How to Get from Lisbon to Algarve: The Best Ways

• Duration: 45 mins

You can fly from Lisbon to Algarve, but there is only one airport—located in Faro. Although it is the most time-efficient choice of travel, it may not be the most convenient if you plan on going elsewhere in the Algarve. Flights from Lisbon to Faro are usually around 45 minutes and offered by TAP Portugal. Airfare ranges from roughly USD 55 to 127 (one-way), depending on the season (peak tourist season is June to August).

While flight time is short, factoring in additional travel time to the airport, check-in, and security checks makes the flying procedure the slowest on our list. A further 3 hours should be taken into account, along with the standard risks of cancellations and delays.

Pro tips:

• Lisbon airport often catches travelers off-guard with the distance from Lisbon center. Allocate another hour for the trip from Lisbon proper south to Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS).
• Of all listed travel methods, ticket prices fluctuate heaviest with flying. Expect variances between starting prices of USD 80, up to double that in peak season.
• Lisbon is full of relatively hilly streets, making wheeled suitcases a bit of a challenge to pull around. If you can, just a carry-on bag or backpack will reduce the physical toil of getting around Lisbon’s streets.
• All flights from Lisbon to Algarve depart during the day, with an average of 4 departures each day.

• Duration: 3 hrs

Driving from Lisbon center to the Algarve region will set you back up to 3 hours. New travelers to Portugal will get the most out of a private-hire car journey, whether you wish to drive yourself or hire a driver affects costs. Car rentals in Lisbon start from USD 25 per day, with Guerin and Enterprise Cars also offering rental services.

Once outside Lisbon, cross the beautiful Vasco da Gama Bridge and get on the A12 for 10 kilometers. Then join the A2 Highways for 257 kilometers before arriving at the Algarve region.

A good alternative scenic route is by taking the N123, getting you closer to the coastline and some fantastic detour viewpoints. Both of these options are a great way to absorb the stunning views on the drive south.

Pro tips:

• Portugal operates many toll roads. Not all accept cash, so make sure you have a card on hand. Alternatively, most local car rental companies can arrange a pre-paid device to make sure you can stay in the fast lane.
• When renting a car, many companies require 2 forms of ID, as well as proof of a return ticket to the country of origin.
• When collecting your rental car, give it a thorough inspection. Make sure every single existing scratch and dent is recorded by the rental company before leaving.
• Choosing the “compact” smaller-car option is better, as some of Portugal’s southern roads really slim down!

• Duration: 4 hrs

Making the journey from Lisbon to Algarve by bus is your cheapest option. With buses, you’re less likely to need a second travel method, unless you want to get to a few further areas in the Algarve. Set aside a minimum of 4 hours, even for direct buses with no transfers.

Buses start running as early as 00:15 and run as late as 23:00. There are over 48 available bus trips each day, which is conveniently frequent. Websites like Flixbus offer bus tickets from Lisbon to Lagos beginning as low as USD 8. A few cheaper bus tickets are available to Albufeira, the next major city in the Algarve region, starting at USD 5 per ticket.

Pro tips:

• Passengers with bags too large for overhead seat storage may be charged extra, and excess baggage can sometimes be more than the cost of the actual ticket.
• Flixbus offers the cheapest service, while Rede Expressos and Alsa offer slightly more expensive tickets. Rede and Alsa offer more reliable services in terms of Wi-Fi, charging ports, and snacks while on board.
• As the bus is your cheapest option, it’s the least reliable for comfort in your travel experience. Check carefully the amenities your bus service offers, choosing higher-class makes this more reliable.

• Duration: 3 hrs

Traveling by train is a well-rounded choice, factoring in time, cost, and the chance of scenic country views while you ride. Portugal’s flagship Pendolino high-speed trains run directly from Lisbon to Faro in the south of the Algarve in only 3 hours. There’s also the Intercidades train service which arrives in just over 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Those traveling by train can expect to pay a fare of USD 30 to 50, with the cheaper options usually coming from the Alfa Pendular (Pendolino) high-speed train service. Overall, the train is a solid option for travelers who want to go specifically from Lisbon to the Algarve and is an option that is as easy as it is beautiful.

Pro tips:

• Uber and other rideshare app services are readily available and affordable when arriving in the Algarve region. If you arrive by train, rideshare apps can get you anywhere you need to go.
• Most of the Alfa Pendular train services offer power sockets and wi-fi for the ride’s duration, perfect if you need to work on something while on the go.
• On direct trains, comfy seating is available, with convenient access to basic amenities like toilets, wash facilities, and power outlets (great news if you’re traveling with kids).
• Both Lisbon's Oriente and Entrecampos stations arrive at Faro station in the Algarve, so choose the station nearest to you.

While it is not difficult to get to the Algarve from Lisbon on your own, arranging transportation, transfer, tours and accommodations can be daunting if you are traveling with a young family or doing it solo. Consider joining a group tour to the Algarve or taking a private trip to take the hassle of planning out of the holiday. Our local travel experts can also help you design custom tour to Portugal.