The Faro to Lagos train is the simplest way to cross the western Algarve without a car. Since the Algarve line’s electrification was completed, CP has run through trains between Vila Real de Santo António and Lagos from 19 July 2026, so passengers no longer need to change at Faro. From Faro, expect a ride of around an hour and a half and a ticket price of roughly €8.
This guide covers journey time, fares, how often trains run, both stations, luggage rules and the alternatives.
Is There a Direct Faro to Lagos Train?
Yes. Comboios de Portugal (CP), the national operator, runs the whole Algarve line. Regional trains stop at every station, while the faster InterRegional service makes fewer stops.
CP’s new timetable is built around through services, but your exact train can still differ. Check the stops on your own search result on cp.pt before you travel.
Faro to Lagos Train Times and Journey Duration
Most trains take about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. CP’s timetable valid from 19 July 2026 shows the quicker InterRegional departures at the short end of that range and all-stops Regional trains toward the long end. The Portugal News reported that the Faro–Lagos stretch got about 20 minutes faster with the new setup.
Rome2rio’s estimate of just under two hours is a safe planning figure if you’re connecting to something else.
How Often Do Trains Run?
Plan on roughly 10 to 12 trains a day in each direction. On the CP timetable the first departures leave Faro in the early morning, around 6:30 AM, and the last leaves in the evening, with arrival in Lagos around 10:30 PM. Gaps of one to two hours are common, so a missed train can cost you a real chunk of the day.
Day-trippers should note the return leg. The last train from Lagos was reported as leaving around 8:22 PM. Weekend and holiday timetables differ, so confirm the date you’re travelling.
Faro to Lagos Train Tickets: Prices and How to Book
For this route, fares are low and fixed by service type. CP’s fare sheet, valid from 19 July 2026, lists Lagos–Faro at €9.15 on InterRegional and €8.30 on Regional, with a 50% fare of €4.60 and €4.15.
| Service | Full fare | 50% fare |
|---|---|---|
| InterRegional | €9.15 | €4.60 |
| Regional | €8.30 | €4.15 |
The 50% fare is for eligible groups, so check CP’s discount pages for who qualifies. The sheet shows one price per service type, with no sign of early-booking discounts like those on Lisbon trains. That’s a reason not to stress about booking weeks ahead.
How to Buy Your Ticket
The cheapest and easiest channel is CP itself, through the CP app or cp.pt. Online tickets can be bought up to 60 days in advance and are shown on your phone at boarding. Omio also sells CP tickets as an official reseller. Station ticket offices and CP’s phone line are alternatives. CP also sells on board when a departure station has no ticket office or other sales option.
Route and Stops Along the Algarve Line
Faro and Lagos are about 85 km apart by road, and the train follows the coast inland of the beaches. A few stops matter for planning:
- Loulé: the route’s first sizeable stop west of Faro, served by both Regional and InterRegional trains.
- Albufeira (Albufeira-Ferreiras): the station sits inland, so you’ll need a bus or taxi to reach the beaches and old town.
- Tunes: the junction where Lisbon trains meet the Algarve line. Regional trains run west from Faro through Albufeira-Ferreiras and Portimão to Lagos via Tunes.
- Portimão: the main town before Lagos and a useful stop if you’re heading to the Praia da Rocha area.
The InterRegional fare table lists Loulé, Albufeira, Tunes, Silves, Estômbar-Lagoa and Portimão as its calling points between Faro and Lagos. If a stop isn’t on that list, take a Regional train.
Stations: Faro and Lagos
Getting to Faro Station from the Airport
Faro Airport has no train station. Urban bus line 16 runs from the airport to Faro’s city-centre station in about 20 minutes. It runs roughly every 30 to 50 minutes. The bus terminal is close to the station, which makes changing between bus and train easy.
Arriving in Lagos
Lagos station is about a 10-minute walk from the old town and marina. The bus terminal is also near the marina, so the two are close together. Don’t take a taxi for a short hop between them.
Practical Tips for the Trip
- Luggage: CP’s rules allow up to three pieces of hand luggage free, each within 85 × 55 × 35 cm and labelled with your name and address. Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains are stricter, with a surcharge for extra pieces. Pack light, since regional trains have less rack space.
- Bikes: Bikes are permitted free on Regional and InterRegional trains, but space isn’t guaranteed. Bikes up to 15 kg can go on the carrier hooks, while heavier ones must be folded or dismantled.
- Seat reservation: CP regional services are generally walk-on, and your booking will say if a seat is assigned.
- Timetable changes: CP revises timetables seasonally, so recheck the date you travel.
- Arrive a little early: Faro’s platforms can be busy in summer.
Other Ways to Get from Faro to Lagos
By Bus
Vamus Algarve runs an express line (57, Transrápido) from Faro to Lagos. Public transport on this route usually takes between 1.5 and 2.25 hours. Don’t assume the bus is cheaper than the €8.30 train. Compare operators on Omio before you commit.
By Car
The drive is about 84 km and takes under an hour. The A22 runs the whole way. It’s a toll road, so ask your rental company how tolls are charged.
By Air
There’s no useful flight option. Lagos has no commercial airport, so travellers fly into Faro and continue by train, bus or car.
FAQ
Is there a direct train from Faro to Lagos?
Yes. CP runs through trains on the Algarve line, and some services need no change. Check the stops for your specific train on cp.pt.
How long does the train take?
Usually 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. InterRegional trains are the quickest.
How much does a ticket cost?
CP’s fare sheet lists €8.30 on Regional and €9.15 on InterRegional, with 50% fares for eligible groups.
Can I take the train from Faro Airport to Lagos?
Not directly, because the airport has no station. Take bus line 16 to Faro station (about 20 minutes), then the train.
How often do trains run, and when is the last one?
Roughly every one to two hours, with the first services in the early morning. The last train from Faro leaves in the evening and arrives in Lagos around 10:30 PM. The last return from Lagos was reported at about 8:22 PM, so check the date.
Do I need to book in advance?
Not for price reasons. CP shows one fare per service type, and you can buy up to 60 days ahead if you want certainty.
Is the train or the bus better?
The train is steadier and leaves from the centre of town. The bus can suit you if the timing works better, and the Lagos bus terminal is right by the marina.
Where is Lagos station?
Near the marina, about a 10-minute walk from the old town.
Timetables and fares can change. Confirm current details on cp.pt before you travel.