Arriving at a new town, specially if it’s the first stop in a foreign country, might be a bit intimidating and a traveller arrives with plenty of questions and doubts. I know that, I’ve been there. Often. So I am writing this short guide to help travellers upon arrival in Faro. Be it by plane, bus, train or car.
Arriving at Faro Airport
Faro airport is small, relatively modern and easy to deal with. As in any airport you will find here plenty of ATM machines, exchange stalls and a Vodafone shop where you can buy a Portuguese SIM card in case you may need one. Again, as in any airport there are cafes and restaurants, overpriced as always.
There are a few options to travel from the airport to the center of Faro:
- Taxi. A line of taxis awaits passengers outside the terminal. Expect to pay around 12 Euros for a trip to the center of Faro.
- Uber Cars. Usually reliable, cheaper than taxis. Just use the Uber app as you usually do and in no time you will be in Faro town.
- Bus. There are two routes connecting the airport and the center. One of them is very irregular so let’s stick to the #16. It has a stop in the airport but ending stops are the main bus terminal in the town and the beach of Faro, also known as ilha de Faro. Ticket costs 2,25 Euros, trip takes about 20 minutes. Check timetable here (PDF).
- Car rental. Those renting a car will have a wide scope of options. I recommend a major company operating fully in the airport, which means the rented car will be handled to you in the airport office, not in any far depot to which you will be transported by van. Goldcar is a good choice, considering price and quality. Not perfect though.
Arriving at Faro Bus Station
Faro bus station is right on the town’s center. In fact, it hardly could be more central. From there you can walk anywhere in town in a matter of minutes. Although most people wont require transportation if they are heading to an accommodation in town, there is usually a taxi line in front of the station.
If you are just passing through Faro, it’s probable that you will be heading to the airport, to Spain or to other town in Algarve. To move to the airport, refer to the details provided in the next section (Arriving at Faro Train Station).
Some people will be traveling to Seville. The bus to Seville doesn’t originate in Faro so you will have to wait for it in the old bus terminal. Note that there are two terminals, side by side. The old one is used mostly by long distance buses. Regional connections, let’s say, to Albufeira, depart from the small bus shelter by the street. The new terminal it’s located “next door” and it’s used for the town metropolitan area connections, including the route to the airport and to Faro’s beach.
If you will be departing by train, you will need to walk for 250 meters. As you leave the bus station, turn left and keep going until you reach the small and charming 19th century train station.
Arriving at Faro Train Station
Faro train station is an old classic building, an echo of a foregone era. Can’t say it’s impressive, specially because it’s tiny. But it definitely has its charm. It was inaugurated on the 1st July 1889 and didn’t change much since then.
Most people will arrive in the fast train from Lisbon or coming in the local train from other towns of Algarve. It really doesn’t matter: the station is quite central, a couple of minutes walking to anywhere in central Faro, where you will probably will be accommodated. You won’t need transportation unless you carry numerous and heavy luggage or have special needs.
If you are heading to the airport, you have four options:
- Take a taxi. There should be a line of taxis waiting just in front of the main building of the station. Expect to pay around 12 Euros. The trip should take no longer than 10 minutes.
- Call an Uber, which is cheaper and my personal favourite choice. Again, the trip should take no longer than 10 minutes. The time of the day doesn’t really make a big different. Rush hour is not usually significant in Faro.
- Take a bus. As you exit the station, turn right and walk about 250 meters until you reach a bus station, which you will see on your right side. The buses are white and blue, the right lane is clearly marked. It’s the route #16. You will find the timetable here (PDF). Please let me know if you find a broken link so I can fix it and help the next traveller. Ticket is bought with the driver and at the time of writing costs 2,35 Euros. The trip takes 15 to 20 minutes.
- Walk. Seriously, it’s possible. I am preparing an article with a detailed description of the hike.