A long layover in Faro is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Faro Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 50 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at FAO:
First, verify that you can enter Portugal — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Bus Line 16 takes about 50 minutes into Faro, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — EUR is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Transport from Faro Airport to Downtown
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus Line 16 | ~50 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~70 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Bus Line 16 is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage is available at No dedicated public lockers are available. Inquire at the airport’s information desk for potential assistance with luggage storage options.. Drop your bags off early so you can explore hands-free.
Alternatively, third-party services like Bounce or Stasher can connect you with storage locations closer to wherever you’re headed in Faro.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Faro, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Exploring Faro on a Layover
For a layover visit to Faro, we’d suggest Faro Old Town & Sé Cathedral and Faro Marina. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
The architecture is worth seeing, even from the outside. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Faro.
If you’d rather stay inside FAO — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- ANA Lounge
- Duty Free Store
Eating Well on a Faro Layover
For food in Faro, local travelers recommend Restaurante Cidade Velha. If you have time for a second stop, Taska is another popular pick.
Back at FAO, Burger King is the go-to. Delta Café rounds out your in-terminal options.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at FAO, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Faro itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Portugal that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Need a Nap? Options at FAO
Long overnight layover? Your options at FAO include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Portugal also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Faro count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave FAO. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.