Door-to-door times
| To | From Faro (FAO) | From Lisbon (LIS) | From Seville (SVQ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo | 20–30 min | about 3 h | 2 h 30–2 h 45 |
| Vilamoura | 25–35 min | 2 h 45–3 h 15 | 2 h 15–2 h 45 |
| Albufeira | 35–45 min | about 2 h 45 | about 2 h 45 |
| Lagos | 1 h–1 h 15 | about 3 h | about 3 h 15 |
Driving times by car in normal traffic. The western Algarve, around Lagos, is where the difference between flying into Faro and into Lisbon is smallest.
Why Faro is usually best
Faro Airport is in the middle of the Algarve coast, so the drive to your hotel is short and you start your holiday the same afternoon. Most European cities have direct flights to Faro, especially from spring to autumn.
When Lisbon makes sense
- You are flying from outside Europe and Lisbon saves you a connection.
- Flights to Lisbon are much cheaper or better timed for your dates.
- You want to spend a few days in Lisbon before heading south.
- You are staying in the western Algarve, where the extra road time is smaller.
Getting from Lisbon to the Algarve
By road it is about 260 km on the A2 motorway, around three hours to the central Algarve. Trains and coaches also run south, but you will usually need another transfer at the end to reach your resort. A private transfer takes you from the terminal to your door in one go, with a stop on the way if you want one.
What about Seville?
Seville Airport is about two and a half hours from the central Algarve and closer to the eastern end, around Tavira and Monte Gordo. Remember that Spain is one hour ahead of Portugal when you compare flight times.
Questions
Which airport is closest to the Algarve?
Faro Airport (FAO), in the middle of the Algarve coast, 20 minutes to about an hour from most resorts.
How far is Lisbon Airport from the Algarve?
About 260 km, roughly 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes by car to the central Algarve.
Is it worth flying into Lisbon for an Algarve holiday?
When it saves a connection or a significant amount on flights, or when you want to visit Lisbon first. Otherwise Faro saves about three hours each way.
Can I get a private transfer from Lisbon Airport to the Algarve?
Yes. MoreTravel drives from Lisbon Airport to any address in the Algarve, and back for your flight home.