How to get from Faro to Lagos, Portugal
Many people visiting the Algarve in Portugal end up flying into Faro airport or arriving at Faro train station from Lisbon and then needing to figure out how to get from Faro to Lagos if they’ve decided to stay in Lagos instead or want to take a day trip from Faro to Lagos.
Faro Airport has plenty of cheap international flights and is served by many budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air and others who fly to Faro.
Getting from Faro to Lagos is easy and there are many ways to go about it.
From renting a car and driving yourselves to getting the train or bus or arranging a transfer from Faro airport to Lagos, I’ve covered all the details you need to know including costs, travel time and how to book to give you a safe, hassle-free journey between Faro and Lagos in Portugal.
Read more: Check out the best kayaking tours in Lagos here
Table of Contents
Driving from Faro to Lagos
- Average price: €20 (incl. tolls and petrol)
- Average time: 1 hour
- Where to rent a car: Rent through DiscoverCars or RentalCars. I use both to find the best deals.
If you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to reach Lagos from Faro, hopping in a car is your best bet.
You can easily rent a car from either the airport in Faro or from one of the providers just outside the airport if you’re already in Faro.
Most companies outside the airport will offer a shuttle service from the airport to their office, but it’s worth checking that’s the case!
Driving from Faro to Lagos takes about an hour, making it one of the fastest options for travelling between these two towns.
Simply follow the A22 road for the entire route, and you’ll be in Lagos in no time.
As you drive, you’ll experience some cute small towns and enjoy the landscape.
Keep in mind that, like many highways in Portugal, there are automatic toll roads along this route which use a badge attached to the car’s windscreen to charge for the tolls.
Many rental car companies will offer you a flat fee for the duration of your rental which allows you to drive through the toll booths if they don’t, ask about it to avoid any excess charges.
Alternatively, you can route your mapping app to avoid toll roads which is what I ended up doing during our 2-weeks in the Algarve. Just know that there are a lot of roundabouts on these back roads and usually a bit more traffic which can slow things down though I didn’t find it an issue.
How to get from Faro Airport to Lagos
Faro airport is very close to the town of Faro (about 10-15 minutes west of it) so the way to get from the airport in Faro to Lagos is pretty much the same as above.
I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!
Faro to Lagos train
- Average price: €8 one-way.
- Average time: 1.5 hours
- Where to book train tickets: Buy in advance through Omio
There’s a bus that goes from Faro Airport to Lagos train station or you can take a taxi to the train station.
If you’ve already been in Faro for a while, then head to the town centre where you’ll find the Faro train station.
We found trains in Portugal to be pretty reliable, having used them to get around during our various day trips from Lisbon as well as to travel to the Algarve from Lisbon.
These regional trains are comfortable and you get to sit back and enjoy the changing landscapes as you enjoy your train ride.
Trains from Faro to Lagos depart throughout the day but do check the train schedule in advance to ensure the availability of desired departure times.
I like to do this through Omio as it’s often much easier than trying to figure out an unfamiliar website! I recommend booking in advance since it’s one of the most popular routes.
The Lagos train station terminal is pretty much in the centre of the town which means it’s easy to get from there to your accommodation or to head off on foot and explore some of the best things to do in Lagos.
When it comes to your return journey, just catch the same Lagos to Faro train.
Omio is a great platform for booking European and UK travel on. You can check train and bus prices and schedules and book super easily!
Private transfer from Faro Airport to Lagos
- Average price: €55 per person
- Average time: 1 hour
- Where to book: GetYourGuide
If you’re flying into Faro airport and want the easiest and most convenient way to get to Lagos, then book a private transfer from the airport to Lagos.
This way you’ll be picked up from the airport and then driven all the way to your accommodation in Lagos without having to deal with renting a car and figuring out some new roads and directions.
It’s best to book your shuttle in advance so that there’s someone waiting for you at the airport and to ensure they’re not booked up which can happen in the Algarve in summer as it’s a busy place!
You can also arrange the return journey ahead of time too to get you from Lagos to Faro airport.
Book your shuttle from Faro to Lagos here
Lagos to Faro bus
- Average price: €15 one-way.
- Average time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Where to book: Book in advance through Omio
The bus journey from Faro to Lagos is another easy and budget-friendly way to reach your destination though personally, I prefer getting the train.
If you’re already in Faro, then to catch a bus from Faro to Lagos, head to the Faro bus station (Terminal Rodoviario) which is right next to the town’s train station.
Alsa is the bus company that runs buses from Faro to Lagos and Lagos to Faro and they take around 1 hour 45 minutes but this varies depending on the number of stops and traffic.
There are daily departures and you can buy tickets online to book in advance. I definitely recommend doing this, especially if you’re travelling in summer when this route can get very busy.
The same bus also stops at Faro Airport.
As with the Lagos train station, the Lagos bus station is in the centre of town so it’s easy to head off and start exploring right away.
FAQs about how to get from Faro to Lagos Portugal
Is there a train between Faro and Lagos?
Yes, there is a train between Faro and Lagos and you can book online in advance using Omio.
How much is the train ticket from Faro to Lagos?
The price of a train ticket from Faro to Lagos is usually around €8 per person but does vary.
How much is the bus from Faro to Lagos?
The cost of a bus ticket from Faro to Lagos can vary depending on the bus company, and the time of travel, it’s usually around €15.
Is Lagos or Faro better?
Whether Lagos or Faro is better depends on personal preferences and interests. Lagos is known for its stunning coastline and picturesque scenery, while Faro offers historical charm and serves as a gateway to the Algarve region. Both cities have their unique attractions and appeal.
What is the airport for Lagos Portugal?
The airport for Lagos is Faro airport which has regular, cheap flights and getting between the two towns once you arrive in Faro is easy.
How far is Lagos from Faro?
Lagos is approximately 90 kilometres (55 miles) away from Faro, making it a relatively short distance to travel between the two destinations from Lagos Portugal to Faro.
Final thoughts on travelling from Faro to Lagos
The journey from Faro to Lagos is pretty quick and easy whichever method you decide to take including ob public transport to Lagos.
Along the way, you’ll experience some beautiful coastal landscapes and arrive in the beautiful town of Lagos in Portugal, known for its history, stunning coastline and more.
Whether you’re planning a day trip, or are basing yourself in Lagos, you’re sure to have a great time exploring this cute old town.
Last Updated on June 2, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
