Faro Airport (FAO)

Faro, PT 🇵🇹 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

LPFR

IATA

FAO

Elevation

24 ft

Region

PT-08

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: LPFR

Local Code: Not available

Location: 37.0144° N, -7.96591° E

Continent: EU

Type: Large International Airport

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Recent traveler reviews for Faro Airport (FAO) indicate a mixed to negative overall sentiment, largely overshadowed by significant complaints regarding passport control wait times, particularly during peak seasons. While many find the airport modern and easy to navigate, recurring issues with efficiency at immigration and limited amenities frequently tarnish the experience.

What Travelers Love
  • Modern and Clean Terminal (generally): The airport is often described as modern and generally clean, offering a decent environment for travelers.
  • Easy to Navigate: Despite handling nearly 10 million passengers annually, its layout is relatively simple and well-signed, making it easy for first-time visitors to get around.
  • Good Transportation Connections: There are ample car rental services located just outside the terminal, and numerous taxi options are available. Dedicated airport transfer services are frequently praised for their efficiency and punctuality.
  • Free Wi-Fi: Travelers appreciate the availability of free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
Common Complaints
  • Excessively Long Passport Control Queues: This is the most significant and frequent complaint, with many travelers reporting waits of 1.5 to 3 hours, especially during peak summer months, holidays, or when multiple flights arrive simultaneously.
  • Understaffed Immigration and Non-Functional E-Gates: A primary cause of delays is often cited as a shortage of staff at passport control booths and automated e-gates that are frequently out of service or limited in number.
  • Limited Seating and Crowding: During busy periods, the terminal can become extremely crowded with insufficient seating options, particularly in departure areas and around cafes.
  • Limited Food and Retail Options: The variety and number of cafes, shops, and duty-free options are considered limited compared to larger international airports, leading some to advise eating or shopping before arrival.
  • Cleanliness Issues: While generally clean, some recent reviews highlight dirty toilets and issues with cleanliness in catering areas.
  • Rude/Unhelpful Staff: There are reports of unhelpful or rude staff, particularly at passport control, contributing to traveler frustration.

Overall, Faro Airport serves as a functional gateway to the Algarve, but travelers should be prepared for potentially significant delays at passport control and security, especially during peak travel times. While the airport generally offers modern facilities and good transport links, managing expectations regarding wait times and on-site amenities is advisable for a smoother experience.

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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
0 destinations displayed
Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Faro Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
Ryanair
RYR / FR
46 1198 46 Dec 11, 2025
easyJet
EZY / U2
18 574 18 Dec 11, 2025
4 136 4 Dec 11, 2025
Jet2
EXS / LS
13 134 13 Dec 11, 2025
1 134 1 Dec 11, 2025
4 121 4 Dec 9, 2025
Eurowings
EWG / EW
5 83 5 Dec 9, 2025
Aer Lingus
EIN / EI
2 76 2 Dec 9, 2025
1 52 1 Dec 11, 2025
Lufthansa
DLH / LH
2 51 2 Dec 4, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
10/28 8169 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP APP 119.4 MHz
ATIS ATIS 124.2 MHz
GND GND 118.575 MHz
TWR TWR 118.2 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
FAR Faro NDB 332 kHz
VFA Faro VOR-DME 112800 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Taxis are available 24/7 from the rank located directly outside the arrivals terminal. The journey to Faro city center takes approximately 15 minutes. Fares are metered, but may have surcharges for luggage, night, or weekend trips. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt also operate from the airport and are a common alternative.

Rental Cars

Several car rental companies, including major international brands (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar) and local providers, have desks located in the arrivals hall. It is highly recommended to book a vehicle in advance, especially during peak tourist season. The car hire parking lots are a short walk from the terminal building. This is a very popular option for exploring the Algarve region.

Public Transportation

The main public transport option is the 'Próximo' bus network. Route 16 runs frequently between the airport and the main bus terminal in Faro city center. The journey takes about 20 minutes. From the central bus terminal, you can access regional buses and the nearby Faro train station for connections throughout Portugal. There is no direct train station at the airport.

Nearby Airports

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Courela do Outeiro Private Airstrip
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Hospital Distrital de Faro Heliport
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Faro, PT
Heliport
~3 km away
Loule heliport
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Heliport
~14 km away
Miguel Barros Heliport
LPMB
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Heliport
~15 km away
Cachopo Heliport
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Heliport
~38 km away
Quinta de Mata Mouros Heliport
PT-0153
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Heliport
~47 km away
Barlavento Algarvio Hospital Heliport
LPBA
Portimão, PT
Heliport
~54 km away
Monchique Heliport
PT-0047
Monchique, PT
Heliport
~62 km away
Autódromo Internacional do Algarve Heliport
PT-0152
Montes de Cima, PT
Heliport
~64 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.