How to Get Around Algarve

Faro International Airport, on the coast just west of Faro, is the Algarve's main air gateway, handling more than 10 million passengers in 2025, mostly seasonal tourist traffic from northern Europe. The Algarve railway line, operated by CP (Comboios de Portugal), runs along the coast connecting Lagos in the west through Faro to the Spanish border in the east, with regional and intercity services linking to Lisbon.

A car offers the most flexibility for reaching the western capes around Sagres, the Serra de Monchique's mountain villages, and smaller, less-developed beaches away from the rail line and main bus routes. Buses connect most towns along the coast, though service to inland and western destinations is less frequent. Visitors from outside the EU can drive on a valid home licence for a limited period; an International Driving Permit is recommended alongside it.

By air. Faro International Airport is the main gateway, with seasonal charter and budget-airline routes from across northern Europe alongside year-round scheduled services.

By train. The Algarve line (CP) runs along the coast from Lagos through Faro to Vila Real de Santo António near the Spanish border, with connections north to Lisbon.

By car. Essential for the western capes (Sagres, Cape St. Vincent), the Serra de Monchique, and smaller beaches off the main rail corridor; the A22 motorway runs the length of the region.

Within towns. Faro, Lagos, Silves and Tavira all have walkable historic centres; local buses connect nearby beaches and villages.