Car Hire Faro Airport

Car Hire

Found 2.5 miles from Faro, this Portuguese airport is the gateway to the stunning Algarve region and offers access to its beautiful coastal beaches and attractions. Coaches operate between the airport and Faro, taking from 20 to 40 minutes, while taxis run to the city from a rank at the airport. The quickest and most convenient way to access the city and other destinations in Algarve is with car rental in Faro Airport, with Faro being less than a 15-minute drive to the east of the terminal.

Who to Book With
Car suppliers present at the airport include well-known agents such as Avis, Hertz and Budget, and Portuguese agent Guerin. All suppliers have desks in the terminal as well as at a depot just outside but still on airport grounds. Vehicles are collected at the airport or at off-site depots which can be accessed by the supplier’s own shuttle bus.

Need to Know Essentials
You will need to show the following documents at vehicle collection:

- Both parts of your UK driver’s licence
- The credit card used to book the vehicle
- Confirmation of identity in the form of a passport or current utility bill
- Verification of booking.

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
Parking can be difficult to find in Faro city centre during peak tourist seasons though there is a massive car park near the shipyard. The city itself is toll- and congestion charge-free though some roads in the region require drivers to pay a toll, such as the A22 motorway. Toll roads are electronic and require the use of a box, which is often supplied with car rentals. Petrol stations are both automatic and serviced, and accept credit cards for payment though some stations may not accept UK-issued cards.

See our guide to Portugal for more tips on driving here.

Transport

Passengers that arrive at the airport can drive themselves into the city quickly and conveniently. Buses reach the city in 20 minutes but stop operating after 23:35. This leaves only expensive taxis available to late arrivals.

Trains
There are no trains serving the airport though buses from the airport into the city stop near Faro Railway Station. From here, CP runs the Alfa Pendular route to Lisbon and Porto, which takes 2 hours, 30 minutes and costs around £15. Regional trains reach Lagos, to the west, and Vila Real de Santo António, to the east.

Taxis
Airport taxis are provided by Antral, which has cars at the airport taxi rank. Extra fees are charged for large luggage and passengers are required to pay all toll charges on top of journey rates.

Taxi prices:
Faro Airport to Faro city centre is just over £8

Buses
Local Eva Transportes buses include an express bus service from the airport to the city centre, terminating at their depot on Avenida de República, near the railway station. The bus takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the city centre and runs between 05:00 and 23:15. Visitors can purchase a three-day tourist pass to tour around Algarve for around £25. Urban buses that make a stop at the airport are also offered, with bus numbers 14 and 16 both stopping at the airport en route to Praia de Faro.

Facilities

Terminals
One passenger terminal serves Faro Airport, catering to 5.6 million passengers each year. Flights are available between here and destinations throughout the UK and the rest of Europe. Additional seasonal flights operate to Toronto, Canada.

Parking
Three car parks can be found on site, all of which are open air. Car park P0 is closest to the airport as well as having the highest rates, while P3 is the cheapest and furthest away, being reached on foot from the terminal in 8 minutes. Prices to park for a day run from between £4 to £7 though deals can be found for long-term stays.

Wi-Fi
Passengers can access wireless internet for 30 minutes free of charge every 12 hours. After this period, users are charged through the provider Boingo.

Information Services
There is an information counter in the Departures lounge as well as in the public area. There are also information telephone points throughout the terminal.

Useful Numbers
Passenger Support: +351 28 980 0617
Information: +351 28 980 0801

Accessibility
My Way provides personal service to passengers with reduced mobility. On arrival, look for signs to the Designated Point of Arrival where phones are provided to notify the service that you are in need of assistance. Toilets and lifts at the airport are all wheelchair friendly.

Restaurants and Bars
There are a number of eateries found in all areas of the terminal building, ranging from those serving muffins to healthy meals. As the name suggests, Pizza & Pasta serves Italian cuisine, while Air Tasty offers passengers soups and sandwiches. For a healthy meal, Salads & Sandwiches should hit the spot, while Burger & Grill has burgers and fish cakes on its menu. Four coffee shops are present, one of which is dedicated to smokers.

VIP Lounges
Faro Lounge offers passengers a place to relax, with features such as satellite TV, newspapers, magazines and complimentary snacks and beverages.

Money and ATMs
ATMs are available in the Arrivals hall and public area, while those needing banking services will find a Banco Santander Totta branch in the public area. Currency exchange services are also offered in the public area and in the Arrivals hall.

Shopping
An array of shops is present throughout the airport, with stores selling everything from accessories to local food products. Duty-free products can be purchased at Just Duty Free, while the latest in fashion is featured at Fashions Gate. Football enthusiasts will enjoy shopping at Football Gate, while those with a sweet tooth will find a large selection of candy at Cores Doces. Casa dos Sabores de Portugal sells the finest food products and wine from the region, while Feitoria specialises in Portuguese-made gifts.