*daily rates in Faro Airport based on a 1 day rental (24hr period) and for guidance purposes only.
*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for todays best prices.
Faro Airport Mini Guide (FAO)
About Faro Airport
The only airport convenient for holidays on the
Algarve, Faro Airport can handle up to 6m passengers a year and is getting close to that figure. It’s less than two miles away from the city of Faro, which sadly is often overlooked by travellers on their way to the beach resorts. There’s plenty of short term parking if you are collecting friends from the airport. Four out of the five busiest routes originate in the British Isles, accounting for 50% of the passenger traffic.
How to Get There
Over thirty airlines fly to Faro including; BA, Lufthansa, Ryanair, easyJet, and the main holiday airlines including Monarch, Thomas Cook and Thomson. Flight time is around two and three quarter hours from the
UK.
Getting to Your Destination After Landing at Faro Airport
Most people arrive on charter flights and usually have a transfer to their resort. For the independent traveller a seasonal airport shuttle bus operates at frequent intervals during the peak season. If you want to use it to get to Faro, you should check with the airport in advance for the schedule. There are also regular buses from the airport to various locations in the city and a timetable is displayed near the airport information desk. Taxis can also be hired from just outside the airport building.
For those that want the flexibility of a hire car on their holidays, the airport has several rental companies represented there but pre-booking is recommended, especially in high season. The car rental desks are to the right of the tour operators’ desks as you pass through customs. If travelling as a group it’s often a good idea to send the driver through to collect the car whilst others wait for the luggage. Outside the airport, the toll road A22 motorway is easily accessibly making the onward journey quick and simple. Please check your rental terms and conditions for toll charges and payment methods or contact us for further information.
Public Information and Help
There is a very helpful information desk (tel: +351 (0)289 800 617) found in arrivals and also in departures. They can deal with a wide range of problems and give directions. For information about Faro and the Algarve go to the separate Algarve Information Desk. There they can arrange accommodation or give you advice and leaflets about the area or give you maps.
Facilities, Shops and Refreshments
Faro has good facilities for a medium sized airport and has several banks found in the public area as well as a bureau de change and an ATM after security although these are only open from 7 am until midnight.
In the arrivals hall there are toilet and baby changing facilities and once through customs, there is a range of cafes and snack bars. For departing tourists, fast food outlets and a coffee shop is available in the departure lounge as well as a post office for those last minute postcards. There’s a small range of duty free shops including Just Luxury, Billabong and Sunglass Hut together with the ubiquitous wine/spirits/tobacco/perfume duty free shop.
There is a lost luggage desk for those whose luggage hasn’t arrived or for those that want to leave luggage at the airport. For those that struggle with suitcases and trolleys a payable porter service is available but for those in need of assistance through disability, the service is free. For those on business or others who need internet access, the airport has a payable Wi-Fi service. Should they be needed, limited conference facilities are also available.
Extra Assistance
Faro Airport conforms to EU Law on the provision of access for disabled users but any specific requirements should be given to your airline before travelling.
– Over the recent year Faro Airport has increased its number of flight connections with direct flights available from Cardiff, Birmingham and all three London airports.
- Realising that it's getting close to operating capacity, an extensive programme of works was begun in 2009. The work, which is expected to take five years to complete, will add extra aircraft handling facilities, extend and improve the terminal and increase handling capacity by two million.
- Norwegian Air Shuttle begin a daily flight to Faro from the 6th April whilst Aer Lingus will start two new routes from Belfast and Shannon this April and May respectively.