Faro Layover Guide (FAO)

What are you looking for in FAO?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Faro Airport (FAO) is an international airport located in Faro, Algarve, Portugal. It’s situated about 4 km (2.5 miles) from Faro city center. The airport officially opened in 1965. Faro is the capital of the Algarve region and is known for its stunning beaches, warm climate, and rich cultural heritage. It’s a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, sea, and a relaxed atmosphere in southern Portugal.

Can you leave Faro Airport (FAO) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You may leave Faro Airport during a layover if you hold valid entry authorization for Portugal. Nationals from visa-free countries enjoy free short visits, while travelers requiring a Schengen visa must obtain a short-stay (Type C) permit before arrival. You can explore Faro’s city center or coastal towns during transit. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Faro Old Town Wander through Faro’s historic Old Town, enclosed by ancient city walls, and discover cobblestone streets, charming plazas, artisan shops, and hidden cafés, immersing yourself in centuries-old architecture and local culture. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or bus Linha 14, 20 min.)
• Capela dos Ossos Visit the eerie Capela dos Ossos inside the Carmo Church, adorned with thousands of human skulls and bones, offering a unique and solemn glimpse into Baroque religious art and history. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or bus Linha 16 + short walk.)
• Ria Formosa Boat Tour Embark on a scenic Ria Formosa boat tour to witness pristine islands, migratory birds, and salt flats, learning about the unique lagoon ecosystem and environmental significance through expert commentary aboard. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min or bus Linha 16 to Faro Marina + walk.)
• Praia de Faro Relax on Praia de Faro’s golden sands, soak up the Atlantic sunshine, swim in clear waters, and stroll the beachfront promenade dotted with beach bars offering refreshments and regional snacks. (Time required: 2–3 hours / Airport to here: Bus Linha 14, 15 min or taxi 10 min.)
• Arco da Vila Admire the Moorish Arco da Vila gate, a triumphal arch blending Islamic and neoclassical styles, leading from the marina into Old Town, perfect for photography, architectural appreciation with historic significance. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or bus Linha 16 + 10 min walk.)
• Faro Municipal Museum Discover Faro Municipal Museum’s collection of Roman mosaics, medieval artifacts, and art housed in a former convent, tracing the region’s rich cultural evolution over millennia, with engaging exhibits showcasing heritage. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or bus Linha 14 to Largo da Sé + walk.)
• Mercado Municipal Stroll through Mercado Municipal de Faro’s vibrant stalls brimming with fresh seafood, regional produce, and artisanal cheeses, sampling local delicacies and mingling with friendly vendors for an authentic taste experience. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 10 min or bus Linha 16 to Mercado stop.)
• Igreja do Carmo Step inside Igreja do Carmo to admire ornate gilt altars, Baroque wood carvings, and the haunting Capela dos Ossos annex, showcasing intricate religious artistry and local craftsmanship amidst spiritual ambiance. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or bus Linha 16 to Largo da Sé + walk.)

Things to Do in Faro Airport (FAO)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Faro Airport features two premium post-security lounges (ANA/CIP and VIP), open daily from 06:00-23:30. Spacious and quiet, these lounges offer complimentary snacks, hot and cold beverages, newspapers, magazines, TVs, Wi-Fi, charging stations and comfortable seating. Modern amenities included throughout. Maximum stay is three hours in a calm, non-smoking relaxation haven. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Faro Airport itself has no on-site hotel, but the Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto lies just 600 meters away, offering modern rooms, free parking, restaurant, swimming pool, laundry, complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception. Hospedaria Frangaria, Hotel Mónaco and Hotel Ibis Faro are within 2.5 kilometers, reachable by bus or shuttle service. » Find and book airport hotel/sleeping pod in our Faro Airport (FAO) hotels/sleeping pods page.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Faro Airport offers no dedicated rest areas or sleeping zones, although seating with charging points is available in departure lounges. The terminal operates 24 hours but has limited overnight comfort. Day rooms and showers can be booked online via the ANA portal. Vending machines operate landside. No recliners, cots provided.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Faro Airport via the “VINCI Airports wifi” network with unlimited access. No password or registration is required. Multiple charging points and workstations are located in both landside and airside areas. Network performance supports email, web browsing and video streaming for travelers’ convenience with fast speeds.

SIM/eSIM Card: Faro Airport’s arrivals hall hosts Vodafone and MEO kiosks for physical SIM cards, open daily from 08:00 to 20:00. Passports are required for registration. Travelers can also purchase eSIM plans online from providers like Vodafone or Airalo before arrival, activating data instantly. MEO and Phone House counters are in departures hall. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Faro Airport (FAO) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Faro Airport’s taxi rank is located outside the arrivals terminal, operating 24/7. Licensed taxis carry up to four passengers; extra luggage fees apply for oversized items. Standard fares to central Faro average €10-€15. Taxis accept cash and major credit cards. Reduced-mobility vehicles can be requested via phone for accessible service.

Train: Faro’s main railway station lies 5.7 kilometres from the airport. Buses 14 and 16 or taxis shuttle passengers to Faro station in about 10 minutes. From there, Comboios de Portugal’s regular regional and suburban trains easily connect to Lisbon, Porto, Lagos and dozens of other destinations. (more info)

Bus: Airport bus routes 14 and 16, operated by Proximo, run every 30 minutes between Faro Airport and the city centre from early morning until midnight. Tickets cost around €2.50 purchased on board. From the city bus station, regional and national bus services to Lisbon, Albufeira depart daily. (more info)

Shuttle: Numerous private shuttle operators offer direct transfers between Faro Airport and Algarve destinations including Albufeira, Lagos and Vilamoura. Services run on-demand, 24/7, with fixed pricing, English-speaking drivers and free flight-tracking wait times. Vehicles range from sedans to eight-seater vans. Reservations can be made online in advance or at arrival desks.

Car rentals: Major car rental agencies including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt and Goldcar maintain desks in the arrivals hall at Faro Airport with 24-hour service. Drivers must present a valid licence, credit card and passport. Vehicles range from compacts to SUVs and convertibles. Pre-book online for best rates and guaranteed availability and convenience. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Faro Airport offers covered short-term Parking P0/P1 adjacent to the terminal, and long-term P2/P3 areas a comfortable few minutes’ walk away. Rates start at €6 per day; hourly tariffs apply in P1. Accessible EV charging stations are available in P1. Online pre-booking locks in discounted rates and ensures space availability.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Faro Airport provides 24-hour secure self-service lockers near Car Park P5 outside the terminal. Three sizes are publicly available: small (€3.50), medium (€4.50) and large (€5.50) per four-hour period. Minimum rental is four hours; the receipt is single-use. Lost receipts incur €42. Conveniently, luggage cars assist with heavy bags on request. » Find out where to book and left your luggage in our Faro Airport (FAO) left luggage and storage page or directly book here (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Faro Airport (FAO) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks