PerkJolt
How do I get from Faro to Lisbon by bus or train?
Short answer: Both work, and both run direct. The train (CP's Alfa Pendular or Intercidades) is the comfortable choice and takes roughly three hours. Buses are usually cheaper and run more often, but check which Lisbon stop your ticket uses. If you're starting at Faro Airport, take a city bus to Faro first.
The details
Train. CP (Comboios de Portugal) runs both Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains between Faro and Lisboa Oriente. CP's Lisbon–south timetable was valid from September 6, 2026 (checked Oct 12, 2026). Timetables get revised seasonally, so look up your exact date on cp.pt. CP lists free Wi-Fi on Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains (checked Oct 12, 2026). Alfa Pendular is the faster, pricier service. Intercidades is typically slower and a bit cheaper. Fares vary by date and how early you book, so we don't quote one here. Some departures also call at other Lisbon stations, so check the arrival station before you pay.
Bus: FlixBus. FlixBus's first Faro–Lisbon bus leaves at 06:30 and the last at 23:20, with 22 rides a day (checked Oct 12, 2026). It advertises trips as short as 2 hours and fares from €5.48 ≈ $6.17 (checked Oct 12, 2026). Treat the 2-hour figure as the best case. Most buses take noticeably longer, and FlixBus's own airport-to-Lisbon pages list 3 hours 10 minutes or more. Fares move with demand and booking date.
Bus: Rede Expressos and others. Rede Expressos is Portugal's main intercity coach company and also runs Faro–Lisbon. Its buses typically use the Faro bus terminal and Lisbon's Sete Rios terminal. Some services use Oriente instead, so read your ticket. Check rede-expressos.pt for current times and fares.
Which Lisbon stop? FlixBus lists 3 bus stops in Lisbon (checked Oct 12, 2026). Typically that means Sete Rios, Oriente and the airport area. Sete Rios is by the Jardim Zoológico metro station (blue line). Oriente is on the red line, near the airport.
Starting at Faro Airport? There is no train station at the airport. You need a bus into central Faro to connect to the train. (checked Oct 12, 2026). City bus lines 14 and 16 (Próximo) link the airport to the city-centre bus terminal, which usually takes about 20 minutes (checked Oct 12, 2026). The bus station is about 200 meters from the train station (checked Oct 12, 2026). Check Próximo's site for current times and the fare. Some line 16 buses go on to the beach at Praia de Faro, so make sure yours says Faro.
Direct from the airport by bus. FlixBus lists Faro Airport to Lisbon trips from €4.48 ≈ $5.05, with 9 rides a day (checked Oct 12, 2026). The first leaves at 09:35 and the last at 22:55 (checked Oct 12, 2026). This skips the city-bus hop, but it only works if the times fit your flight.
Tips
- Pick the train if you want a predictable, comfortable ride and you're already in central Faro.
- Pick the bus if you land late, want the lowest fare, or need a departure outside the train's limited schedule.
- Book early. FlixBus says fares vary with date, time and how early you book.
- Match the Lisbon arrival point to your hotel. Sete Rios, Oriente and the train stations are in different parts of the city.
- Allow buffer time at the Faro end if you're connecting from a flight, because the airport has no rail link.
FAQ
Is the train or the bus faster from Faro to Lisbon?
The fastest Alfa Pendular trains take roughly three hours. FlixBus advertises trips as short as 2 hours, but most buses take longer. Compare the exact departures on cp.pt and the bus sites for your date, and don't plan around the best-case time.
Can I take a train directly from Faro Airport?
No. The airport has no station, so you ride a city bus into Faro and connect there (checked Oct 12, 2026). The walk from the bus terminal to the station is short, about 200 meters.
How many buses a day run from Faro to Lisbon?
FlixBus lists 22 rides a day on the Faro–Lisbon route (checked Oct 12, 2026). Rede Expressos and other operators add more. Weekend and holiday schedules can differ, so check the date you're traveling.
Want the whole trip planned? The PerkJolt Lisbon guide puts the routes, timing and points strategy in one place. Get the Lisbon guide
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See every question about Lisbon → /answers/lisbon/
Last verified: 2026-10-12. Train and bus timetables, fares and Lisbon drop-off stops are the most likely to change. Check cp.pt for trains and the FlixBus or Rede Expressos sites for buses.
Good to know before you go
. Confirm hours, fees, schedules and road or trail status on the official page before you book or go.
Sources
- https://www.cp.pt/info/documents/d/cp/comboios-alfa-pendular-intercidades-lisboa-norte-sul
- https://global.flixbus.com/bus-routes/bus-faro-lisbon
- https://global.flixbus.com/bus-routes/bus-faro-airport-lisbon
- https://www.alsa.com/en/airports/faro
- https://www.alsa.com/en/destination/faro