by Portugal Getaways Team
July 15, 2026 • 5 min read
How to get to the Algarve, in short
Flying to the Algarve: Faro Airport
Faro Airport (FAO) is the Algarve's main gateway and by far the closest airport, sitting in the centre of the region near the city of Faro. It handles direct flights from the UK, Ireland, Germany and much of Europe, especially in the summer season, with both budget and full-service airlines. From Faro you can reach most Algarve resorts within an hour or so by car, transfer or bus, with the eastern Algarve closest and the western towns like Lagos a bit further.
Alternative airports
- Lisbon Airport (LIS): Portugal's main hub, with the widest choice of long-haul and international flights. It is about 2.5 to 3 hours by car or train to the central Algarve, useful if you are combining the Algarve with Lisbon.
- Seville Airport (SVQ), Spain: around 2 to 2.5 hours' drive to the eastern Algarve, sometimes a good option for the far east of the region.
Driving to the Algarve
If you are coming from Lisbon or elsewhere in Portugal, the A2 motorway runs south to the Algarve, reaching the central coast in around 2.5 to 3 hours. Once in the region, the A22 (Via do Infante) is the fast east-west motorway linking the whole coast from the Spanish border to the western Algarve. Both use electronic tolls, so if you are driving a rental car, make sure it has a toll transponder or that your plate is registered. A car is the most flexible way to explore the Algarve's many beaches and towns.
Taking the train to the Algarve
Trains run from Lisbon to the Algarve, with the fastest Alfa Pendular and Intercidades services reaching Faro in around 3 hours. Trains also stop at Tunes, Albufeira-Ferreiras and other stations, where you can connect onward by bus or taxi. It is a comfortable, scenic option if you would rather not drive the whole way, though you will likely still want local transport once you arrive.
Ferries and getting around locally
There is no passenger ferry to the Algarve from mainland Portugal, but a cross-border ferry crosses the Guadiana river between Ayamonte in Spain and Vila Real de Santo António in the eastern Algarve. Within the region, small local ferries run out to the island beaches of the Ria Formosa near Faro and Olhão, and to Tavira island. To move between towns, most visitors rent a car, though regional buses connect the main resorts.
Frequently asked questions about getting to the Algarve
Which airport is closest to the Algarve? Faro Airport (FAO) is the closest and main airport, located in the region itself, with direct flights from across Europe.
What is the alternative airport to Faro? Lisbon Airport (about 2.5 to 3 hours away) is the main alternative, with more long-haul flights, and Seville in Spain (about 2 to 2.5 hours to the eastern Algarve) can also work.
How do you get to the Algarve from Lisbon? By car on the A2 motorway (about 2.5 to 3 hours), by train (the fastest services reach Faro in around 3 hours), or by coach. A car is handiest for exploring once you arrive.
What is the fastest train from Lisbon to the Algarve? The Alfa Pendular is the fastest, reaching Faro from Lisbon in around 3 hours, with Intercidades trains a little slower.
Do you need a car in the Algarve? It is the easiest way to explore the region's many beaches and towns at your own pace, though buses connect the main resorts and you can rely on transfers if you are staying put.
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