Airport Accessibility In Lagos, Portugal: What's The Deal?

Lagos, Portugal, is a vibrant city with stunning cliffs and beaches. The nearest international airport to Lagos is Faro Airport, which is about 90km away. Travellers can reach Lagos from the airport by bus, train, or car. The bus is the most cost-effective option, with tickets costing around €5.85, while the train offers picturesque views of the Algarve landscape along the way. Travellers can also rent a car at the airport and drive to Lagos, taking the A22 highway or the N125 for a slightly longer but toll-free route.

Transport options from Faro Airport to Lagos

Yes, there is an airport in Faro, Portugal, which is the closest international airport to Lagos. It is situated about 90 km from Lagos and there are several transport options available to make the journey between the two. Here are some transport options to consider when planning your trip from Faro Airport to Lagos:

By Car:

The most convenient option is to rent a car at the airport and drive to Lagos. The journey typically takes about an hour via the A22 highway. Car rental services are available at the airport from various companies, including international and local providers. This option provides flexibility and convenience, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas during your stay in Lagos.

By Bus:

There are direct bus services available from Faro Airport to Lagos. The bus journey takes approximately two hours. Check the latest schedules from bus companies such as Eva Transportes, which is the main operator for this route. The bus stop is usually located outside the arrivals hall. Tickets can be purchased online or at the bus station.

By Train:

Taking the train involves a transfer in Faro city centre and a change of train stations. First, you need to take a bus or a taxi from Faro Airport to Faro Train Station (Faro Railway Station or Estação Ferroviária de Faro). From there, you can take a train to Lagos Train Station. The total travel time, including the transfer, can vary from two to three hours, depending on connections. The train offers a scenic journey along the coast. Tickets can be purchased at the train station or through the Portuguese railway website.

By Taxi or Rideshare:

Consider taking a taxi or using ridesharing services like Uber or Bolt. The journey by taxi usually takes about an hour and offers a direct transfer. Taxis are readily available at the designated taxi rank. Ridesharing services can be requested through their respective apps, offering alternative options for your travel needs.

When planning your journey, check the latest schedules and information from official sources. Consider luggage requirements and your preferred balance between cost and speed. Each transport option has its advantages, so choosing the one that suits your preferences will ensure a smooth arrival in Lagos.

How to get to Faro Airport from Lagos

The nearest international airport to Lagos, Portugal, is Faro Airport, which is 92km or 91km to the east of Lagos. Here are some options for travelling between the two:

By Bus

The bus is a cost-effective option for getting from Faro Airport to Lagos. The journey typically takes around 2-2.5 hours and costs $8-$20 or €12. EVA Transportes and Rede Expressos offer regular services, with departures four or five times a day. The number 16 bus connects the airport with central Faro, and there are departures every 30-50 minutes. The fare is €2.35. From there, you can take an EVA service to Lagos. Alternatively, you can take the express bus service from Faro bus station to Lagos (route 57), which takes 1 hour 50 minutes.

By Train

You can also take a train from Faro to Lagos for a scenic journey. This option will cost you €7.50 and the trip usually takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours. Once you’ve arrived at Faro Airport, take a taxi, bus or Uber to the nearby Faro train station. From there, you can catch a train operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP) directly to Lagos.

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing App

Taking a local taxi from the airport to Lagos is a hassle-free option, but it will be more expensive. The journey takes around 1 hour and costs approximately €85-110. Ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt are also available, and you can book these at the airport using the free Wi-Fi. However, be aware that there may be very high demand for these services during peak season.

By Private Transfer

A private transfer is the fastest method of travelling from Faro Airport to Lagos, and it's especially convenient if you have a driver waiting for you at the airport. This option will cost around €80-90. The best-regarded transfer company in the Algarve is Yellow Fish.

The cost of travelling to Lagos from Faro Airport

The nearest international airport to Lagos, Portugal, is Faro Airport, located 92km to the east of Lagos. There are various options for travelling from Faro Airport to Lagos, each with different associated costs.

