Journey Time & Distance
Faro Airport sits approximately 40 kilometres west of Albufeira, and under normal conditions the drive takes between 35 and 50 minutes via the A22 Via do Infante motorway. Journey times can creep up slightly during peak summer months — July and August in particular — when traffic around the airport and Albufeira town centre is at its heaviest. Your driver will always monitor conditions and choose the most efficient route to your accommodation.
Faro Airport: Terminal Information
Faro Airport has a single passenger terminal, so there's no confusion over which building to head to. Arrivals exit via the ground floor, where you'll find baggage reclaim and customs. For full details on the airport layout, live flight information, and facilities, visit the official Faro Airport website. Knowing the terminal layout in advance makes the meet and greet process seamless — especially after a long flight.
Meet & Greet Procedure
Your driver will be waiting in the Arrivals hall holding a personalised name board clearly displaying your name or party name. There is no need to locate a taxi rank, queue, or negotiate a fare. Our drivers track your flight in real time, so even if your arrival is delayed, your driver will be there when you land — at no extra charge. Once you've collected your luggage, simply walk out of customs and you'll be met immediately.
Public Transport Alternatives & Why Private Wins
It is possible to travel from Faro Airport to Albufeira using public transport, but the journey involves multiple steps and considerably more effort — particularly with luggage or young children.
- Bus + Train: You would take the EVA or Proximo bus from the airport into Faro city centre, then a regional train from Faro Railway Station to Albufeira Railway Station — which is actually located in Ferreiras, around 6 kilometres outside Albufeira itself. You'd then need a taxi or local bus for the final leg. Total journey: typically 90 minutes to over 2 hours.
- Local Taxi: Available at the rank outside Arrivals, but metered fares to Albufeira can vary, and there's no guarantee of a vehicle large enough for your group and luggage.
A private transfer eliminates every one of those complications. One vehicle, one fixed price, door-to-door service — directly from the terminal to your hotel, villa, or apartment in Albufeira. For families, groups, or anyone with substantial luggage, it's simply incomparable.
Luggage Allowance
Our vehicles are selected to match your group size and luggage requirements at the time of booking. Standard saloons comfortably accommodate up to 3 passengers with 3 suitcases, while minivans and minibuses are available for larger parties or those travelling with sports equipment, pushchairs, or oversized bags. Please indicate any special luggage requirements — such as golf bags, surfboards, or mobility equipment — when booking so we can assign the right vehicle.
Booking Tips for This Route
- Book in advance during summer: July and August are extremely busy. Securing your transfer before you travel guarantees availability and locks in a fixed price.
- Provide your full flight number: This allows us to track any delays automatically — no need to contact us if your flight is late.
- Include your exact drop-off address: Albufeira covers a wide area. Specifying whether you're heading to the Old Town, Montechoro, Oura, or a specific villa postcode helps your driver plan efficiently.
- Check local events: Albufeira hosts festivals and large events that can affect road access. The Visit Algarve tourism board is a great resource for checking what's on during your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the transfer from Faro Airport to Albufeira actually take?
In normal traffic conditions, the journey takes between 35 and 50 minutes via the A22 motorway. During peak summer season, particularly in July and August, allow up to an hour due to increased traffic around the resort area.
Is there a train directly from Faro Airport to Albufeira?
No. There is no direct rail link from the airport. To travel by train you must first take a bus to Faro city centre, then board a regional train to Albufeira (Ferreiras) station — which is still 6 km from the resort. A private transfer is considerably faster and far more convenient.
Where exactly will my driver meet me at Faro Airport?
Your driver will be waiting inside the Arrivals hall, immediately beyond the customs exit, holding a name board with your name on it. Faro has a single terminal, so there is no risk of confusion over which building to go to.
Can you drop me off directly at my hotel or villa in Albufeira Old Town?
Yes. We offer genuine door-to-door service to any address in Albufeira, including the Old Town, Montechoro, Oura Beach area, and surrounding parishes such as Guia or Paderne. Please provide your exact accommodation address at the time of booking.
