Lisbon To Algarve: Fast & Cheap Ways To Get There
Getting from Lisbon to Algarve is actually quite easy! Depending on how much time you have and how much flexibility you want, here are the best 4 ways to get to the Algarve in a nutshell – I’ll go into more detail on how, where, and cost further down.
🚗 BEST WAY: Rent A Car – It’s a 3hr drive from Lisbon to the Algavre. Great for trips longer than 2-3 days. It’s ideal to have a car in the Algarve to explore the best beaches and have more flexibility where you stay.
✈️ FASTEST WAY: Fly – There are cheap, direct 45 min flights from Lisbon Airport to Faro Airport. Best if you rent a car in Faro and explore the Algarve afterwards.
🚌 CHEAPEST WAY: Bus – takes about 4 hours to Faro, Lagos, or Albufeira. I like this compared to the train because the bus takes you directly to the city of your choice. (Bus Tickets)
🚂 ALSO A WAY: Train – About 3 hours from Lisboa Oriente to Tunes (near Albufeira). Another 1 hour to Lagos on a rickety local train. Great if you’re staying a couple of nights in a bigger Algarve city. (Train Tickets)
***Note: The Algarve does not have a great public transportation network. Uber & Taxis are available. The buses and trains in the region are not great.
I visit the Algarve several times a year, so I’ll also include where to stay, my favorite beaches (the Instagram favorites and the hidden gems), and a few FAQs I get when my friends visit.
Ultimite Guide: Lisbon to Algarve
How To Get From Lisbon to Algarve
Now let’s dive into the details and logistics of how to go about getting from Lisbon to the Algarve each way. I’ll include the pros and cons of each transportation option as well.
🚗 Lisbon to Algarve By Car
Overall, the drive from Lisbon to the Algarve is approximately 275 kilometers (171 miles) and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and your final destination within the Algarve region.
➡️ I use Discover Cars to compare prices in Portugal! ⬅️
Important Tips when driving in the Algarve:
- Tolls: You will be taking the A2 highway the whole way down, which is a toll road. Your rental car company should have sold you the toll tag called Via Verde (which is a good idea to have), but if not, make sure you have some cash or a credit card to pay the tolls along the way.
- Gas Stations & Bathrooms: I am shooketh by how nice the gas stations are in Portugal. They seem to be managed by the same company, Colibri, and are just amazing – huge, clean, and have a whole kitchen, and tasty lunch snacks!
- Scenic Routes: If you have extra time and want to make this a road trip – enjoy the scenic coastal views- you can consider taking smaller, non-highway roads through the Alentejo region.
How long does it take to drive from Lisbon to Algarve by car?
It takes about 3 hours to drive from Lisbon to anywhere in the Algarve – Lagos, Albufeira or Faro areas if you go at it directly. The roads are really good, you’ll mostly be on the A2 highway the entire time.
How much does a rental car usually cost?
A rental car in Portugal is not that expensive, about $40-50 a day in high season. Manual transmission cars will be cheaper than automatics, and renting at the airports is cheaper (contrary to how American airport car rentals work).
If you have a couple of people traveling, renting a car may be cheaper than buying train tickets, with an added benefit of flexibility.
Ultimite Guide: Lisbon to Algarve
✈️ Lisbon to Algarve By Plane
Traveling from Lisbon to the Algarve by plane is actually a super convenient, time-saving option if you do it right. There is only one airport in the Algarve, Faro Airport (FAO), which serves as the main gateway to the area.
PRO TIP: To optimize the trip logistics, do the Algarve first on your itinerary. Fly into Lisbon, connect directly to Faro, rent a car, and spend some time exploring the Algarve beaches. Return the car, fly back to Lisbon, and continue the rest of your city deep dive.
Here’s what you need to know about flying from Lisbon to the Algarve:
✔️ Flight Duration: The flight from Lisbon to Faro typically takes around 45 minutes.
✔️ Airlines & Costs: Several airlines operate flights between Lisbon and Faro, including TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, easyJet, and SATA. There are multiple flights a day, and the cost is minor – it should be under $100 even in peak season.
✔️ Transportation in the Algarve: Once you arrive at Faro Airport, you can reach various destinations in the Algarve by public transportation, taxi, or rental car.
Buses and trains connect Faro to popular towns and resorts like Albufeira, Lagos, Vilamoura, and Portimão. But I recommend renting a car because it’s convenient and cheap, and public transport is not the best.
What airports are in the Algarve?
There is one international airport in the Algarve in the capital town of Faro – Faro International Airport.
How long does a flight from Lisbon to Faro Airport in the Algarve take?
The flight from Lisbon to Faro typically takes around 45 minutes.
