How to get to Portimão? Our tips

Planning a trip to Portimão in the Algarve? Whether you’re drawn to spectacular ochre cliffs or iconic beaches like Praia da Rocha, the first step is to get your arrival well organized!

Plane, train, car… Find out our practical advice and the different options for getting to Portimão 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 Portimão: quick answer

How do I get around Portimão in the Algarve?

How to get to Portimão: quick answer

There are several options for getting to Portimão:

By plane: Faro Airport, around 50 minutes away, is the ideal gateway to numerous international connections. – see available flights.
By train: the CP rail network serves Portimão Station, with regular connections from Lagos, Faro, Silves, Albufeira and Loulé among other destinations.
By car: the A22 freeway passes through Portimão. Just take exit 5 to reach the center via the N124. Cabs are also available for transfers in the region.
By bus: several bus companies (Vamus, Rede Expressos, ALSA) provide daily services to the Portimão bus station from various Portuguese cities.

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

Our map of the Algarve will help you locate Portimão:

map Algarve driving time — Map of the Algarve

WHERE TO STAY IN Portimao

Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels

Best luxury hotel
Bela Vista Hotel & Spa – See prices, photos and availability

Best 4-star hotel
Jupiter Marina Hotel – See prices, photos and availability

Best hotel for families
Vitor’s Plaza Aparthotel – See prices, photos and availability

See our complete selection of the best hotels in Portimao

See all available accommodations (coming soon) >>

Option 1: by plane

Portimão can be reached by air via Faro Airport, about 50 minutes away by car.
Numerous direct flights connect Faro with major European cities, both in low and high season. – see available flights.
To reach Portimão from the airport, several options are available: cab, private transfer, bus or car rental.
By public transport, companies such as ALSA or Flixbus offer Faro Airport – Portimão routes in 1h30 to 2h. Click here for timetables.

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 Portimão.
Portimão station is well connected to other Algarve towns.
Estimated journey times: 15min from Silves, 20min from Lagos, 50min from Albufeira, 1h10 from Loulé, 1h25 from Faro.
The station is located north of the city center, about 15 minutes’ walk from the tourist area.
Check timetables on the official Portuguese rail network website here.

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Option 3: by car

Driving to Portimão allows you to discover the Algarve at your own pace. The roads are modern and well-maintained. We didn’t encounter any particular driving difficulties on our trip to the region.

From Lagos: approx. 30min via A22
From Faro: approx. 50min via A22
From Lisbon: approx. 2h45 on the A2, then the A22

Portimão’s city center is easily accessible by car, but parking can sometimes be limited near tourist areas. Numerous parking spaces are available close to the Portimão Museum along the Zona Ribeirinha. The car is still very useful and practical for accessing the outlying beaches, or discovering the surrounding areas such as Ferragudo and Alvor during your stay.

DISCOVER Portimao

Option 4: by bus

Bus companies serve Portimão from all over Portugal and towns in the region. There are several bus stops in the town center and close to the beaches. Main companies include:

Journey times, fares and comfort levels vary according to company and departure point.

How do I get around Portimão in the Algarve?

Getting around Portimão is easy thanks to a number of practical options:

The city center is pleasant to explore on foot, especially the Old Town and the Zona Ribeirinha. Wheelchair-accessible passageways run the length of the streets to simplify access.
To reach the Praia do Vau and other outlying beaches, a car or bus is still very useful.
Free or paid parking lots are available near tourist areas.

Other means of transport in the city:

Vai e Vem electric city bus network: serves the various districts and beaches – see the map here.
Local cabs or private transport services such as Allgarve Mode Transfers – details here.
Rent bicycles to ride along the coast or explore the city at your own pace. We suggest Onebike – info here.