Arriving at Faro

You are here

Transportation:

By plane:

  • Faro Airport (Aeroporto de Faro, FAO) is the primary international gateway for travelers arriving in the Algarve. It is located about 4 km (2.5 miles) from the city center.
  • Direct Flights: Faro has direct connections to many major European cities, including from the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Spain.
  • Transfers from the Airport: Upon arrival, you can take a taxi or an Uber, a shuttle bus, or rent a car to reach the city center or your destination in the Algarve. A taxi ride to the city center takes about 10 minutes.

By Train / Rail:

Faro has a central train station (Estação de Faro) with good connections to other cities in the Algarve and beyond.

  • Connections: From Faro, you can travel by train to cities like Lisbon, Portimão, Tavira, and Albufeira. There are also trains to the Spanish border (e.g., to Seville).
  • Regional and Intercity: The Alfa Pendular trains are fast and comfortable, connecting Faro with Lisbon in about 2.5 to 3 hours. Regional trains take longer but are a good budget option for shorter distances.

By Bus:

Faro has a central bus station (Terminal Rodoviário de Faro), located near the train station.

  • Regional Buses: The bus network connects Faro to all major cities in the Algarve and the rest of Portugal. Companies like Rede Expressos offer buses from Faro to Lisbon, Porto, and other Portuguese towns.
  • Local Buses: run within Faro and nearby areas, including routes to University of Algarve, beaches and the surrounding towns.

By Taxi / Uber:

Taxis are widely available in Faro, particularly at the airport, train station, and in the city center.

  • Rates: Taxi fares from the airport to the city center are around €10-15 depending on traffic. Longer distances, such as to nearby beach areas, will cost more.
  • Booking a Taxi: Taxis can be hailed on the street, at designated taxi stands, or booked in advance by phone.
  • Uber: Uber operates in Portugal and is the most common option for everyday rides in Faro, offering standard cars for 1-4 passengers. Download the app, set your pickup location and destination and the payment is processed automatically in the app
  • Private Transfers: Alternatively, private transfers can be arranged for more comfort or larger groups. For more information please contact bookings@businessbyskyros.com

By Rental Car:

Renting a car in Faro is easy, with a wide range of rental agencies available at the airport or in the city center (e.g., Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, Avis).

  • Booking in Advance: It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season. For more information please contact bookings@businessbyskyros.com
  • Driving Conditions: Roads are generally in good condition, and driving is relatively easy. However, driving in the old town of Faro can be tricky due to narrow streets, so be cautious.
  • Cost: Rental prices vary but expect to pay around €20-30 per day for a standard economy car.