I actually recommend flying into Lisbon, connecting directly to Faro, renting a car, and doing the Algarve first. After a few days, return the car, take your return flight back to Lisbon, and continue the rest of your city deep-dive into Lisbon.
How much does it cost to fly from Lisbon to the Algarve?
Several airlines operate flights between Lisbon and Faro, including TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, easyJet, and SATA.
There are multiple flights a day, and the cost is minor – should be under $100 even in peak season.
Ultimite Guide: Lisbon to Algarve
🚌 Lisbon to Algarve By Bus
If you’re not renting a car or flying, I would recommend taking a bus to your destination town in the Algarve. More than likely, there is a direct bus to your destination town in the Algarve, whereas there is no direct train.
Train or Bus?! Most times, I would say train, but there are no direct high-speed trains from Lisbon to most of the best cities in the Algarve. The buses will be direct (and cheaper). So for this route, I recommend a bus (FlixBus).
Where do I catch the bus to the Algarve?
Lisbon Oriente train station is also a bus station. (See Schedules)
How long does the bus take to get from Lisbon to the Algarve?
It really depends on where you are going in the Algarve, but since the region is not that big, it will usually take about 3-4 hours.
How much does the bus cost from Lisbon to the Algarve?
The bus tickets will cost about €10-15 per person.
Ultimite Guide: Lisbon to Algarve
🚂 Lisbon to Algarve By Train
This is a good option if you’re only staying a couple of days – quick and easy – in a main Algarve town.
Train or Bus?! Most times, I would say train, but there are no direct high-speed trains from Lisbon to most of the best cities in the Algarve. The buses will be direct (and cheaper). So for this route, I recommend a bus (FlixBus).
I definitely recommend Lagos in the Algarve as a home base for both first-timers, and also if you don’t have a car because it’s near most of the popular beaches and a cute little town where you can walk to restaurants.
Where do I catch the train in Lisbon?
Most of the trains to the Algarve depart from Lisbon – Oriente train station.
There is a fast train to the town of Tunes (near Faro), in the Algarve. At that point, you will have to connect to a regional (rickety ass train) to any of the fun towns in the Algarve – like Lagos.
Is there a direct train from Lisbon to Algarve?
Sort of. There is a direct train from Lisbon to Tunes in the Algarve. From there, you will have to connect to whichever town you are staying in – either via regional train or bus.
How long does it take to travel from Lisbon to the Algarve by train?
The trip from Lisbon to the main connecting town of Tunes in the Algarve is about 3 hours. From there, you can expect a slow regional train to take another hour to get you to wherever your end destination is in the Algarve.
How much does the train cost from Lisbon to the Algarve?
One ticket from Lisbon to Tunes in the Algarve is about €20-30.
Can you make a day trip to Algarve from Lisbon?
Technically yes, but be warned, it will be a full day, and you will be exhausted! I would also stay away from the big bus tours because you won’t see enough of anything to make it count.
Best Private Lisbon To Algarve Tour – because it’s private & includes all the top beaches.
Is it worth going to the Algarve?
Hell, yes, it’s worth it! If I had ten days in Portugal, I would maximize and do it this way:
- 4 Days in the Algarve – Fly from Lisbon to Faro, rent a car, home base in Lagos, and beach!
- 3 Days in Lisbon – Fado show, LX Factory, explore Alfama & Barrio Alto, eat Pasteis de Nata
- 3 Days in Porto – Get from Lisbon to Porto, explore the old town’s beautiful tiled churches, sunsets on the river.
What is the most beautiful part of the Algarve?
One particularly beautiful area is the Ponta da Piedade in Lagos. It features dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and breathtaking rock formations that have been sculpted by erosion over time. The crystal-clear turquoise waters, combined with the golden cliffs and hidden grottos, create a truly stunning scene.
Other notable areas of natural beauty in the Algarve include Praia da Marinha near Lagoa, which is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world due to its striking rock formations and pristine waters.
I also like the Ria Formosa Natural Park, located east of Faro. It is a stunning coastal lagoon system with a diverse ecosystem of marshes, dunes, and islands.
At the end of the day, the Algarve has many more beautiful towns, pretty beaches, and scenic spots to explore. Exploring the region allows you to discover hidden gems and find your personal favorite among the many beautiful parts of the Algarve.
How many days in the Algarve is enough?
I think 2-3 days in the Algarve is enough. Breaking it down, you could do it this way:
- Day 1: West side beaches – Ponta Da Piedade, Praia do Canavial, Sagres & the famous Lighthouse, Praia de Monte Clerigo, Praia de Arrifana, Praia da Salema.
