How to Get to Lagos, Portugal
Airport transfers, trains, buses & more — written by locals who pick up guests every week.
What Is the Closest Airport to Lagos, Portugal?
If you’re searching for an airport near Lagos — good news and not-so-good news. Lagos does not have its own airport. The town is served by Faro Airport (FAO), located approximately 90km east along the Algarve coast.
Quick Answer: Closest Airport to Lagos, Portugal
Faro Airport (FAO) — 90km east of Lagos. Approx. 1h10 by car via A22 motorway (free since Jan 2025), or 2–2.5h by bus.
Faro has direct routes from most UK, German, Dutch, and Scandinavian cities. It’s the main gateway for the entire Algarve region.
No airport exists in Lagos itself. The nearest alternative is Lisbon Airport (LIS), 300km north — useful if you can’t find direct flights to Faro.
| Route | Time | Cost (approx) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faro → Car rental | 1h10 | €30–60/day | Fastest, flexible |
| Faro → Private transfer | 1h10 | €90/car | Groups, no-hassle |
| Faro → Bus | 2–2.5h | €5–10/person | Budget travellers |
| Faro → Train | ~2h | €8–12/person | Scenic, no transfers |
| Lisbon → Bus | 3.5h | €18–25/person | Budget, direct |
| Lisbon → Train | 4h | €20–35/person | Scenic, change at Tunes |
Now for the full breakdown of all five ways to reach Lagos — with the local knowledge from a team that picks up guests every week.
1. Flying Directly to Faro Airport and Transfer to Lagos
Fastest Route
The quickest and most straightforward way to reach Lagos is to fly directly to Faro Airport (Aeroporto Internacional de Faro), the main international gateway to the Algarve region. It’s well-connected with major European cities, making it a popular choice for travelers heading to Lagos. The airport can be quite packed in the summer months, so keep in mind that while planning catching buses or trains.
Once you’ve landed at Faro Airport, you’re only about 90 kilometers (56 miles) away from the sun-soaked beaches of Lagos.
- Car Rental: This is the fastest option. Rent a car directly at the airport from companies such as Sixt, Europcar, or Hertz, and in about 1 hour 10 minutes, you’ll be arriving in Lagos. The A22 motorway (Via do Infante) will be your main route, offering a smooth drive and scenic views of the Algarve countryside. Plus, with a car at your disposal, you’ll have the freedom to explore the beautiful surroundings of Lagos at your own pace. From January 2026 the motorway is free of charge — be prepared for more traffic there.
- Private transfer: If you don’t want to rent a car but want to get to Lagos as fast as possible, there is always the option of a taxi or a private transfer. This will cost you about €90 for the car — when shared with others it works out well per person. We offer transfers to the camp too — ask our office team when confirming your week.
- Bus: If you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution, the bus is your best bet. EVA Transportes and Rede Expressos offer regular services from Faro Airport to Lagos. The journey typically takes around 2–2.5 hours, and while it’s not as quick as driving, you’ll have the chance to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. Buses are comfortable and excellent for those who prefer not to drive.
- Train: Consider taking the train from Faro to Lagos for a scenic and relaxed journey. Once you’ve arrived at Faro Airport, take a taxi or bus to the nearby Faro train station. From there, you can catch a train operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP) directly to Lagos. The journey usually takes around 2 hours, and you’ll be treated to picturesque views of the Algarve landscape along the way. The train is a convenient and comfortable option, especially if you are arriving at a time when there is no direct bus to Lagos from the airport. Check the CP website for schedules and ticket information.
Remember to check the schedules of trains and buses in advance, as they might vary depending on the season.
Lagos Marina during the quieter winter months — 90km west of Faro Airport
2. Fly to Lisbon, Then by Train or Bus
Budget-Friendly Option
Landing in Lisbon can be an economical option as flights are often cheaper and come from more destinations. Once there, you have several ways to reach Lagos:
- Train: Catch a train from Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia or Oriente stations. With a journey of around 4 hours, you’ll arrive in Lagos having enjoyed some of Portugal’s scenic countryside. Unfortunately, there is no direct train; you’ll have to make a quick train change in Tunes.
- Bus: Rede Expressos offers direct buses from Lisbon to Lagos. It’s faster than the train, at around 3 hours 30 minutes. You can take a bus either from Oriente (2 metro stops) or Sete Rios (7 min by Uber). For us, it’s the most cost-efficient and comfortable way of getting to Lagos as there are buses leaving every hour, and the drive is not that exhausting.
- Car Rental: If you prefer driving, consider renting a car at Lisbon Airport from companies like Avis or Budget. The drive to Lagos takes around 3 hours via the A2 motorway, offering flexibility and the chance to make stops along the way. Note that the A2 motorway will add extra costs. If you have more time, you can take a slower but more scenic road on the west coast and stop in places like Vila Nova de Milfontes or Odemira.
So, whether you prioritize speed, comfort, or freedom, you can get from Lisbon to Lagos to start your adventure.
