5 Best ways to get to Lagos, Portugal

Dreaming of Lagos, Portugal, with its jaw-dropping cliffs and sun-kissed beaches? We hear you. But what’s the best way to reach this slice of paradise without emptying your wallet or enduring an eternity on the road? Well, sit tight because we’ve got the lowdown on the top 5 ways to get to Lagos, whether you’re after the cheapest or the quickest route.

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.
• 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 70-90€ for the car when shared with others might be a good option.
• 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.

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 rois (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 on 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.

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, embark on 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.

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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.

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.