The city of Portimão, with its famous beach of Praia da Rocha, is one of the most popular destinations in Algarve, and is where many people go to straight from the airport in Faro. It’s about 70km (45 miles) to the west and mostly attracts families, due to a number of hotels by the beach. The best way to get there is by private transfer, as the airport bus is somewhat infrequent (there are just six throughout the day). You can also go by train, but first you need to head to the train station in the center of Faro. The train stops to the north of the center of Portimão, so if you’re staying by Praia da Rocha (which is about 3km to the south) you then still have to take a taxi. Besides the transfer, you can choose to rent a car at the airport. Complete details below:
Bus and Train from Faro Airport to Portimão
Aerobus 56, operated by Vamus, departs half a dozen times from Faro’s bus station throughout the day and stops at the airport to connect travelers to the main cities – Albufeira, Lagoa, Portimão and Lagos. The stop in Portimão is the bus station, which it reaches in 1 hour and 50 minutes. If you want to go by train, which takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes, you need to go to the train station in central Faro. You can take a bus to the station (number 16 of the local “Próximo” network), which makes irregular stops at the airport throughout the day (once or twice per hour) and terminates at the bus station down the street from the train station in about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll find the bus stop outside the arrivals hall, by the taxis, and you buy your ticket from the driver. If you don’t want to wait for the bus, you can always take a taxi or Uber, which should cost between 10 and 15 euros.
Bus from Faro to Portimão
Faro’s bus station is in the city center. The bus to Portimão is number 57, operated by Vamus, which has Lagos as its final destination. Tickets are bought at the ticket office, not from the driver. Each passenger is assigned a seat, which is printed on the ticket. If you’re carrying luggage, you must store it in the compartment. The journey to Portimão takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. You should note that there are just about half a dozen departures on weekdays and only a couple on weekends, depending on the season, but this can change at any time, so you should always check the website. The bus station in Portimão is to the north of the center, so you still have to walk for about 20 minutes to most hotels. To avoid that, take a taxi (there are always taxis at the station and should cost about 10 euros, depending on how central your hotel is). There are also local buses to the city center, but with luggage you should take a taxi.
Train from Faro to Portimão
Faro’s train station is conveniently located down the road (about a 5-minute walk) from the bus station. There are about 10 trains per day that stop in Portimão, taking about 1 hour and 25 minutes. Tickets are €6.15 and bought at the station or online at cp.pt. There are no assigned seats on this train, but it’s never crowded and it has space for luggage. The train station in Portimão is about a 10-minute walk from the center, but there are also buses of the local “Vai e Vem” network. The buses that stop at the station are numbers 31, 32, and 37, and go through the town but don’t reach the beach of Praia da Rocha (if you’re staying in the center and want to head to this beach, you can take buses 11, 33 and 35). If you’re staying at a hotel by Praia da Rocha, you need to take a taxi from the station.
Taxi from Faro Airport to Portimão or Praia da Rocha
A taxi from Faro’s airport to Portimão or Praia da Rocha can cost as much as 100 euros, depending on the day (it’s more expensive on weekends) and time of day, traffic, and if you’re carrying luggage (as most tourists do). You’ll see taxis lined up right outside the arrivals hall. It’s expensive, but it’s more direct and faster than public transportation, and you can always split the cost if you’re traveling in a group (a taxi takes as many as 4 people). Uber also operates in Algarve and the cost is similar to a taxi. The journey time can be anywhere between 55 minutes and 1 hour and 15 minutes.
By Car from Faro Airport to Portimão or Praia da Rocha
The car rental offices are right outside the arrivals hall at the airport (just follow the signs). From the airport, head west on highway A22 and follow the signs to Portimão. This road has a toll, so to save a few euros, take the free N125 road instead. However, there’s often traffic on this road and it goes through several towns, making the journey longer. It’s highly recommended that you choose the A22.
Transfer from Faro Airport to Portimão or Praia da Rocha
A pre-booked transfer takes you straight to your hotel from the airport. While it may not sound cheap at first, you just may find it more affordable when you add up the cost of the car rental, tolls and gas. And when traveling in a group, it can be quite a good deal. If you want convenience, this should be your option: