Getting to the Algarve
Faro Airport (FAO) is the Algarve's only commercial airport, with direct flights from most major European cities. Drive times from the airport to property locations vary from 10 minutes (Faro) to over an hour (Aljezur, Alcoutim). Accessibility matters for rental yield: properties closer to the airport are easier for guests to reach.
Faro Airport (FAO)
Location
37.014N, 7.966W
Annual passengers
~9 million
Direct connections
100+ European routes
Year-round flights from London (multiple airports), Manchester, Dublin, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels and most Scandinavian capitals. Seasonal routes expand significantly from April to October.
Drive times from Faro Airport
Estimated drive times based on typical road conditions via the A22 motorway and main roads. Actual times vary with traffic, particularly in summer.
| Municipality | Distance | Drive time | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faro | 3 km | ~3 min | Central |
| Olhão | 11 km | ~11 min | East |
| Loulé | 15 km | ~15 min | Central |
| São Brás de Alportel | 17 km | ~17 min | East |
| Albufeira | 27 km | ~27 min | Central |
| Tavira | 31 km | ~32 min | East |
| Lagoa | 45 km | ~46 min | Central |
| Silves | 46 km | ~48 min | Central |
| Castro Marim | 51 km | ~53 min | Far east |
| Portimão | 53 km | ~54 min | West |
| Vila Real de Santo António | 53 km | ~54 min | Far east |
| Monchique | 62 km | ~64 min | West |
| Lagos | 63 km | ~65 min | West |
| Alcoutim | 67 km | ~69 min | Far east |
| Aljezur | 81 km | ~84 min | West |
| Vila do Bispo | 84 km | ~87 min | West |
Transport options
Car hire: essential for most property viewings. All major rental companies operate from Faro Airport. Book in advance during summer. The A22 motorway runs the full length of the Algarve coast.
Transfers: private transfers from Faro Airport to any Algarve location can be pre-booked. Typical cost: EUR 30-80 depending on distance.
Train: the Algarve rail line runs from Lagos to Vila Real de Santo Antonio via Faro, with stops at most coastal towns. Useful but infrequent (roughly hourly).
Bus: Vamus Algarve operates regional bus services connecting all municipalities. Coverage is better on the coast than inland.
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