How do we get to the Algarve

The Best ways to arrive in the Algarve

If you have found an Algarve Property you are interested in and would like to arrange a visit here are the alternatives to get here.

The number one choice has to be flying!

Obviously, the first and easiest way to reach the Algarve is by plane. With regular flights from the UK and most European cities, the Algarve is very accessible to everyone. The best airport to fly to is Faro, alternatives within 2 hour drive include Lisbon other options include Seville and Jerez de la Frontera in Spain.

There are direct flights to Faro from most UK airports with Ryanair, Easyjet, British Airways, Tui, BA City Flyer, Wizz Air UK and Qatar Airways. Most are reasonably priced apart from during the school holidays of course! In winter flights can be picked up for as little as £10 with Ryanair!

If you are thinking of arriving from other European destinations then you also have a huge choice with most airports providing direct flights. You can find the full list on the official Faro Airport website.

How long does it take to fly to the Algarve?

Obviously flight times vary from each location but being pretty central the longest flight time is approximately 4 hours from Warsaw. Flight from UK locations are for instance around 2 and half hours from London and up to 3 hours to Glasgow. Making the Algarve a great place to set up either a new home or a holiday home.

What about the alternative?

Other modes of transport include driving, again there are many routes for ferry crossings and of course the channel tunnel route.

The ferry from Dover to Calais only takes 90 minutes, whereas from Southampton or Plymouth down to Santander or Bilbao it takes between 20-30 hours depending on the operator and starting point. The most popular carrier would be Brittany Ferries and prices range from £240-400 depending on the season.

How long does it take to drive?

Once across the channel the drive down from Calais take around 20 hours, so unless you have 2 drivers you should calculate for a stopover halfway. From Santander or Bilbao, it takes around 10 hours so quite doable in one day. Whichever route you decide the drive down is quite enjoyable and passes through some beautiful locations along the way.

If you are already in Europe driving to the Algarve is pretty straight forward and you can find excellent highways from most destinations. As you cross through country borders making sure you have all your personal documents is a must.

Driving would obviously be your preferred mode of transport when you make your move to your new Algarve home in the sun. It’s surprising how much you can fit in the boot of your average car! If you are bringing pets across again this could be the way to go. 

Can you catch a train or bus to the Algarve?

Another less relaxing journey would be to take the train from the UK to Faro via Lisbon. The trip takes between 30-40 hours for a distance of 1200 miles and costs around £150. However, you would be able to take quite a lot of luggage for no extra cost! Another option is by train to Huelva in Spain then a bus from there to Faro which takes around the same amount of time.

There is also a night bus from London to Faro which surprisingly take around the same time as the train. Not sure I could be stuck in the same seat for 40 hours on either of those journeys!