Albufeira is 49 km west of Faro Airport (FAO) by road. One direct bus links them, the Vamus Aerobus line 56, and its timetable shrinks sharply outside the summer season.
Short answer: take the Aerobus (Vamus line 56) to Albufeira bus terminal: about 40–45 minutes for €11.00. From 1 May to 31 October it leaves the airport up to 8 times a day; for the rest of the year only at 11:15, 18:15 and 20:15. There is no train station at the airport. By car the trip is 49 km on the A22, about 45 minutes without traffic, and taxis charge by the meter plus tolls. Our private transfer costs €90 per car (1–3 passengers) and €130 per van (4–8).
| Option | Travel time | Price | Changes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerobus line 56 to Albufeira bus terminal | 40–45 min | €11.00 | 0 | Light luggage, flights landing before the evening bus |
| Taxi from the airport rank | about 45 min | Meter fare plus A22 tolls | 0 | Small groups landing outside bus times |
| ShuttleHero private transfer | about 45 min (longer in summer traffic) | €90 per car (1–3), €130 per van (4–8) | 0 | Families, groups, luggage, late flights |
The Aerobus is Vamus Algarve line 56, from Faro bus terminal via the airport to Albufeira, Lagoa, Portimão and Lagos. It reaches Albufeira bus terminal (Terminal Rodoviário) about 40 minutes after leaving the airport, or 45 minutes on the runs that call at the university in Gambelas. The fare from the airport to Albufeira is €11.00, with 20% off a return ticket.
The timetable has two seasons. In the high season, 1 May to 31 October, buses leave the airport at 08:30, 09:30, 11:15, 12:30, 14:30, 16:00, 18:15 and 20:15, every day. From November to April only the 11:15, 18:15 and 20:15 departures run. If your flight lands after the evening bus, there is no later direct bus that day.
Proximo urban buses (lines 14 and 16) link the airport with Faro city centre. Faro Airport points passengers to the train station there for connections across the Algarve on CP regional trains. Albufeira's station, Albufeira-Ferreiras, lies outside the town, so this route takes longer than the Aerobus and needs a bus or taxi for the last stretch. Check times on proximo.pt and cp.pt.
Taxis wait at the rank outside the terminal. Faro Airport says the fare is distance-based. Tolls on the Via do Infante (A22) are added, and so is a baggage fee for items larger than 55 × 35 × 20 cm. Taxis generally carry up to four passengers. The airport gives a reference fare only for Faro city, not for Albufeira.
The road route is 49 km on the A22 motorway and takes about 45 minutes without traffic. The A22 has electronic tolls with no booths. Traffic builds in the summer, especially on Fridays and Sundays. Albufeira's old town has narrow, partly pedestrian streets, so a car stops at its edge or in the nearest street open to traffic.
A private transfer Faro Airport → Albufeira costs €90 per car for 1–3 passengers and €130 per van for 4–8 passengers. The price is per vehicle, fixed and paid by card when you book. Luggage is included. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before pickup, and a child seat costs +€10. The driver takes you to your hotel or apartment, or to the nearest street a car may use in the old town.
Faro Airport → Albufeira
Car, 1–3 passengers: €90 · Van, 4–8 passengers: €130
Faro Airport has a single passenger terminal. Your driver waits in the arrivals hall, after baggage reclaim and the customs exit, holding a sign with your name. We track your flight and you get 60 minutes of free waiting after landing.
Alone or as a couple, landing in the daytime in summer: the Aerobus at €11.00 per person is the clear budget choice. From November to April, check the landing time against the three daily departures. Albufeira bus terminal is not in the old town, so you still need a short taxi or local bus ride to most hotels. With children, several suitcases or a group of four to eight, or after the 20:15 bus has gone, a private transfer to the door costs one price per vehicle.
Yes. The Vamus Aerobus, line 56, runs from the airport to Albufeira bus terminal in about 40–45 minutes for €11.00.
From 1 May to 31 October up to 8 times a day from the airport, between 08:30 and 20:15. From November to April only at 11:15, 18:15 and 20:15.
There is no station at the airport. You take a bus or taxi to Faro railway station and a CP regional train to Albufeira-Ferreiras, which lies outside the town.
By distance on the meter, plus A22 tolls and a fee for large bags, according to Faro Airport. The airport publishes no fixed fare to Albufeira.
Our transfer costs €90 per car for 1–3 passengers and €130 per van for 4–8 passengers, fixed when you book, luggage included.
Public transport times and fares were checked on 25 October 2026 on the operators' websites. Timetables and fares change, so check the operator before you travel.
We are reachable around the clock, 7 days a week — before, during and after your trip.