I like exploring Portugal, one of the questions I’m often asked is how to travel from Lisbon to Lagos in the Algarve region quickly and comfortably. While Lagos may seem far from Lisbon at first glance, the good news is that there are several quick and convenient flight options to make the journey smooth. Over time, I’ve had the opportunity to try different flights, and in this article, I’ll share my personal experience, offer detailed flight recommendations, and provide tips for getting the best deal when booking your flight from Lisbon to Lagos.
The Journey from Lisbon to Lagos
Before diving into the details of specific flights, let’s first address the route itself. Lagos is located in southern Portugal, about 380 kilometers (236 miles) from Lisbon, which is the country’s capital. While many travelers opt for a car ride or bus, flying between Lisbon and Lagos is the fastest and most convenient way to get to this beautiful coastal town, especially if you’re short on time.
Now, flying directly to Lagos may sound a bit unusual because Lagos doesn’t have its own airport. Instead, travelers fly into Faro Airport (FAO), located roughly 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Lagos, and then take a shuttle or taxi to the town. While this adds an extra leg to the journey, the speed and ease of flying make it a popular choice for many.
I’ll focus on providing you with quick flight options from Lisbon to Faro, as this is the most practical way to reach Lagos by air. From Faro, it’s easy to take a bus or taxi to Lagos. Let’s dive into the specifics of the fastest flights that I’ve personally used to get from Lisbon to Lagos.
Flight Option 1: TAP Air Portugal – Lisbon to Faro
Airline: TAP Air Portugal
Flight Duration: 1 hour
Flight Frequency: Daily
Airport Departure: Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), Lisbon
Airport Arrival: Faro Airport (FAO), Faro
Price Range: €45–€90 one-way (depending on the season and booking time)
Booking Platform: TAP Air Portugal
TAP Air Portugal is the national carrier of Portugal, and their flight from Lisbon to Faro is one of the most reliable and efficient ways to travel between these two cities. I’ve flown with TAP several times, and I’ve always found the experience to be smooth and hassle-free. The flight duration is only about an hour, making it a quick option compared to other means of transportation.
My Experience:
Flying with TAP has always been a pleasant experience. The flight attendants are friendly, and the aircraft is modern and comfortable. While the flight is short, I’ve found that TAP provides a quick and efficient service, including complimentary drinks and snacks on board. The aircraft is typically a small Airbus A320, which is ideal for such a short domestic flight.
Why I Recommend It:
TAP Air Portugal offers excellent on-time performance, and with multiple flights available each day, it provides flexibility for travelers. I recommend booking as early as possible to secure the best prices, especially during the high season. TAP also allows you to earn frequent flyer miles, which is a nice bonus if you plan to travel frequently within Portugal or Europe.
Booking Tip:
I usually check the TAP Air Portugal website or use Skyscanner for the best flight deals. If you’re booking ahead of time, you may be able to find promotional fares or discounts, especially during off-peak seasons.
Flight Option 2: EasyJet – Lisbon to Faro
Airline: EasyJet
Flight Duration: 1 hour
Flight Frequency: 5 times per week
Airport Departure: Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), Lisbon
Airport Arrival: Faro Airport (FAO), Faro
Price Range: €30–€75 one-way (depending on the season and booking time)
Booking Platform: EasyJet
For budget-conscious travelers, EasyJet is an excellent option. I’ve flown with EasyJet on several occasions, and while it’s a low-cost carrier, the service is reliable and efficient. Their Lisbon to Faro flight is short, quick, and offers great value for money, especially if you’re flexible with your dates.
My Experience:
One thing I appreciate about EasyJet is their straightforward service. They don’t provide any complimentary meals or drinks, but the flight is so short that it really doesn’t matter. I’ve found that EasyJet has consistently been punctual, and their crew is always professional. The aircraft is typically an Airbus A320, which is quite comfortable for the one-hour journey.
What I love about EasyJet is the ability to choose extras like additional luggage allowance or priority boarding, which can make the experience even more seamless for those traveling with more luggage or tight schedules.
