Gago Coutinho International Airport · IATA: FAO

Faro Airport

Algarve · Portugal · The Complete Travel Guide

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Faro Airport — Gateway to the Algarve

Faro Airport is the gateway to the Algarve region in the south of Portugal. It is a relatively small airport containing a single terminal. In 2024 over 9,5 Million passengers used Faro Airport. The airport is especially busy during summer. This is because of the increase in tourists who throng the area to enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery. Majority of the Faro Airport traffic uses the airport between the months of May and October.

Real-time Information

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About

Faro Airport

Faro Airport (IATA: FAO), officially named Faro International Airport – Gago Coutinho, is the main gateway to the Algarve region in southern Portugal. Located just 4 km from Faro city centre, it is the third busiest airport in Portugal.

Operated by ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, the airport handles over 9.5 million passengers annually — the vast majority between May and October during the Algarve's peak tourist season.

The terminal offers modern facilities including duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental desks, currency exchange, and a wide range of passenger services.

9.5M+
Passengers / year
1965
Year established
4 km
From Faro centre
3rd
Busiest in Portugal
Faro Airport terminal
Runway
Algarve
Airport Services

Everything You Need

Faro Airport Airlines
Faro Airport Airlines

Find information about all airlines operating at Faro Airport, including routes, schedules and booking options.

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Faro Airport Hotels
Faro Airport Hotels

Find and book hotels near Faro Airport or throughout the Algarve region for an unforgettable stay.

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Faro Airport Car Hire
Faro Airport Car Hire

Search and compare car rental deals at Faro Airport. All major providers available at the terminal.

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Faro Airport Airport Taxi
Faro Airport Airport Taxi

Pre-book your taxi transfer to or from the airport at a fixed price. Professional drivers, 24/7 availability.

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At Faro Airport

Airlines

To & From the Airport

Getting There

Taxi / Transfer

The most convenient option. Pre-booking guarantees a fixed price and a driver waiting for you.

To Faro: ~10 min · €15–20To Albufeira: ~35 min · €50–65To Lagos: ~70 min · €90–110
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Bus

EVA bus line connects the airport to Faro city centre and major Algarve towns. Most economical option.

To Faro: Line 14 · 20 min · €2.35Frequency: Every 30 minHours: 07:00–23:00
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Car Hire

All major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall. Pre-booking online is always cheaper.

Location: Arrivals levelFrom: ~€25/dayTip: Book 2+ weeks ahead
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Train

The nearest train station is in Faro city centre (4 km). Take bus line 14 to the airport first.

Faro → Lisbon: ~3hFaro → Porto: ~4.5hStation: Faro Railway Station
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On-Site at FAO

Car Hire Companies

Arrivals Hall
On-site desk
Compare prices →
Arrivals Hall
On-site desk
Compare prices →
Arrivals Hall
On-site desk
Compare prices →
Arrivals Hall
On-site desk
Compare prices →
Arrivals Hall
On-site desk
Compare prices →
Arrivals Hall
On-site desk
Compare prices →
Arrivals Hall
On-site desk
Compare prices →
Off-airport shuttle
Shuttle 5 min
Compare prices →

Tip: Prices are significantly cheaper when booked 2–3 weeks in advance. Always opt for full insurance coverage.

At Faro Airport

Parking

Short Stay (P1)

Located directly in front of the terminal. Ideal for drop-offs, pick-ups and short visits under 3 hours.

€3.50 / hour
Max daily cap: €35
Medium Stay (P2)

A short walk from the terminal. Best value for stays of 1–5 days. Covered and open-air options available.

€18 / day
Covered & open-air spaces
Long Stay (P3)

Economy parking for longer trips. Free shuttle bus to terminal every 10 minutes around the clock.

€10 / day
Free shuttle · Pre-book for discount

Save up to 40% by pre-booking your parking online at least 48 hours in advance.