- Day 2: Middle Algarve – Praia Marina, Arco Natural, the famous Benagil cave via boat tour, Praia de Gale.
- Day 3: East Side Beaches – Tavira & Monchique mountain (highest point in the Algarve).
What is the best month to visit Algarve?
I think the best months to visit the Algarve is in the shoulder season, when it’s less crowded and you can actually find a spot on the beach. This means May and June are ideal. Also September and October.
Ultimite Guide: Lisbon to Algarve
Best Area To Stay In The Algarve
Here are my favorite spots to stay in, drawing from a few misadventures in lodging of my own.
Where To Stay in Lagos
I think Lagos is the best place to stay without a car because it is a cute little town with tons of shops and restaurants you can walk to, and the most popular Algarve beaches you see on Instagram are nearby.
📍Mid-Range Option: Casa Creativa Boutique Hotel – super cute and in the old town, so it feels like you’re in the thick of it.
📍Luxury Option – Alto Mar Inn – there are not really a lot of ‘luxury’ spots in Lagos old town because the houses are small and older, but this is a great spot!
Where to Stay in Tavira
Tavira is the best place to on the east side of the Algarve to stay for a more local feel and sandy beaches, little deserted islands you can take boats to and enjoy the slower life of Portugal.
📍Mid Range Option – Casa Castor Forno – perfect for a family or couple.
📍Luxury Option – Sao Paolo Boutique Hotel – just take a peek at this one… stunning!
Ultimite Guide: Lisbon to Algarve
FAQs: Getting From Lisbon to The Algarve
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the logistics of getting to the Algarve.
What is the cheapest way to get from Lisbon to Algarve?
The cheapest way to get from Lisbon to the Algarve is by bus. It takes about 3-4 hours to get to whatever town you want to go to, and if you’re not flying or renting a car, this is my recommended transportation (that’s right, bus over train in this area!)
What is the fastest way to get from Lisbon to Algarve?
The fastest way is to grab a connecting flight from Lisbon to Faro Airport in the Algarve, and rent a car from there to explore.
➡️ I use Discover Cars to check & compare prices in Portugal! ⬅️
Flights are super cheap, frequent, and it’s great to start off your Portugal trip with the beaches and end in the city.
What is the distance from Lisbon to Algarve?
Overall, the distance from Lisbon to the Algarve is approximately 275 kilometers (171 miles). It’s about a 3-hour drive – but it does depend on where you are going in the Algarve.
My top cities to stay in are Lagos on the west side or Tavira on the east side.
What airport do you fly into for Algarve, Portugal?
Faro Airport is the only airport in the Algarve.
Do you need a car in the Algarve?
You don’t need a car if you’re staying for 1-2 days in Lagos or Faro (or on a resort somewhere). But if you are staying for longer than a weekend, and want to explore the most popular beaches and really see the Algarve, you will need a car.
Public transportation in the Algarve consists of one local train (that is infrequent) and local buses, which are also infrequent. A car is your best option in my opinion. I always rent a car when going to the Algarve.
➡️ I use Discover Cars to check & compare prices! ⬅️
Ultimite Guide: Lisbon to Algarve
Conclusion: Getting from Lisbon to Algarve
In conclusion, you have several options when traveling from Lisbon to the Algarve:
✔️ By Car: My favorite way! Renting a car and driving from Lisbon to the Algarve is a popular option as it offers flexibility and allows you to explore the region at your own pace. The trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on your destination within the Algarve. The most direct route is usually taking the A2 highway towards the south.
✔️ By Plane: The fastest way! If you’re short on time or prefer to fly, you can take a domestic flight from Lisbon to Faro. The flight duration is usually around 45 minutes. Several airlines operate this route, including TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, and easyJet. Once in Faro, you can rent a car to explore the rest of the Algarve. This will shift most itineraries to doing beach at the beginning and ending with city exploration in Lisbon!
✔️ By Bus: The cheapest way! FlixBus is a great option for getting from Lisbon directly to most Algarve cities. This is why I like the bus over the train – the directness. The journey by bus from Lisbon to Faro takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic and where you’re going.
✔️ By Train: My least favorite way (because there’s no direct trains to Lagos)! Trains operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP) connect Lisbon and the Algarve. The main train station in Lisbon is called “Lisboa Oriente.” From there, you can take an Alfa Pendular or Intercidades train to Faro, the capital of the Algarve or Tunes near Albufeira. The journey from Lisbon to Faro takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. From Faro, you can take local trains or buses to reach other towns in the Algarve.
Consider your preferences regarding cost, travel time, and convenience when choosing the mode of transportation that suits you best. It’s also worth noting that public transportation in the Algarve sucks!
