by regional and national buses:

Rede Expressos: serves Lisbon, Porto, Sevilla and other major cities
Vamus Algarve: for local connections between Faro, Loulé, Albufeira, Tavira, Olhão, etc.
Flixbus: an economical option with several stops in the Algarve

Faro’s bus station is just a few minutes’ walk from the historic center.

Buses are generally punctual and air-conditioned. Fares vary according to company and destination. You can book your tickets online to avoid queuing.

Getting around Faro in the Algarve

Faro is a pleasant city to explore on foot, especially its compact, pedestrian-friendly historic center. The cobbled streets, little squares, Baroque churches and museums are easy to discover on a stroll.

To go further or to reach the beach, several options are available:

Thehistoric center and its picturesque streets are best explored on foot.
Próximo city buses serve the outlying districts, Faro beach, university, airport and train stations. You can consult the timetable here.
To reach the Praia de Farolocated on a peninsula some 9 km from the city center, we recommend you have a car or use the Próximo urban bus service, particularly line 16, which links the city center directly to the beach, crossing the airport. The journey takes about 25min.
Several free and paid parking lots are available in the city center. In high season, we recommend arriving early for easy parking.

Other means of transport in the city:

Local cabs or private transport services such as Algarve Mode Transfers – details here.
Bike hire: a great option for cycling along the coast or exploring the city at your own pace. We suggest Algarve Cycling, a well-known brand.