Inside the Terminal

Dining & Shopping

Delta Cafés
Portugal's iconic coffee brand. Espresso, pastries and light snacks. Multiple locations in departures.
Both sides
Burger King
Full menu burgers, wraps, salads and kids meals. Located in the departure lounge.
Post Security
Casa de Pasto
Traditional Portuguese sit-down restaurant with local dishes, seafood and wine.
Post Security
Duty Free by Dufry
Perfumes, spirits, tobacco, cosmetics and Portuguese souvenirs at duty-free prices.
Post Security
Relay Newsagent
Books, magazines, newspapers, snacks, travel accessories and charging cables.
Both sides
Wine & More
Curated selection of Portuguese wines, port, ginjinha and local spirits. Great for gifts.
Post Security
Passenger Services

Terminal Facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Network: "ANA Free WiFi". No registration needed.
Currency Exchange
Unicâmbio and Euronet ATMs in arrivals and departures. Better rates at city ATMs.
Special Assistance
Mobility assistance, wheelchair service and dedicated lanes. Notify your airline 48h before travel.
Baby Facilities
Baby changing rooms and a children's play area in the departures hall. Family-friendly restrooms.
ATMs
Multiple Multibanco (MB) ATMs in arrivals and departures. Most accept Visa, Mastercard and Maestro.
Left Luggage
Luggage storage available in arrivals. Lockers and staff-assisted storage from €5/item per day.
VIP Lounge
The Plaza Premium Lounge offers showers, meals and comfortable seating. Day passes available.
Charging Stations
USB and standard power sockets available at seating areas throughout the departure lounge.
Within 10 km of FAO

Hotels Near the Airport

3HB Faro
3.2 km

A sleek, modern 4-star hotel in the heart of Faro, with a rooftop, generous buffet breakfast and outstanding guest reviews.

AP Eva Senses
2.9 km

A landmark 4-star hotel overlooking the marina, with an indoor pool, spa, gym and a rooftop restaurant with sweeping views.

Made Inn Faro
2.6 km

A small, modern hotel near the train station and old town, with tidy rooms and good-value breakfast within walking distance of everything.

Hotel Occidental Faro
3.0 km

A comfortable 4-star hotel by the marina and old town, known for its rooftop restaurant, sauna and friendly service.

ibis Faro Algarve
2.4 km

A reliable budget hotel beside the Forum Algarve shopping centre, with a pool, 24/7 snacks and quick access to both the airport and the city.

Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto
1.0 km

The closest hotel to Faro Airport — a practical, comfortable base about a 10-minute walk from the terminal, with an outdoor pool and free parking, ideal for early flights.

Interactive Guide

Terminal Map

BAGGAGE BELT 1–3 Belts 1 (A-C) · 2 (D-F) · 3 (G-J) BAGGAGE BELT 4–5 Belts 4-5 (Charter flights) CUSTOMS & PASSPORT ARRIVALS PUBLIC HALL CAR HIRE DESKS ATM · EXCHANGE TOURIST INFO LEFT LUGGAGE TAXI & BUS EXIT GATE A CAR HIRE VEHICLE PICKUP Baggage Customs Arrivals Hall Transport Car Hire
CHECK-IN AREA Desks 1–36 Self-service kiosks available SECURITY SCREENING Lanes 1–6 · FastTrack available DEPARTURE LOUNGE (Post Security) DUTY FREE RELAY WINE & MORE BURGER KING CASA DE PASTO Portuguese Rest. DELTA CAFÉ PLAZA PREMIUM GATES A1 — A12 International B1 — B8 Schengen C1 — C6 Charter / Low-cost Check-in / Gates Security Shopping Dining VIP Lounge
TERMINAL Main Building TAXI DROP-OFF Departures entrance BUS STOP Line 14 · EVA Bus TAXI RANK Arrivals exit CAR HIRE PICKUP All companies · P1 Level P1 SHORT STAY P2 MEDIUM STAY P3 LONG STAY MAIN ACCESS ROAD — EN 2 HIGHWAY
Travel Money

Currency Converter

Convert to / from Euro (EUR)
Indicative rates · Updated daily
⇄
85.20
1 EUR = 0.852 GBP
Indicative rate only
🇬🇧
GBP
0.852
🇺🇸
USD
1.088
🇸🇪
SEK
11.42
🇳🇴
NOK
11.85
🇩🇰
DKK
7.46
🇨🇭
CHF
0.964
🇵🇱
PLN
4.26
🇦🇺
AUD
1.645

* Indicative rates only. Always check with your bank or exchange provider before travelling.