Do You Need a Car in Lagos?
Short answer: no, if you’re staying in the town centre. Lagos old town is walkable — restaurants, bars, shops, and the town beach are all on foot. Meia Praia beach is a short bus ride or taxi. Public transport covers the basics.
If you want to explore further afield — Sagres, Carrapateira, Benagil caves — a hire car helps and the roads are easy to drive. But for a week based in Lagos, plenty of guests manage without one.
If you’re joining us for a surf camp, we handle all beach transport. You don’t need a car.
3. Coming from Porto or Other Portuguese Cities?
If you’re flying into Porto (Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport), the most practical route is Porto to Lisbon by train (Alfa Pendular, about 2h45), then Lisbon to Lagos as above. Alternatively, Rede Expressos runs a direct Porto to Lagos coach — a longer journey at around 6–7 hours, but no changes. Worth checking Omio or Rome2rio to compare options based on your arrival time and how much you want to travel overnight versus daytime.
4. Fly to Sevilla, Spain, Then Drive or Bus
A Little Detour
Why not add some Spanish flair to your trip? Flying to Sevilla is also an option. Sometimes flights might be cheaper and more available to Sevilla than Faro, so it’s always worth considering this option. Also, who doesn’t like to pit stop for some tapas in Sevilla?
- Car Rental: For a personalized travel experience, rent a car directly at Sevilla’s airport from reputable companies such as Avis, Hertz, or Enterprise. Then, it’s an unforgettable 3-hour drive to Lagos, passing through the picturesque landscapes of Andalusia in Spain and the Algarve in Portugal. Please remember that renting a car in Spain has some extra charges if you want to cross the border.
- Bus: If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, consider taking a bus from Sevilla to Lagos. Several companies, like ALSA or FlixBus, operate this route, offering comfortable and regular services. The journey typically takes around 4–5 hours, and although it’s a bit longer than driving, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the views along the way. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to meet fellow travelers and share experiences.
5. Overland from Spain or France
The Scenic Route
If you’re already in Spain or France, think about an overland trip to Lagos. It might be longer, but you’ll get to savor the beauty of the Iberian Peninsula.
West Coast Route: Head down Portugal’s west coast, via cities like Porto and Lisbon. Stop at the surf havens of Peniche and Nazaré.
South Coast Route: Travel along Portugal’s south coast, via the Algarve’s stunning towns. Faro, Tavira and Benagil are must-visits.
You can go by car, giving you control of the pace and route. Alternatively, choose a relaxing train or bus journey, letting you enjoy the scenery.
6. Arriving in Lagos by Boat
The Adventurous Route
Feel like something a bit different? Consider a boat trip to Lagos. You could hire a private yacht, take a ferry from Spain, or even book a Mediterranean cruise that stops in Lagos. The Marina de Lagos offers excellent facilities for boats, and it’s a truly memorable way to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we hear most from guests planning their trip to Lagos.
No, Lagos does not have its own airport. The closest international airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 90km east of Lagos — about 1 hour 10 minutes by car via the A22 motorway (now free of charge since January 2025). There is no local airport serving Lagos directly.
Faro Airport (FAO) is the closest international airport — 90km east, about 1h10 by car. It serves direct routes from most major European cities. Lisbon Airport (LIS) is 300km north and is the better option if you can’t find affordable direct flights to Faro.
By car or private transfer: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes via the A22 (free since 2025). By bus: 2–2.5 hours with EVA Transportes or Rede Expressos. By train: around 2 hours — take a taxi or bus from the airport to Faro train station first. The bus from Faro Airport costs around €5–10 per person.
No direct train. You need to change at Tunes — a small junction station in the Algarve. Total journey time is around 4 hours from Lisbon. Rede Expressos buses run direct from Lisbon (Oriente or Sete Rios stations) to Lagos in about 3.5 hours and are often more convenient.
The bus is the cheapest option — around €5–10 per person with EVA Transportes or Rede Expressos. The journey takes 2–2.5 hours. If you’re a group of 3–4, a private transfer (~€70–90 for the car) often works out cheaper than 4 individual bus tickets and saves over an hour.
No. Faro Airport doesn’t have a train station. You need to get to Faro city train station first — about a 10-minute taxi or bus ride from the airport. From Faro station, trains to Lagos take around 1h40. Check current schedules on cp.pt.
Yes, but with a catch depending on direction. Leaving Lagos to the airport: Uber and Bolt are reliable and cost around €50–60 per car. Arriving at Faro Airport: it’s less straightforward. Uber/Bolt drivers at Faro Airport sometimes decline airport pickups or accept the ride and cancel. A known workaround is to walk out of the terminal to the petrol station just outside — drivers are more likely to accept a pickup there. If you want a guaranteed pickup on arrival with no stress, the private transfer (€90/car, split between passengers) is the safer option. For departures, Uber/Bolt works fine.
Planning a Trip to Lagos?
We run surf lessons, kite camps, wing foil and more — right here in Lagos. We can help arrange your transfer from Faro Airport too.
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