Why I Recommend It:
EasyJet’s low-cost fares make it ideal for those on a budget. It’s an excellent choice if you want to save money without sacrificing too much comfort or reliability. Since EasyJet flies several times per week, there’s a good chance you’ll find a time that fits your schedule.
Booking Tip:
For the best prices, I recommend booking your flight well in advance, as EasyJet fares can fluctuate. Keep an eye on sales or sign up for their newsletter to receive notifications about flash sales and discounted tickets.
Flight Option 3: Ryanair – Lisbon to Faro
Airline: Ryanair
Flight Duration: 1 hour
Flight Frequency: Daily
Airport Departure: Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), Lisbon
Airport Arrival: Faro Airport (FAO), Faro
Price Range: €25–€65 one-way (depending on the season and booking time)
Booking Platform: Ryanair
Ryanair is another low-cost carrier that operates daily flights from Lisbon to Faro. I’ve flown with Ryanair multiple times, and it’s one of my go-to choices for short trips within Europe due to its competitive prices and frequent departures. Their Lisbon to Faro flight is quick, and while the service is basic, it’s perfect for those who just need to get from one place to another without any frills.
My Experience:
Ryanair is a no-frills airline, meaning you won’t get any complimentary food or drink, but the flight is always on time, and the check-in process is relatively smooth. The flight attendants are friendly, and I’ve always found their boarding process efficient. The aircraft is usually a Boeing 737, which is a little larger than the Airbus A320 used by EasyJet, making the flight feel slightly roomier.
Why I Recommend It:
If you’re looking for an affordable option and you don’t mind a simple, straightforward flight, Ryanair is a great choice. The airline’s schedule is frequent, and you can usually find cheap flights, especially if you’re flexible with your dates and book in advance.
Booking Tip:
I highly recommend using Kiwi.com or Ryanair’s own website to check for the best deals. You can often find promotions on these platforms, and booking early can save you a significant amount of money. Make sure to double-check the baggage policy, as Ryanair is known for its strict baggage rules.
Booking Tips for Lisbon to Faro Flights
- Book Early: To get the best prices, booking early is essential. If you’re flying during peak season (summer months or holiday periods), flights tend to fill up quickly and prices rise. I always try to book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for the most affordable fares.
- Use Price Comparison Websites: Platforms like Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi.com are excellent for comparing prices across different airlines. They often highlight the best deals and give you an overview of flight schedules.
- Be Flexible with Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, you can often save money by flying mid-week (Tuesday and Wednesday) rather than on weekends. These platforms allow you to adjust your dates easily to find the lowest fares.
- Check for Additional Costs: Low-cost airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair often charge for things like checked baggage and seat selection. When booking, make sure to account for these potential additional costs.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Many airlines and flight comparison sites allow you to set up price alerts, so you can be notified when fares drop for your desired route. This has helped me snag lower prices for flights on multiple occasions.
Where to Stay in Faro and Lagos
After landing in Faro, you’ll need to make your way to Lagos, which is about an hour’s drive away. For accommodation, I recommend using Booking.com or Airbnb to find a place that fits your preferences and budget. Lagos offers a variety of charming boutique hotels, seaside resorts, and apartment rentals. If you’re looking for luxury, consider staying at places like Cascade Wellness & Lifestyle Resort or Vila Galé Lagos. For more affordable options, Airbnb offers several lovely stays within walking distance of the town’s center.
For convenient transportation from Faro to Lagos, I suggest booking a private transfer through GetYourGuide, which often offers competitive prices for taxis or minivan services that take you directly to your accommodation.
Traveling from Lisbon to Faro is quick and straightforward, and choosing the right flight can make all the difference in ensuring you get to your destination comfortably and affordably. TAP Air Portugal, EasyJet, and Ryanair all provide convenient and affordable options, and with a little planning, you can secure a great deal for your trip. Just be sure to compare prices, book early, and enjoy the beautiful Algarve region once you arrive in Lagos!
