How to Get from Porto to Algarve

The distance between Porto and Algarve is 345 miles (555 km), stretching down the length of Portugal. There are several ways to get between the two cities, and for most visitors, the train is the best choice. For travelers on a tight schedule, flying is the quickest option, saving approximately two hours of travel time. 

Traveling by car along the A1 highway allows for the freedom to sightsee on the trip as there are several worthwhile stops along the way, including the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Nature Park and the city of Coimbra. 

Once you arrive in the Algarve, consider taking a week-long exploration of the region via their cuisine.  More active tourists may enjoy rock climbing, surf lessons, and afternoon sailing with the Adventure in the Algarve tour. 

By Train

Duration: 5.5 hours

Two trains per day cover the distance between Porto and Faro, and the journey takes approximately 5 and a half hours. The train departs from Vila Nova De Gaia-Devesas and arrives into the Faro Station. 

For ease of travel, be sure to take a direct trip as some trains have a change in the Oriente Station in Lisbon. The changeover times vary between 10 to 40 minutes, so it’s not enough to explore Lisbon. If you’d like to take advantage to visit Lisbon briefly while en route to the Algarve you can buy two separate train tickets to allow for a mini day trip in Lisbon. 

By Car

Duration: 5 hours, more with stops

A car journey between the two cities will take roughly 5 hours, and is a fairly uncomplicated route. You’ll follow the A1 highway for 170 miles (273 km) before changing onto the A2 Highway for another 100 miles (160 km). 

Along the way, you’ll pass near the town of Fátima, a popular site for religious travelers making pilgrimages. There you can visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima which includes several basilicas and chapels. Or enjoy the city of Coimbra, nestled into the hills and overlooking the Mondego River. For a refreshing stop, take a walk in the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Nature Park which has several easy walking trails and is open to visitors. 

By Plane

Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes 

Nonstop flights are available from the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto to Faro International Airport and they take roughly 1 hour and ten minutes. However, when you factor in the time needed to get in and out of both airports, the train is a far better option, with the added bonus of scenery along the route! 

By Bus

Duration: 8 hours, more with overnight service

The bus is the longest option for the trip. Buses depart the 24 de Agosto Station in Porto several times per day, arriving nearly 8 hours later in the Faro Station. During high season, there is an additional overnight service operating along the same route, but the trip is nearly 10 hours.