Vilamoura is one of the top destinations in Portugal for those who just want to relax in the sun for a few days. It has several hotels right behind a long sandy beach, a good selection of restaurants and entertainment, and a lively nightlife. Best of all, it’s less than 30 minutes from Faro's international airport. Below is everything you need to know about how to get to Vilamoura from the airport:
Transfer from Faro Airport to Vilamoura
To go directly from the airport to your accommodation in Vilamoura, the best choice is a transfer. This (or a taxi or Uber; see below) is your only option if your flight lands in the evening (it’s always a good idea to book an early flight to guarantee more transportation options). Below is the best transfer service which will have a driver wait for you at the arrivals hall and take you right to the door of your hotel:
- Faro Airport Private Transfer to Vilamoura
Taxi or Uber from Faro Airport to Vilamoura
You’ll see taxis right outside the arrivals hall at the airport. They’re the most expensive transportation option to Vilamoura, costing over 50 or 60 euros. Uber is much cheaper (could be half the cost of a taxi). The journey should take about 30 minutes. Due to demand in the summer, you’ll probably have to queue or wait a while for a taxi or Uber. This is another reason why you should book a transfer instead, as the driver will be waiting for you.
Public Transportation from Faro Airport to Vilamoura
There is no direct public transportation from Faro Airport to Vilamoura. You have to go to the center of Faro, where there’s a bus and train station connecting to all major destinations in the region and beyond. From the airport to the bus station (or train station nearby) in central Faro, you can either take a taxi (or Uber; both taking just 10 minutes and costing about 10 euros or less) or wait for the bus. There are two buses of the local Próximo network that stop at the airport -- numbers 14 and 16. The 16 is more frequent (around every 30 or 40 minutes) and faster, reaching the station in about 20 minutes (the 14 takes 35 minutes). Tickets are purchased from the driver.
The bus from Faro’s bus station to Vilamoura is number 9, operated by Vamus. Its final destination is Albufeira, but it stops in Vilamoura in 50 minutes. There are usually about 10 departures throughout the day, at irregular intervals, on weekdays. On weekends, the frequency is reduced to just half a dozen departures. The last departure is usually at 7:15pm. This changes throughout the year, so for the current schedule, see the Vamus website linked above. Tickets are bought from the ticket office inside the station, not from the driver. There are three stops in the center of Vilamoura, including one by the marina, so you’ll most likely be within walking distance of your hotel. If it’s outside the center, you have the choice of a long walk or an inexpensive taxi or Uber. There are no trains to Vilamoura. Taking the buses from the airport to Vilamoura is only recommended if you’re on a tight budget. The entire journey can take as much as two hours or more, as you may have to wait a while for the connecting bus in Faro. The cost of a transfer isn’t much higher, so that’s the more sensible option (see above).
Driving from Faro Airport to Vilamoura
Many tourists choose to rent a car, and the different car rental companies are right outside the arrivals hall (just follow the signs). From the airport you need to head west on road N125 and then exit towards the N396, where you’ll see signs to Vilamoura. Without traffic, you can be there in less than 30 minutes. Try parking by the marina, but keep in mind that the closer you get to it and the beach, the more difficult it will be to find a spot.