At a glance
From Faro Airport
Olhão is one of the closest towns to Faro Airport — just 15 km east, about 16 minutes by car.
Private transfer or taxi
A taxi from the rank outside arrivals costs roughly €15–22 to Olhão centre. The trip takes about 16 minutes. A pre-booked private transfer is an option but barely necessary at this distance — a metered taxi is straightforward.
Uber and Bolt both work at the airport. Expect to pay €12–18, making this one of the cheapest airport transfers in the Algarve.
Car rental
Rental desks are inside the arrivals hall. Take the N125 eastbound or the A22 to the Olhão exit — 15 minutes either way. The A22 toll for this short stretch is minimal (~€1.50). If you're staying in Olhão itself, a car is largely unnecessary — the town is walkable and the islands are reached by ferry.
By public transport from the airport
The cheapest route:
- Take the Próximo bus (line 16) from outside arrivals to Faro train station (~15 min, ~€2.85)
- At Faro station, take the regional train eastbound to Olhão (~10 min, ~€1.60)
Total cost: roughly €5–6. Total time: allow 1–1.5 hours including the wait. This is one of the simplest public transport connections from the airport in the Algarve — and unlike many towns, Olhão station is actually in town.
Check CP (Comboios de Portugal) for the current timetable.
From Lisbon
By bus
Rede Expressos runs from Sete Rios bus terminal in Lisbon to Faro (~3.5 hours, ~€20). From Faro, take a local Vamus Algarve bus or regional train to Olhão (20 min by bus, 10 min by train). Total: roughly 4 hours and €22–24.
From Lisbon Airport, take the Metro to Jardim Zoológico (blue line, ~30 min) — Sete Rios terminal is immediately outside.
By train
- Lisbon (Oriente or Entrecampos) → Faro: Alfa Pendular (~3 hours, from €25) or Intercidades (~3.5 hours, from €22)
- Faro → Olhão: Regional train (~10 min, ~€1.60)
Total journey: roughly 3.5 hours with a good connection — one of the faster Algarve destinations to reach from Lisbon by rail, since Olhão is the first significant stop east of Faro.
By car
Take the A2 south from Lisbon, then the A22 eastbound. Exit at Olhão. About 285 km, 2.5–3 hours in light traffic. Both motorways are tolled — budget roughly €20–24. Straightforward driving with no regular congestion points.
From other Algarve towns
By train
Olhão sits on the Faro–Vila Real de Santo António regional line, one stop east of Faro.
| From | Journey time | Approx. fare |
|---|---|---|
| Faro | 10 min | €1.60 |
| Tavira | 15 min | €2.30 |
| Vila Real de Santo António | 40 min | €4.20 |
| Albufeira–Ferreiras | 50 min | €4.50 |
| Loulé | 25 min | €2.80 |
The municipality has three stations: Olhão, Fuseta-A, and Fuseta. Olhão station is central — a flat 10-minute walk south through the town grid to the waterfront and markets. Fuseta stations serve the fishing village of Fuseta further east.
By bus
Vamus Algarve connects Olhão to Faro (~20 min) and Tavira. The bus station on Rua General Humberto Delgado is a 5-minute walk from the market area. Local routes serve Fuseta, Moncarapacho, and surrounding villages, though frequency is limited outside weekday peak hours.
By car
| From | Route | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Faro | N125 east | 15 min |
| Tavira | N125 west | 20 min |
| São Brás de Alportel | EN2 south | 20 min |
| Albufeira | A22 east | 40 min |
| Loulé | N125 or A22 | 25 min |
Getting around Olhão
On foot
Olhão is flat, compact, and easy to walk. The town follows a grid pattern — the station, the markets, the waterfront, and the ferry terminal are all within a 15-minute walk of each other. The cube-shaped houses of the old fishing quarter are worth exploring on foot. Unlike many Algarve towns, there are no steep hills to contend with.
Ferries to the islands
Ferries to Ilha da Culatra, Ilha da Armona, and Farol depart from the waterfront pier near the market buildings. Services run year-round, with more frequent departures in summer (roughly every 30–60 min) and reduced schedules in winter. The crossing takes 15–30 minutes depending on the island. Buy tickets at the pier.
Ferry schedules dictate your island day — check return times before you go, especially outside summer. Missing the last boat means an expensive water taxi.
Local buses
Vamus Algarve local routes connect the centre to Fuseta, Moncarapacho, and Quelfes. Service is limited: 4–6 departures per day on weekdays, fewer on weekends. For the islands, the ferry is the only option.
Parking
Near the market: paid parking along the waterfront and in the streets behind the market buildings. On Saturday mornings — market day — spaces fill fast, particularly by 9am. Arrive early or park further out and walk 10 minutes.
General: Olhão has more available parking than most Algarve old towns, since the flat grid layout allows for street parking in surrounding blocks. Outside summer Saturdays, finding a space is usually straightforward.
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