A useful guide summarising the best way to get around the Algarve and beyond by plane, train, bus or car.
Flights out of the Algarve
Faro International Airport is the main airport in the Algarve and is situated a few kilometres outside the city. The airport is located approximately 25km away from Albufeira, 50km away from Lagoa and Carvoeiro and 65km from Lagos.
Faro International Airport website
General flight information
Tel: 289 800 800/1
Arrivals and Departures
Tel: 289 800 617
Lost and found office
Tel: 289 800 714
Rail services
The Portuguese public railway system – CP (Comboios De Portugal) operates a regional service along the coast of Algarve between Vila Real de Santo António in the east and Lagos in the west. There are several trains daily and reservations are not required.
If you choose to travel out of the Algarve region and visit Lisbon, Porto or Braga, Tunes is the best train station for these mainline connections.
CP (Comboios De Portugal) website
Bus Services
There are few bus companies with daily connections that go along the coast of the Algarve and further inland. Their offices and bus stations are based in most main Algarve’s towns.
If you are boarding at a bus station or terminal, you can purchase your travel ticket at the ticket office. Tickets cannot be bought online and currently there are no apps.
If you are boarding at a bus stop, or if the ticket office is closed, tickets can be purchased directly from the driver.
There are many different tourist travel passes available. Full information can be obtained at all bus stations in the Algarve.
Most of the Algarve’s larger towns will have Hop On Hop Off tourist sightseeing bus services. Tourist information offices and hotels will be able to provide all the information.
The EVA bus company operates most inter-town bus services in the Algarve.
EVA bus company website
Frota Azul company operates buses around Portimão area.
Frota Azul official website
Most of the main towns have coaches that travel to Lisbon and beyond. These tickets can be bought at bus stations or online.
Rede Expressos website
Taxi services
Taxis in the Algarve are all metered and the rate is around €0.45 per kilometre. These rates operate between 6am – 9pm. Between 9pm – 6am there is a 20 percent increase in price.
Taxis General
Tel: 282 460 610