Faro Airport Guide (FAO)
Visit Benagil Caves after landing at Faro Airport—the gateway to Portugal’s sunny Algarve coast. Faro International Airport (FAO) serves as the primary hub for southern Portugal, offering easy access to major resorts like Albufeira, Lagos, and Tavira.
Faro Airport is smaller and more personal than most European airports, yet it handles millions of passengers efficiently during the busy summer months. English is widely spoken, and facilities cater well to both tourists and locals.
The airport lies just 4 km west of Faro city and has excellent access to the A22 motorway (Via do Infante), connecting travelers across the Algarve.
Key Facts About Faro Airport (FAO)
- Location: 4 km west of Faro city centre
- Official name: Aeroporto Internacional de Faro (FAO)
- Airlines: TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, EasyJet, British Airways, Lufthansa, Jet2
- Annual passengers: Over 8 million during peak season
- Distance to major resorts:
- Albufeira – 45 km
- Lagos – 90 km
- Vilamoura – 25 km
- Tavira – 40 km
- Opened: 1965
- Runway length: 2,490 meters
- Airport type: Civil, managed by ANA Aeroportos de Portugal
- GPS coordinates: 37.0194° N, 7.9322° W
Forward Travel From Faro Airport
Faro Airport serves as the main gateway to southern Portugal, but it isn’t directly connected to rail or long-distance bus networks.
Travelers must first reach Faro city, located 4 km away, where bus and train services run east and west along the Algarve coastline.
- Buses: Operated by EVA Transportes, connecting the airport with Faro city in ~20 minutes.
- Trains: Depart from Faro station to Lagos (west) and Tavira (east).
- Private Transfers: Widely available, best booked online for better pricing.
- Taxis: Available outside arrivals but costly for longer trips.
- Car Hire: Major international companies operate within the arrivals hall.
Car Hire & Driving
For visitors exploring beyond the main resorts, hiring a car is the most convenient option. The A22 motorway (toll road) offers quick east–west travel. Driving around the airport area is calm and well-signposted, ideal for newcomers to Portuguese roads.
Airport Facilities
Faro Airport is compact, logically laid out, and easy to navigate. Departures and arrivals are at opposite ends of the same terminal.
Available Services:
- Free Wi-Fi (login required)
- ATMs and currency exchange desks
- Duty-free shops and pharmacies (open 5 am – last flight)
- Restaurants and cafés both before and after security
- Smoking area on the first floor, near the restaurant zone
- Tourist information desk in arrivals hall
- Car hire counters for all major brands
- Accessible facilities for passengers with reduced mobility
Tip: The biggest complaints relate to long queues at low-cost airline check-in desks. Always check in online and arrive early during summer months.
Traveler Tips For FAO
- Check in online, especially for budget airlines.
- Keep power banks ready—charging points are limited.
- Duty-free prices are higher than local supermarkets.
- English is widely spoken throughout the airport.
- Pre-book transfers or shuttles for better rates.
- Golf equipment rental is available at arrivals.
Quick Data Table: Faro Airport (FAO)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | FAO |
| Official Name | Aeroporto Internacional de Faro |
| Opened | 1965 |
| Operator | ANA Aeroportos de Portugal |
| Annual Passenger Volume | ~8 million |
| Distance to Faro City | 4 km |
| Runway Length | 2,490 m |
| Public Transport Access | Bus to Faro city |
| Car Hire Companies | Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, Goldcar |
| Main Airlines | TAP, Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2 |
| Nearby Attractions | Faro Old Town, Ria Formosa, Benagil Caves |
Faro Airport offers the perfect gateway for visitors heading to Portugal’s southern coast. Whether you’re traveling from faro airport to faro, planning a relaxing resort stay, a Benagil Cave Tour, or exploring hidden beaches, FAO ensures a smooth start and finish to your Algarve adventure.