Lisbon to Faro Day Trip: Transportation Options Explained

Have you enjoyed your time in Lisbon, but are itching for a day trip to Faro and the Algarve region? Lucky for you there are a few ways you can make that happen!

Having made the trip myself on a couple of occasions I can give you a full report on how to best make this day trip!

Whether you’re interested in scenic train rides, efficient bus routes, or even an Algarve road trip, I’ll guide you through all your options!

Is a Day Trip to Faro Worth It From Lisbon?

YES! Because Faro is on the small side, it is absolutely worth making it a day trip!

If you aim to arrive early you can cover a lot of ground and return to Lisbon having felt that you saw the best of what Faro has to offer!

And start your trip off right by downloading all the essential travel apps for Portugal!

Where is Faro Located?

Faro is located in Southern Portugal, in the region called the Algarve. This small and picturesque city is a good place to base yourself when exploring the pristine beaches and charming nearby villages in the area.

The Distance from Lisbon to Faro

The distance between Lisbon and Faro is approximately 278 kilometers (about 173 miles) if you drive.

Depending on traffic, the journey will take an average of 2.5 to 3 hours by car.

If you are taking the train or bus the travel time might be slightly longer, but it’s a comfortable way to make the trip.

How to Get From Lisbon to Faro

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Option #1. Lisbon / Faro Train Route ?

The most convenient and stress-free way to make a day trip down to Faro is by train.

There is a high speed that will get you there in 3 hours and a slightly longer route that takes 3.5 hours.

There are 2 main stations in Lisbon where the train goes to Faro, Santa Apolonia and Oriente.

➡️ Santa Apolonia is located in the old town of Lisbon and is a smaller station with only a few tracks.

➡️ Oriente is located outside the city center, but reachable by Metro. It is a very large station with multiple tracks.

PRO TIP: If large transit stations tend to overwhelm you, or if you are traveling solo in Lisbon, you might prefer to depart from Santa Apolonia. ?️ GET TRAIN TICKETS

Option #2. Drive From Lisbon to Faro ?

Another way to get to Faro is by taking a road trip from Lisbon through the Algarve. You can expect the drive from Lisbon to Faro to take around 2.5 – 3 hours depending on traffic.

You’ll mainly be travelling on the A2 highway, which connects Lisbon to the Algarve region. And then you will follow the A22 highway (also known as the Via do Infante), which runs across the Algarve region towards Faro.

Be aware that the A2 is a toll road. The toll fees can vary, so its a good idea to confirm the latest rates before you set off.

You can also expect tolls on the A22! These tolls are collected electronically by a system that takes a photo of the license plate.

If you are renting a car, the rental agency can provide you with options on how to pay these tolls. A popular oºtion is pre-paid toll service, which I would recommend.

Or you can pay at a post office or a payshop agent within a few days of passing through the toll. (But who wants to hassle with that!?)

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Option #3. Bus To Faro From Lisbon

The cheapest way to get to Faro is by bus! Tickets are as low as €16! The bus goes to Faro from the main station in Lisbon, Oriente.

The first bus leaves Lisbon at 10:30 in the morning and the last leaves at 23:00. These routes are direct, and take on average around 3 hours 33 minutes.

Find bus tickets to Faro with Omio!

Option #4. Private Faro Day Tour From Lisbon

If you rather leave all the details up to someone else you can book a PRIVATE day tour that leaves from Lisbon to Benajil, Faro, Portimao, and Sagres.

This private tour guides you to all the essential sights across the Algarve, beginning in Lisbon for a 12-hour journey.

Your driver will escort you in a comfortable, air-conditioned car that accommodates up to four people.

Check rates & availability for a private tour to Faro!

Tips for A Smooth Journey

1. Book in Advance: If you are traveling in the off-season (November through March) it is less of a necessity, but any other time, book ahead! Plus, I find better deals when I book in advance.
2. Check the Weather: The weather in Portugal is typically sunny in the summer, especially in the summer, but don’t forget to check. I wouldn’t want to visit the Faro or any beaches in the Algarve in rainy conditions.
3. Pack Light but Wisely: Since you are just doing a day trip, you won’t need much. I would have the essentials on hand, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and comfortable shoes.
4. Early Start: To make the most of your day in Faro, you should start your day by 7am. This way you will have a full day before returning to Lisbon.

Personal Insights and Recommendations

• Favorite Spots: The best places to visit on your Faro itinerary include: Old Town of Faro, Faro Cathedral, Ria Formosa Natural Park, Capela dos Ossos (Bone Chapel), Arco da Vila.
• Navigating Faro: Faro is easy to get around by foot! If you take the bus or train to the main station it’s only a short 8-minute walk to the center of the town!
• Restaurants to Try: Faro is known for it’s seafood and shellfish! I recommend eating at Á do Pinto and 2 Irmãos!
• Safety Tips: During my visit to Faro, I encountered no safety concerns. It’s important to follow basic safety measures, like not leaving your belongings unattended.

PRO TIP: If you are short on time, but want to see all of Faro, consider doing a Tuk-Tuk tour! It will take you to all the cool spots in Faro, and you will learn some history of the city!

What’s Next?

If you want to extend your stay, Faro is a great place to base yourself! There are several day trips from Faro you can make. Nearby Tavira is something to consider, it’s an interesting and lesser-known destination to visit!

If the weather is good, you should make a plan to visit the Ria Formosa! This natural park is known for its unique landscapes, lagoons, and a haven for wildlife, especially birds.

It’s a beautiful area to explore, especially for nature lovers.

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