From Faro Airport

Explore the Algarve

45 min from FAO
Lagos

Dramatic cliff formations, turquoise caves and some of Portugal's most beautiful beaches.

35 min from FAO
Albufeira

The Algarve's most popular resort town. Golden beaches, vibrant nightlife and excellent restaurants.

30 min from FAO
Silves

Medieval Moorish castle, charming old town and the best orange groves in Portugal.

10 min from FAO
Faro Old Town

Historic walled city with Roman foundations, a stunning cathedral and the beautiful lagoon.

40 min from FAO
Vilamoura

Luxury marina, world-class golf courses, casinos and fine dining. The Algarve's most upscale destination.

90 min from FAO
Sagres & Cape St Vincent

The southwesternmost point of Europe. Dramatic cliffs, legendary lighthouse and spectacular sunsets.

Location

Find the Airport

Address: Aeroporto de Faro, 8005-502 Faro, Portugal
Phone: +351 289 800 800
Email: info.fao@ana.pt
IATA: FAO · ICAO: LPFR · Elev: 7m
Google Reviews

What Travellers Say

4.2
Based on 8,400+ Google Reviews
G
Verified Google Reviews
View All →
"

Small but very functional airport. Check-in was fast and the staff were incredibly friendly. Pre-booking the taxi made everything seamless.

SJ
Sarah Johnson
G
June 2024
"

Good experience overall. The airport is clean and well organised. Busy in August but queues moved quickly. Great duty-free selection too.

MR
Mark Reynolds
G
August 2024
"

Fantastic start to our Algarve holiday! The transfer we pre-booked was waiting right on time. The airport is modern and very easy to navigate.

EL
Emma Lawson
G
September 2024
Airport Transfer

Book Your Taxi

Pre-Book Your Airport Taxi Transfer

Fixed price guaranteed · Professional drivers · Meet & greet in arrivals · 24/7 availability

* Transfers operated by Welcome Pickups

Important Numbers & Services

Useful Contacts

Taxi Companies — Faro

Taxis Faro (Radio Taxis)
24h service · Faro & Algarve
+351 289 895 630
Onda Táxi
Airport transfers · Fixed prices
+351 289 826 606
Welcome Pickups
Pre-book online · Meet & greet
Uber / Bolt
App-based · Available at FAO

Medical & Emergency

Emergency (Police · Fire · Ambulance)
All emergencies in Portugal
112
Faro District Hospital
Hospital de Faro · 24h A&E
+351 289 891 100
SNS24 (Health Helpline)
Non-emergency medical advice
808 24 24 24
Airport First Aid
Medical post · Arrivals hall
+351 289 800 800

Pharmacies near Airport

Farmácia da Baixa
Faro city centre · 1 km
+351 289 827 111
Farmácia Amorins
R. de Santo António · Faro
+351 289 823 234
Duty Pharmacy (24h)
24h on-call pharmacy info
118
Farmácia Gambelas
Near airport · EN2 road
+351 289 817 870

Airport & Travel Services

Faro Airport Information
ANA · General enquiries
+351 289 800 800
Lost & Found
Items lost at FAO terminal
+351 289 800 800
Faro Tourist Office
Rua da Misericórdia · Faro
+351 289 803 604
Algarve Tourism Board
Regional tourism info
+351 289 800 400
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Faro Airport is approximately 45 km from Albufeira, which takes around 35–45 minutes by taxi or transfer. The cost is typically €50–65 one way.

Yes. EVA Bus Line 14 connects Faro Airport to Faro city centre in about 20 minutes. Tickets cost €2.35 and buses run every 30 minutes between 07:00 and 23:00.

Yes. Connect to "ANA Free WiFi" throughout the terminal. No password or registration required — simply accept the terms.

Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Pre-booking guarantees a fixed price, and your driver will be waiting for you in arrivals with a name board.

Yes. Left luggage storage is available in the arrivals area from approximately €5 per item per day. Hours are generally in line with flight operations.

All major companies have desks in the arrivals hall, including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, National, Alamo and Goldcar. Pre-booking is strongly recommended.

May, June and September/October offer warm weather (25–28°C), fewer crowds and lower prices. July and August are peak season with temperatures reaching 30–35°C.

Yes. The Plaza Premium Lounge offers comfortable seating, hot meals and showers. Day passes can be purchased at the door or in advance online.