Lisbon to the Algarve: Train, Bus or Drive?

Lisbon to the Algarve is the other classic Portugal journey, whether you’re adding beach time to a city break or flying into Lisbon for an Algarve holiday. It’s about three hours by train, bus or car. Here’s how to choose.

Quick answer: the train is the most comfortable, about 3 hours to Faro or around 4 hours to Lagos with a change at Tunes. The bus is often cheapest and goes direct to more towns. Drive if you’ll want a car in the Algarve anyway. The A2 motorway tolls are around €24 each way.

Your options at a glance

Option	Time	Rough cost	Best for
Train to Faro	About 3 hrs	Promo fares from around €11–15, more on the day	Comfort, Faro & the east
Train to Lagos (change at Tunes)	About 3h40–4h10	Similar	Lagos & the west
Bus (Rede Expressos, FlixBus)	About 3–4 hrs	Often cheapest	Direct to Albufeira, Lagos, Portimão
Car	About 2.5–3 hrs	Fuel + about €24 tolls each way	Exploring the Algarve
Flight	About 45 min	Varies	Rarely worth it

Prices checked October 2026.

By train

Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains run from Lisbon, stopping at Oriente, Entrecampos and Sete Rios, south to the Algarve, crossing the river on the 25 de Abril bridge with great views back at the city.

• To Faro: direct, about 3 hours. Faro has connections east to Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António.
• To Lagos, Portimão or Albufeira: change at Tunes to the regional Algarve line. The connection is usually short. Note that Albufeira’s station is a few kilometres from the town, so you’ll need a taxi or bus from there.
• Book on the CP website or app. Promo fares are cheapest a few weeks ahead.

By bus

Coaches leave from Sete Rios and Oriente in Lisbon and go straight into the town centres of Albufeira, Lagos, Portimão and Faro, which can beat the train if you’re heading somewhere the train doesn’t serve well. Seats are reserved and there’s luggage space underneath.

By car

The A2 motorway runs from Lisbon to the Algarve, with traditional toll booths. Expect around €24 for a normal car each way to the A22 junction. Once in the Algarve, the A22 is toll-free since January 2025. Driving makes sense if you’ll want a car for beaches anyway. Pick it up in Lisbon or at the end of your city stay. See our car rental guide and Portugal tolls explained.

Scenic alternative: take the slower coastal route through the Alentejo via Comporta, Vila Nova de Milfontes and Odeceixe, and spend a night or two on the way.

Which is best for you?

• Going to Faro or Tavira: train.
• Going to Lagos without a car: train via Tunes or a direct bus. Both are fine.
• Going to Albufeira: the bus drops you in town, while the train station is out of town.
• Family with lots of luggage: car, or a private transfer.
• Want to beach-hop: car, no question.

When you arrive

• See our best Algarve beaches, the Benagil Cave guide and the best restaurants in Lagos.
• Somewhere to stay: browse Algarve stays.
• Planning the whole trip? See our 10 days in Portugal itinerary.

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