FAO · The Algarve
Car hire at Faro Airport
The Algarve's only airport and the most competitive car hire market in Portugal, with dozens of local companies. Prices swing widely between winter and August.
Picking up the car
A handful of brands have desks in the arrivals hall. Most of the cheaper companies are off-site, a few minutes away by shuttle from the bus stops opposite arrivals. In high season the shuttle and the queue at the lot can take an hour, so check the company's pickup instructions and ratings before you book on price alone.
Tolls
The A22, the motorway along the Algarve, has been toll-free since 1 January 2025. You only need a toll device if you drive north to Lisbon on the A2 (which has booths) or beyond. More on tolls
Driving times from the airport
| To | Distance | Time | Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vilamoura | 25 km | 25 min | A22, free |
| Tavira | 35 km | 30 min | A22, free |
| Albufeira | 40 km | 35 min | A22, free |
| Lagos | 90 km | 1 h | A22, free |
| Sagres | 115 km | 1 h 20 | A22, free |
| Seville (Spain) | 200 km | 2 h | cross-border permission needed |
| Lisbon | 280 km | 2 h 45 | A2, tolled |
Approximate, outside rush hour.
Tips for Faro
- Many of the lowest prices come with a large excess and a high deposit. Read what is included before you compare totals.
- Driving to Seville is easy and popular, but tell the company in advance: crossing into Spain needs their permission and usually a fee.
- The coastal N125 is slow, with many roundabouts. Use the A22 for anything more than a short hop.
Other airports
Checked 2026-11-05.