Transportation from Lisbon Airport (LIS) to the Algarve
Traveling from Lisbon Airport to the sunny Algarve region is a well-trodden path with several convenient options to suit every budget and travel style. Whether you prefer the speed of a train, the economy of a bus, or the directness of a flight, this guide will walk you through the best ways to begin your journey south.
Most routes will require a short transfer from the airport to Lisbon’s main transportation hub, Oriente Station.
Getting from Lisbon Airport to Oriente Station
Oriente Station (Estação do Oriente) is Lisbon’s primary hub for long-distance trains and buses. It is located just a few kilometers from the airport, and getting there is quick and easy.
Metro: The fastest and most cost-effective method is the Metro. Take the Red Line (Linha Vermelha) directly from the Aeroporto station inside the airport. The journey to Oriente is only three stops and takes less than 10 minutes. You will need to purchase a reusable Viva Viagem card and load it with a single fare.
Taxi or Ride-Sharing: A taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber or Bolt will be the most direct option. The journey takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic, and offers a convenient door-to-door transfer if you have a lot of luggage.
Buses from Lisbon to Algarve
Taking a long-distance bus is an excellent and economical option for reaching the Algarve. The bus terminal is part of the Oriente Station complex, making for an easy transfer.
Main Bus Companies: Major operators like Rede Expressos and Flixbus run numerous daily services from Lisbon to various cities across the Algarve, including Faro, Lagos, Albufeira, and Portimão. The journey typically takes between 3 to 4 hours depending on which city you are heading to.
Booking and Costs: Buses are modern and comfortable, often equipped with Wi-Fi and charging ports. It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance online through the company’s official website or app, especially during peak tourist season, to secure your seat and find the best prices.
Bus routes also depart from the Sete Rios station, but Oriente is often more convenient.
Trains from Lisbon to Algarve
The train offers a fast, scenic, and comfortable way to travel to the Algarve. All long-distance trains are operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP) and depart from Oriente Station.
Alfa Pendular (AP): This is the high-speed, premium service and the fastest way to reach the Algarve by train, taking just under 3 hours to reach Faro. The AP offers superior comfort, a bar car, Wi-Fi, and spacious seating.
Intercidades (IC): The Intercity service is slightly slower than the AP, taking about 3.5 hours to Faro, but is also more affordable. It still provides a high level of comfort for a relaxing journey.
Destinations and Booking: Both trains travel to main stations in the Algarve like Faro, Loulé, and Tunes. From these stations, you can connect to regional trains or buses to reach other destinations. Booking tickets on the CP website or app well in advance can result in significant discounts of up to 65%.
Flights from Lisbon to Algarve
For travelers short on time, flying is the fastest way to get from Lisbon to the Algarve.
TAP Air Portugal operates direct flights between Lisbon (LIS) and Faro (FAO), with a flight time of only about 45 minutes.
While this is the quickest option from airport to airport, be sure to factor in the additional time needed for check-in, security, and onward travel from Faro Airport to your final destination.
Car Rentals in Lisbon
Renting a car at Lisbon Airport offers the ultimate freedom to explore the Algarve at your own pace. The drive south is straightforward via the A2 motorway and typically takes between 2.5 to 3 hours.
All major international and local car rental agencies have desks in the arrivals hall.
For added convenience, many companies like Sixt allow for one-way rentals, letting you pick up the car in Lisbon and drop it off in an Algarve city for an extra cost.
Remember that the A2 is a toll road, so it is important to factor that into your travel budget.
