- Must visit
Museu Municipal de Faro
The city museum, housed in a former convent inside the old town. It is the best place to understand Faro’s archaeology, sacred art, and local history.
Cheapest price
$30
Average price
$31
Fastest journey
2 h 52 m
Average duration
3 h 1 m
Trains per day
13
Distance
216 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lisbon to Faro is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lisbon to Faro will cost around $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
Of the 13 trains that leave Lisbon for Faro on Tue, Jun 02, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 02 the direct trains cover the 216 km distance in an average of 3 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 52 m .
On Tue, Jun 02 the slowest trains will take 3 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
R 4419 · IC 572
IC 572
IC 574
IC 570
IC 572
AP 184
AP 180
AP 184
AP 180
IC 570Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lisbon to Faro among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a flight costs an average of $78.
Distance: 134 miles (216 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$30 Average price | $11 Average price Cheapest | $258 Average price | $87 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 46m Average total duration 3h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 46m Average total duration 3h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Lisbon to Faro:
A bus is $19 (€16) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lisbon to Faro costing on average $30 (€24).
A bus is $247 (€199) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lisbon to Faro costing on average $258 (€208).
Other travel options to Faro take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 16m.
Bus takes on average 3h 16m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Comboios De Portugal.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Lisbon to Faro trains for today, Monday, June 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
R 4419 · IC 572 | 1:45 PM Lisboa - Santa Apolonia | 3h50 | 5:35 PM Faro station | 1 transfer | |
IC 572 | 2:02 PM Lisbon - Oriente | 3h33 | 5:35 PM Faro station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 572 | 2:10 PM Lisboa - Entrecampos | 3h25 | 5:35 PM Faro station | 0 transfersDirect | |
AP 184 | 5:23 PM Lisbon - Oriente | 3h00 | 8:23 PM Faro station | 0 transfersDirect | |
AP 184 | 5:31 PM Lisboa - Entrecampos | 2h52 | 8:23 PM Faro station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IR 933 · IC 574 | 6:15 PM Lisboa - Santa Apolonia | 3h47 | 10:02 PM Faro station | 1 transfer | |
IC 574 | 6:32 PM Lisbon - Oriente | 3h30 | 10:02 PM Faro station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 574 | 6:40 PM Lisboa - Entrecampos | 3h22 | 10:02 PM Faro station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, June 2 | |||||
AP 180 | 8:23 AM Lisbon - Oriente | 3h00 | 11:23 AM Faro station | 0 transfersDirect | |
AP 180 | 8:31 AM Lisboa - Entrecampos | 2h52 | 11:23 AM Faro station | 0 transfersDirect | |
R 4411 · IC 570 | 9:45 AM Lisboa - Santa Apolonia | 3h45 | 1:30 PM Faro station | 1 transfer | |
IC 570 | 10:02 AM Lisbon - Oriente | 3h28 | 1:30 PM Faro station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 570 | 10:10 AM Lisboa - Entrecampos | 3h20 | 1:30 PM Faro station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
By Nonstop Eurotrip
The quality of “Intercity” trains within Europe varies greatly, as you may have noticed. I didn’t know what to expect when I booked a trip on the Intercidades within Portugal, but I was pleasantly surprised! Let’s head down to the Algarve on the South Coast and see what it is all about.

A classic locomotive-hauled CP Intercidades train at a station platform.
All trains in Portugal are operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP), which has two types of long-distance trains: the cheaper but slower Intercidades trains and the faster but slightly more expensive Alfa Pendular trains. Both operate on the route between Lisbon and Faro. The leisurely Intercidades takes an extra half-hour, and my journey, the 18:32 departure from Lisbon, took exactly 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach its terminus in Faro. The route is 302 kilometers (188 miles) in distance. Intercidades trains use considerably older rolling stock than the Alfa, a mix of “Corail” and “Sorefame” carriages hauled by locomotives. These may be old but remain perfectly adequate and comfortable. In my opinion, they have an undeniable charm that is quietly washing away as new stock replaces the old.
Reserving a seat is compulsory on Portuguese trains, as they can sell out. However, there are many trains every day, so you’ll always be able to find a ticket for a specific day. Book in advance on Omio to get the best seats and benefit from “promo” advance fares.

