Faro is a fascinating, beautiful city in the heart of the Algarve that is a pleasure to explore. As the region’s only international airport — and its capital city — it’s also the gateway to the rest of Southern Portugal for people visiting from overseas.
Whether you’re planning to enjoy a short break in Faro or spend longer exploring the Algarve, we’ve got you covered when it comes to essential transportation information. This blog is the perfect companion piece to Getting Around in the Algarve: The #1 Transportation Guide, which is packed with local insights and recommendations.
In this post, we focus on transport hubs like the airport, the main bus station, the train station, and travel by road and ferry. From arriving at Faro International Airport to exploring the city’s charming streets and beyond, let’s dive into the various transportation options available to make your stay unforgettable.
If you have any questions about our boat tours to Ria Formosa or anything you read, please just get in touch.
Your Algarve Experience Starts at Faro International Airport (FAO)
As the main air hub for the Algarve region, Faro International Airport (FAO) is the first stop on your journey to this beautiful part of Portugal. Situated just a short distance from Faro city centre, the airport provides convenient access to both domestic and international travellers.
Upon landing at FAO, you’ll find several transportation options to reach Faro city centre. Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals terminal, offering a quick and hassle-free ride to your accommodation. Of course, the length of the drive depends on where you’re heading, but most journeys into Faro take anywhere between 10 and 15 minutes.
Are you planning to rent a car so you can explore even more towns in the Algarve? First, we recommend booking in advance to secure a vehicle that suits your needs. You then have the convenience of picking it up at the airport on arrival. You can choose an array of reputable names, including Sixt, Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz, to name only a few.
Alternatively, for those seeking a more budget-friendly option, you can also catch a public bus into Faro. If this sounds ideal for you, you will need the number 16 bus operated by Próximo.
Faro Bus Station is Located in the Heart of the City
If you catch the bus from the airport or you want to head out on a day trip, the good news is that Faro’s main bus terminal is centrally located. You can find it on Avenida da República — one of Faro’s main avenues — sandwiched between Faro train station and the marina.
Faro Bus Station serves as a central transportation hub for exploring the city and its surrounding areas. From here, you’ll find an extensive network of bus routes connecting Faro to other Algarve and international destinations, making it easy to embark on day trips or longer excursions. Check out our picks for the best things to do in the Eastern Algarve to start planning some adventures!
Some of the most popular destinations to reach from Faro include:
- Lagos
- Tavira
- Albufeira
- Monte Gordo
- Lisbon
- Porto
If you’re travelling long-distance, buy your ticket from the ticket office inside the terminal. For local buses, you can purchase tickets from the driver. Keep in mind that queues can become long during the busy summer season, so arrive with plenty of time to spare. We recommend confirming the bus departure bay after buying your ticket.
Start Algarve Adventures from Faro Train Station
Located less than a five-minute walk from the bus terminal, Faro Train Station provides another convenient option for travellers looking to explore the Algarve region. With regular train services connecting Faro to cities such as Lagos, Portimão, and Lisbon, the station serves as a gateway to further adventures along Portugal’s southern coast. Five trains per day run between Faro and Lisbon, while around 10 venture out to other towns in the Algarve.
From Faro Train Station, you can easily access local buses or taxis to reach your desired destination within the city or venture out to nearby attractions.
You must buy your ticket for travel before boarding your train, and you can do so at the ticket office. If you’re travelling long-distance to destinations like Lisbon or Porto, you will have an assigned seat. On regional trains, you can sit anywhere.
You can check schedules and prices on the Comboios de Portugal website.
Explore the Natural Wonders of Ria Formosa by Boat
One of Faro’s main attractions is Ria Formosa Natural Park and its stunning azure waters, diverse wildlife, barrier islands, and beautiful beaches. This special place truly is a natural paradise situated right on our doorstep. And with Formosamar’s boat tours to Ria Formosa, you can enjoy a cruise through the tranquil waters to all the best spots!
If visiting Ria Formosa’s islands is your priority, look no further than our Boat Tour to Deserta and Farol Islands. For nature lovers, we have the highly popular Marine Life and Dolphin-Watching Trip from Faro and Ria Formosa Birdwatching Tour. And don’t forget the stunning Algarve sunsets! On our Sunset Boat Trip in Faro, you can take in this incredible sight from the lagoon with a glass of sparkling wine in hand.
We also provide private shuttle services to Faro’s islands, ensuring you can make the most of your precious holiday time.
You can find the Formosamar office and meeting point in Faro Marina, on Passeio Abu Sào Ibn Harune.
How to Get Around Faro
Navigating Faro itself is a breeze, thanks to its compact size and well-connected transportation network. For most visitors, you will find everything you need and want in the city centre, which is easily explored on foot. This means you can wander through narrow cobblestone streets, admire historic architecture, and stumble upon hidden gems at every turn. With reliable services and plenty of signage in English, getting around Faro is both convenient and enjoyable.
As we near the end of this blog, let us point you toward our Ultimate Guide to Faro: Where to Stay, Eat, & Play. It’s filled with local advice and recommendations for making the most of our time in our home city!
How to Reach Faro by Road
For those arriving by car, Faro is easily accessible via several main driving routes from other parts of the Algarve and beyond. From the west, the A22 motorway provides a direct connection to Faro from destinations such as Lagos and Portimão. Alternatively, travellers coming from Lisbon can take the A2 motorway southbound, followed by the A22, for a scenic drive along Portugal’s stunning coastline. Both the N125 and N2 road connect the A22 to Faro.
Book Your Spot on Our Ria Formosa Boat Tours Today!
We hope you’ve found this transportation information for Faro, Portugal, useful for your trip planning. As you focus more on things to do in the Algarve, be sure to browse our boat tours to Ria Formosa and outdoor activities in Faro. If you have any pre-booking questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us for the answers you need.
