Faro Airport Information

Faro International Airport is the only commercial airport in the Algarve and is located at the edge of the Rio Formosa Nature reserve, around 15 minutes drive from the centre of Faro. In 2010 over 5 million tourists travelled through Faro Airport on their way to holiday destinations across the Algarve.

There are many companies offering flights to Faro Airport including many of low cost airlines such as Ryanair, Monarch and Easyjet. Many of these airlines continue operations at Faro all year round, as the quieter winter months are popular with golfers, walkers and also pensioners who come to Faro for the mild winter climate.

Flights into Faro Airport often arrive from the sea, offering views of Algarve Resorts such as Vilamoura, Quarteira and Vale do Lobo during the descent.

Faro Airport is is not that big compared to the larger UK airports for example, and finding your way around is generally quite straight forward. There is a single termianl building, the arrivals area is to the left and the departures area to the right.

Transport Links from Faro Airport

Train Service

There is no train service at Faro Airport, but there are rail connections from Faro city centre to Lisbon, most of the major Algarve resorts and to the Spain border. The rail station is located close to Faro Marina.

Taxis

Taxis are available from Faro Airport to all the major resorts. Many taxis will only carry 4 people, so if you are travelling in a larger party you may be better to book a larger taxi or minibus transfer in advance. Prices are generally cheaper if you book in advance.

A taxi for 4 people from Faro Airport to Albufeira should cost around 35 to 40 Euros. A larger taxi will be around 45 to 50 Euros.

Buses

There is a local bus service that runs from outside the airport terminal directly to Faro city centre. The overall journey takes about 15-20 minutes and should cost around 2 Euros. The bus operators from the airport is EVA. There is more information on Faro Airport buses here.

Directions from Faro Airport

Driving from Faro to destinations along the Algarve is relatively easy. The roads are not usually busy, and once you get away from Faro itself the rush hour traffic is minimal. Traffic around Faro can be busy from around 8.30-9AM and 6-7PM.

Whether you are heading East towards Spain or West, generally it is best to head for the A22 which is signposted from the roundabout at the exit of the airport. Be carfeul if you are from the UK to give way to the left not the right!

Follow directions for Albufeira to go west or Spain (Espanha) for Tavira.

If you arrive early at the airport, or if you want to get something to eat before heading on to your destination, Montenegro is situated approximately 1 km from the airport. There are a few small cafes on Montengro high street where you can sit outside and enjoy the sun with a beer or a coffee before continuing on your journey.

Alternatively, at the Faro airport roundabout follow the signs for Praia de Faro and in 5 minutes you will be at Faro beach.

Flight arrivals/departures

Faro Airport flight arrival/departure time information.

Low Cost Flights to Faro

There are many European budget airlines operating routes into Faro Airport. In winter the number of flights reduces significantly, with many operators offering no services between November and February.

Places to Stay Close to Faro Airport

Faro Airport is located in the Montenegro district to the west of Faro. If you have an early morning/late night flight there are a few hotels close to the airport which may be an alternative to an early morning/late night drive.

The Hotel Ibis and Hotel Monaco are located in Montenegro, which is not a typical tourist destination, so most people outside the hotels won't speak English. It has a few shops including several typical Algarve Pastelarias (pastry/coffee shops), where you can sit outside and watch Algarve people going about their everyday lives.

Hotel Ibis Faro (Montenegro)

Approx. 3km from Faro Airport and within easy walking distance of Montenegro shops and the Forum Algarve (JUMBO) shopping centre. Has outdoor pool.

Tel : (+351)289/893800

Hotel Monaco (Montenegro)

Approx 2km from Faro Airport and has outdoor pool. Very reasonably priced.

Hotel Aeromar (Faro Beach)

Approx 3km from Faro Airport Hotel Aeromar is located across the road from Faro beach (follow signs for Faro beach from the Faro Airport roundabout). Ideal if you want to be in a fairly quiet location next to the sea.

The Pousada de Estoi Hotel

Approx 10 km from Faro Airport on the outskirts of Faro. The 19th century Palace of Estoi has now been into converted to a hotel. With its fantastic architecture and gardens, this is a great hotel for those seeking a quiet break.