Standard Minivan
5
from just €7.65 per person
Group travel? Perfect option is our minivan, 5 passengers and 4 medium suitcases
Standard Saloon
3
from just €10.20 per person
Travel in comfort in these late model saloons, takes 3 passengers and 2 medium suitcases
Large Standard Minivan
8
from just €11.05 per person
Group travel? Perfect option is our large minivan, 8 passengers and 6 medium suitcases
Executive Saloon
3
from just €17.00 per person
Travel in style in these late model saloons, takes 3 passengers and 2 medium suitcases
Standard Minibus
9
from just €18.70 per person
Group travel? Perfect option is our minibus with upwards of 9 passengers and 9 medium suitcases
Luxury Saloon
3
from just €22.95 per person
Travel in luxury in these late model saloons, takes 3 passengers and 2 medium suitcases
So why choose us for your next transfer?
Here are just 3 compelling reasons, all of which will give you peace of mind for your next trip, and unlike our competitors we connect you to the vehicle in real-time. We use live traffic to ensure the vehicle is dispatched on-time and to accurately predict the arrival time with you.
LIVE VEHICLE TRACKING
LIVE FLIGHT TRACKING
SECURE PAYMENT
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
HOTELS
DINING OUT
BEACHES
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What our clients say…..Real reviews….Real people!
The driver was very communicative with us and she suggested many local places.She was very friendly and the time passed pleasantly
He was right on time and got us to the airport safely and on time. Very nice and personable.
Michael was very friendly & professional with a polite & courteous manner
Really lovely driver named Zoltan. Waited for us despite us being late as my bag had not arrived on the flight. Excellent communication and very easy to find. Excellent value for money.
The driver was very skilled, nice to talk to and car was very clean and spacious 🙂
Vladimir is truly one of a kind driver. Ride with him was absolute fun and joy.
Our driver was really lovely and gave us some good tips on restaurants and taxis.
Excellent driver who provided us with some information and local knowledge.
The driver, Mr Marek Wieczorek, is a super guy! Excellent manners, punctual and and fluent in English. What’s not to love? Thank you
Attila was punctual and courteous, and we had a very pleasant ride from our hotel to the airport.
Left a bag in car driver came back with it absolutely brilliant much appreciated.
Really helpful driver. Arrived early. Communicated well.
Taxi driver was friendly and offered us advice on what we could do during our stay at we had never been to Madeira before.
Guillermo the driver: Really a very special person …kind and professional and ready to give the righe infos. REALLY A SUPERTRANSFER
The driver could not have been better, she drove very courteously in very heavy traffic, keeping calm and pleasant. One of the best taxi drivers we’ve ever had !
Sandor again was amazing and made great communication and was very polite and helpful.
Very polite driver. Safe driving. Great communication in advance.
Great driver with very clean and nice smelling car playing calming jazz music on the radio during the drive. Amazing experience.
The driver was incredibly helpful and informative, super amazing!
I left my coat in the taxi. One phone call to sort it out, and the driver returned the coat within an hour. Very good service. Very impressed.
There is not much to say. It is my first such trip. Everything was simply excellent. The driver was very kind and communicative, the car in very good condition. Everything was like a pleasant surprise.
Driver was great. He is very polite and experienced in his job as well
Excellent driver and pleasant and professional Thank you
Drivers both ways were very nice and reliable.
Very good service. Driver andrew very friendly and helpful with tips for our stay. Thanku
Fantastic gentleman and the perfect vehicle.
I’m happy with my journey all the instructions metting point very helpful. Specially the driver very good, smooth pick up and drop off on time. I can recommend this company to others in future.
Vitor was highly professional and courteous.
The driver (Ali Bakhtair) was courteous and offered a choice of travel routes
A good, profesional driver
Initially I was worried about landing with my family and the car not turning up, then the flight was delayed by over an hour and that added more worry. Whilst I was still waiting to board I received a text message from the taxi company saying that the flight was delayed, they were tracking it, and not to worry. When I landed I received a text message with the driver contact details, his arrival time and his photo!! When we came through he was standing there with our name on a smart looking tablet! He was great, he ran us around during our stay a few times and we had him again when it was time to leave.
Booked my transfer with ridetransferdirect.com and the process couldn’t have been easier, one thing that surprised me was that I could track the vehicle in real time from the SMS message they sent me when the car was dispatched, impressive!