A classic locomotive-hauled CP Intercidades train at a station platform.
Trains to Faro leave from Lisboa Oriente station in the city’s northeast. It is extremely easy to reach, thanks to buses, local trains, and the city’s metro (Red Line). The station is vast, and its glass canopy design is controversial, but I am rather a fan of it. If you’re staying in the popular Alfama district, your best way to reach Oriente is via a local train from Santa Apolónia terminus station, which is well worth a visit just to admire its splendid, classic Portuguese architecture, a stark contrast to the modern Oriente. Faro station, the train’s terminus, is located well within the city. From here, you can walk to the center within 15 minutes.
CP operates five trains between Lisbon and Faro, three of which are Intercidades services (IC). These depart approximately every 4 hours on weekdays at 10:02, 14:02, and 18:32.
If you’ve been on an intercity train in France, you might recognize these carriages! The interior is very similar, and this is a good thing: they are extremely comfortable, especially in First Class. The seats are laid out in a 2+1 configuration and feel more like your grandparents’ old armchair than a train seat. Of course, you have everything you need: plug sockets (at some seats), a large table, and a reading light. No Wi-Fi is available on these trains. Most seats are airline-style, but there are some bays of four as well. First Class tickets in Portugal do not come with additional service, simply a better seat. However, the upgrade to First Class is not very expensive, either. And if you are feeling peckish, there is a very nice dining car on board, serving very well-priced snacks and drinks! No luggage limits apply, but be sensible: make sure you can carry and store it safely onboard!

The spacious and comfortable First Class seats on a CP Intercidades train.
There is a fixed price for train tickets in Portugal. The journey from Lisbon to Faro in First Class normally costs €31. However, booking in advance allowed me to benefit from a €19 “promo” fare, which is very cheap for over three hours in First Class. The “promo” for Second Class was just €15.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €19 |
| Food & drinks | € |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 19 |
Whether you opt for the Alfa high-speed train or the slower (and cheaper) Intercidades on the Lisbon–Faro route is entirely up to you. The IC is my personal preference; although you will compromise on journey time, you will not compromise on comfort. The choice is yours! In the end, both are great options, and I’m glad they both exist to complement each other.

Trains from Lisbon to Faro run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) but you can travel from only $7 (€5) by bus.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 22:45. The fastest train covers the 134 miles (216 km) distance in 3h 0m.
Distance 134 miles (216 km) |
Average train duration 3h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Trains per day 14 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 3h 0m |
First train 12:15 AM |
Last train 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Faro — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Faro trip today.
The city museum, housed in a former convent inside the old town. It is the best place to understand Faro’s archaeology, sacred art, and local history.
A hands-on science center near the marina with interactive exhibits focused on the sea, environment, and discovery. Good for families and curious visitors.
A small contemporary art gallery in Faro’s historic center, known for temporary exhibitions and a more local cultural atmosphere than the main museum sites.
Faro’s atmospheric old town is filled with cobbled lanes, historic buildings, and quiet squares inside the ancient walls. It is the city’s essential walking area.
The waterfront promenade by the marina is one of Faro’s most popular strolls, especially at sunset. It is a central hub for views, boats, and city life.
The main square of the old town, framed by the cathedral, bishop’s palace, and historic buildings. It is one of Faro’s most photogenic public spaces.
Algarve seafood stew cooked in a copper cataplana with shellfish, fish, tomato, onion, and herbs. It is one of the region's signature dishes.
A soupy rice dish made with razor clams, garlic, white wine, and coriander. It is especially associated with the Ria Formosa area near Faro.
Traditional Algarve cornmeal porridge, often served with small clams. It reflects the region's coastal and rural cooking traditions.
Well-known Faro restaurant offering modern Portuguese cuisine with Algarve ingredients in an elegant, intimate setting.
Established traditional restaurant near Faro's old town, known for grilled fish, seafood, and a classic local atmosphere.
Popular restaurant in the historic center serving Portuguese and Algarve dishes in a charming old-building setting with a courtyard feel.
Generally moderate by Western Europe standards. Meals and coffee are reasonable, but central hotels and summer prices are higher.
Service is usually included. Leaving 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips are optional in cafés and bars.
Official public transport app
Faro Airport, Faro -> Faro Train Station, Faro
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lisbon to Faro by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Faro, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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