In 2025, the number of passengers using Faro Airport was around 10 million and many of them headed west to their final destination, Lagos. When you have just booked your holiday in the Algarve and now you need an efficient, safe and not too expensive way to get from Faro airport to Lagos and here is your answer that will answer all your questions!
The short answer: Lagos is about 90 km from Faro Airport (FAO) and it takes about an hour to get there by road following the A22 motorway. Access to it is by private transfer, taxi, public bus, train or rental car. Let’s take a closer look at each and discuss the 2026 real prices that you can expect to pay for these items.
How far is Lagos from Faro Airport?
Faro airport is about 90 kilometres (56 miles) away from Lagos. The A22 is the toll motorway that winds through the length of the Algarve, and can be done in 55-70 minutes by private car. Most people still use the A22 as it is free to drive through a number of towns bringing in traffic.
Quick answer: The distance between Faro and Lagos is ~1 hour drive or ~90 km. The train/bus must be used to reach the city centre of Faro, which is not located at Faro airport.
What are the transport options from Faro to Lagos?
There are five realistic ways of travelling. Let’s take a look at their pricing, time and convenience.
| Option | Approx. cost (2026) | Travel time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | €80–€90 per vehicle | 55–70 min | Families, groups, door-to-door comfort |
| Metered taxi | €85–€110 per car | ~60 min | Last-minute arrivals, small groups |
| Uber / Bolt | €50–€60 per car | ~60 min | Budget-conscious app users (subject to availability) |
| Aerobus 56 (direct) | €12–€17 | 1h 55m | Solo travellers in summer (May–Oct) |
| Train (via Faro city) | €8–€8.10 + transfer | 1h 45m + connection | Scenic, low-season travel |
Prices are based on verified operator and guide information from 2026 and may not include any supplements for the peak season unless stated. A private car costs less per person than 3 or 4 bus or train tickets, but more per person than 4 tickets for a car.
Is there a direct bus from Faro airport to Lagos?
Yes. There is one direct public bus which is the Aerobus 56 run by the regional transport company, Vamus. It is mostly in operation from May to October, the trip takes about 2 hours and the cost of the ticket is €12 to €17 for a one-way fare. The drawback is that the departures are not often and the final one is not until early evening, so it’s not a possibility for those who are late.
Of course you can also avoid the timetable hunt, and choose our private transfers from Faro airport to Lagos, as based on flight time and not on a fixed timetable.
Can I take a train from Faro airport to Lagos?
Not directly. The town of Faro doesn’t have a train station. The easiest way to reach the train station is by bus from the terminal to the Faro city station which is about 6 km away. You can get there on the number 16 bus (around €2.80, every 30 to 50 minutes) or a short taxi ride (€10–€15). Regional trains Comboios de Portugal (CP) leave from Faro station for Lagos and take about 1 hour 45 minutes, costing about €8.10, the last one leaving at about 20:50.
The train is quite a nice ride and it is not costly during the “low season” when the Aerobus does not operate (Nov-April). But the catch is, of course, the two-way haul of bags and a lengthy flight, tired families don’t want.
How much is a taxi from Faro airport to Lagos?
The official taxi rank outside arrivals will have a fare of €85 to €110 for the circa 90 km journey and a rate of 20% more for night fares (approx. 9pm to 6am). No booking is necessary with taxis but during busy summer months, it can be a long wait to get a taxi from the rank. There are also no fixed rates and a metered that ticks away through the busy holiday season can be a surprise!
Uber and Bolt services are available in the Algarve and typically provide a cheaper fares than taxis around €50–€60 per car. One of the well known quirks: Availability will be less predictable at Faro airport than on the return leg to the airport, as app drivers will refuse and/or cancel pick-ups.
Why choose a private airport transfer to Lagos?
Most international visitors from the USA, Canada, UK and elsewhere in Europe opt for a pre-booked private transfer at the start of their vacation. No queues, no strangers, no additional stops – you are met in the arrivals hall and your driver is able to keep track of your flight.
The cost of a private transfer from Faro airport to Lagos in 2026 is around €80-€90 per car (in advance). Let’s see why it has a tendency to outperform on value:
- Fixed pricing. The price you see is the price you pay, tolls included, regardless of traffic.
- Flight tracking. If your flight is delayed, your driver waits at no extra cost.
- Family-friendly. Free child seats and booster cushions are available on request, and a minibus carries up to eight people for less per head than multiple taxis.
- English-speaking local drivers. Helpful with luggage and full of tips for your stay.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before travel.
Our dispatch guys’ handy tip is to make your reservation 2 months in advance you will get the best prices and always reserve from a licensed operator. There is a typically a 10-15% additional cost, which is usually taken from the hotel price by hotels or third party resellers.
When you’re ready, you can get a quote for your Faro to Lagos car hire in mere minutes, or send us a message on WhatsApp and receive a quick quote!
What about nearby towns and beaches?
Lagos centre is not in the main area of the Algarve, it’s in the west. It’s going to be the same ride that takes you by very popular beaches such as Praia da Luz, Praia Meia, Burgau and Praia Salema, all of which will be commented on. For those staying in the rest of the western Algarve, or in Luz itself, a private car is also a more beneficial service to be hired, especially when public transport becomes less frequent outside of Lagos.
Tips for a smooth arrival at Faro Airport
Here are some of the things that seasoned travellers to the Algarve do which you may not:
- Pre-book before you fly. Arranging your transfer in advance removes the single biggest arrival stress and locks in a better rate.
- Plan for night arrivals. After about 8 pm, buses and trains thin out fast. A booked transfer is often the only stress-free choice.
- Have your accommodation address ready. It speeds up drop-off, especially in villa and resort areas.
- Check luggage allowances if you are bringing golf clubs, surfboards, or a pushchair, and tell your provider in advance.
Those who don’t want to do a comparison, but want to know the difference in cost and comfort, may find our tips on Faro airport taxi vs private transfer helpful.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the most economical flight from Faro airport to Lagos?
Solo travellers can take the train (around €8.10) or the Aerobus (from €12 which is also longer). They may provide better value for money for groups of three or more than multiple public tickets.
How long does it take to transfer?
Approximate distance of 55-70 minutes by car or taxi and nearly 2 hours by bus/train including connections.
Is there a late night transfer possible?
Public transport operates primarily during the day, but there are also 24/7 licensed private transfer companies. This is the best choice for late night use.
Are you offering a return transfer from Lagos to Faro airport?
Yes. We make the return airport transfers without hassles and make your travel away go as smoothly as your travel to the airport.
Planning more than just the airport run?
Your holiday in the west Algarve isn’t just about getting to your hotel. After settling in, you can enjoy a relaxed day out with the same local team to take you to Cape St. Vincent, Sagres and to the coastal villages. Take a look at the private tours from Lagos to Sagres or other Algarve tours to maximize your holiday, or check out our Lagos tour guide to get ideas for your trip.
The bottom line
Once you know the alternatives, getting from Faro airport to Lagos is easy. If you have time to spare and can travel by train, or even Aerobus, then you will have no cause for concern. If you’re thinking about comfort, speed and a stress-free start, then a private transfer, particularly for families, groups and late night arrivals, is the better option.
Lagos Transfers & Tours is a fully licensed Algarve operator (RNAVT 10239) with English-speaking local drivers, fixed pricing, flight tracking, and a 5.0 Google rating. You can check our reviews and location on our Google Business profile, book online, or message us on WhatsApp for a quote within minutes.
