Getting around
the Algarve
Faro airport, car hire and transfers — how to arrive and move around the coast without the stress.
The short version: almost everyone flies into Faro (FAO), right in the middle of the coast. A hire car is the best way to reach the coves and villages off the bus routes; if you’d rather not drive, book a private transfer and use taxis and day tours.
Arrive & get around
The Algarve rewards a car
Coves and villages sit off the bus routes. Compare every supplier at Faro in one search — full insurance, no counter surprises.
Compare carsSkip the taxi queue
A driver waiting at arrivals, fixed price, child seats on request — the calm start to the trip.
Book a transferHow far is everything?
- Albufeira~35 min
- Vilamoura~30 min
- Tavira~40 min
- Lagos~1 hr
- Sagres~1h30
Trains, buses & taxis
A single train line and regional buses link the main towns along the coast — cheap and scenic, but slow and thin on Sundays. For beaches and villages off the line, use taxis, ride-hailing or a private transfer, and let day tours handle the trips further afield.
Common questions
Do you need a car in the Algarve?
Not essential, but it helps a lot. The best coves and villages sit off the bus routes, so a hire car gives you far more freedom — especially outside the big resort towns.
How do you get from Faro airport to the resorts?
By hire car, pre-booked private transfer, taxi, or — for the main towns — regional buses and the coastal train. Most resorts are 20–90 minutes from the airport.
Is it easy to drive in the Algarve?
Yes. Roads are good and the A22 motorway runs the length of the coast (it’s a toll road — arrange electronic tolls with your rental). Town centres and coastal lanes can be narrow and busy in summer.
Guides
When to visit the Algarve: a month-by-month guide
The sweet spot is late spring and September — here is why, and what each season feels like.
Where to stay in the Algarve: pick your base
Lagos, Albufeira, Tavira, Vilamoura or Sagres? Match the town to the trip you want.
The best beaches in the Algarve (and how to pick yours)
Cliff-backed coves, lagoon islands and wild surf — a shortlist and how to choose.
Arrive the easy way
Compare Faro car hire, or book a private airport transfer in a couple of clicks.