Taxi

Taking a local taxi from the airport to Lagos is a straightforward option, with the journey taking around one hour in normal traffic conditions and costing approximately €85. Taxis in Faro have a good reputation for their quality of service, and most drivers use luxury vehicles. However, it is worth noting that taxi fares are calculated using a taximeter system, so your fare may vary depending on factors such as the distance to your final destination, the type and size of the vehicle, tolls, the time of day, and traffic conditions. To get a fixed fare with no extra costs, you may want to consider booking an airport taxi in advance.

Private Transfer

Private transfers are another option, but they are more expensive, costing around €80. They can be booked in advance and provide a hassle-free start to your holiday, especially if you are travelling with children.

Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber or Bolt)

Using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt can be an inexpensive way to travel from the airport to Lagos, with fares ranging from €30-35. These apps allow you to know the fare before booking and are a good option when arriving late at night or during the low season when there are more drivers available. However, during peak times, there may be high demand, resulting in longer wait times to find a driver.

Bus

Taking the bus is a cost-effective option, with tickets priced between $8–20 or €12 for the Aerobus, which operates from May to October. The journey typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, and there are regular services offered by EVA Transportes and Rede Expressos. Buses are comfortable and ideal for those who prefer not to drive.

Train

The train is another option, with tickets costing €7.50. The train journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours and offers scenic views of the Algarve landscape. However, it is important to note that you will need to take a taxi, Uber, or bus from the airport to the Faro train station, which will incur additional costs.

The time it takes to get to Lagos from Faro Airport

The time it takes to get to Lagos, Portugal, from Faro Airport depends on the mode of transport chosen. The airport is about 90 kilometres (56 miles) away from Lagos and is the nearest international airport to the city.

By Taxi

Taking a local taxi from the airport to Lagos is the fastest way to get to the city. The journey takes around an hour and costs approximately €85.

By Private Transfer

A private transfer from the airport to Lagos will cost around €30-35, which is cheaper than a taxi. However, there may be high demand at peak times, which can increase waiting times.

By Bus

The bus is the cheapest way to get to Lagos from the airport, with tickets costing between $8–20 or €12. The journey typically takes around 2 hours, although some buses may take up to 2 hours and 30 minutes. There are regular services from the airport to Lagos, with buses departing four to five times a day.

By Train

To get to Lagos by train, you must first take a taxi, bus, or Uber from the airport to the Faro train station. From there, you can catch a train to Lagos, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The entire journey, including the transfer to the train station, will take around 2 hours and cost less than €10.

By Shuttle

The fastest way to get from the airport to Lagos is by shuttle, which takes 56 minutes and costs $15–18.

Transport options to Lagos from Lisbon

Lagos, Portugal, is a city on the country's southern coast, in the Algarve region. It does not have an airport. However, it is easily reachable from Lisbon, the country's capital, by several means of transport. Here are some options for travelling between the two cities:

By Car

Driving is the fastest way to get to Lagos from Lisbon, with the journey taking approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to 3 hours via the A2 motorway. The distance between the two cities is roughly 186 to 189 miles (300 km). While car rentals in Portugal are affordable, especially when booked in advance or during the low season, there are toll roads along the route, which can be expensive. Additionally, driving in Lisbon can be challenging due to heavy traffic and limited parking. However, having a car in Lagos can be advantageous for exploring the region.

By Bus

Taking the bus is a cost-effective and convenient option for travelling between Lisbon and Lagos. Rede Expressos offers direct bus services from Lisbon to Lagos, with buses departing hourly and the journey taking approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours and 45 minutes. Tickets typically range from $7 to $21 for a one-way trip. The main departure station in Lisbon is Lisboa Sete Rios. It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during the peak season, to secure the fastest route and the best rates.

By Train

Taking the train is another option for travelling between Lisbon and Lagos. However, there is no direct train service, and a transfer is required at Tunes. The total journey time, including transfers, ranges from 3 hours and 45 minutes to 4 hours and 32 minutes. Second-class tickets typically cost around €22-24, and it is recommended to book them in advance through the Comboios de Portugal website. The train journey offers scenic views of the Portuguese countryside and extra space and comfort compared to the bus.

By Plane

While there is no direct flight between Lisbon and Lagos, it is possible to fly into Faro International Airport, which is a 45-minute direct flight from Lisbon. From Faro Airport, it is approximately a 1-hour drive or a 1 hour and 50 minutes to 2 hours by bus to Lagos.

Frequently asked questions