Guest Logistics
Flight options, ground transport, and a few things to sort before you leave home. However you get here, plan generously — think in hours, not minutes.
A note on customs and pace
No matter how you arrive, give yourself ample time between landing and your next leg of travel. Customs lines at Lisboa and Faro airports move slowly — the infrastructure was not built for large crowds, and queues can be long.
Portugal and southern Europe move at a different pace than the US. Be patient, stay hydrated, keep snacks handy, and use the lavatory before joining the customs line 😉
Fly into the EU, then connect to Faro
If this is part of a larger European trip, you can fly directly into Faro from most airports in the EU. It is a small, easy airport — a good final leg after a few days elsewhere.
Fly Newark to Faro
United Airlines runs seasonal direct flights from Newark to Faro. Not all flights are nonstop — many route through other European cities before arriving, so check the itinerary carefully.
From Faro Airport, Uber or taxi to Tavira takes roughly 20–30 minutes.
Fly in/out of Lisboa
Lisboa is worth a few days on its own. Consider building time at the start or end of your trip to explore the city before heading south.
From Lisboa, you have three good options for reaching the Algarve.
Lisboa to Faro by air
A short domestic flight — roughly one hour — then Uber or taxi from Faro to Tavira. Pricing varies by day and time of day.
Lisboa to the Algarve by car
The drive is scenic and roughly three hours. Expect 75€ or more in tolls, and a possible surcharge for one-way rentals.
Nearly all rental cars in Portugal are manual transmission. If you need an automatic, specify it when booking — availability is limited and not guaranteed.
Some rental agencies are at the Lisboa airport; others require a shuttle bus from outside baggage claim. Booking online in advance is almost always cheaper than walking up to the counter.
You may need an International Driving Permit — check before you travel.
Lisboa to Faro by train
The IC train runs from Lisboa Oriente station to Faro. From Faro, Uber or taxi to Tavira.
The train runs twice daily. Purchase tickets in advance and book the "IC" service specifically — other train options are slow regional routes.
Depart from "Oriente" station in Lisbon. Travel light if you can — maneuvering heavy luggage on Portuguese trains is not easy.
Before you travel
Order EU power adapters before you leave — you will need them for chargers, hair tools, and anything else with a plug.
Check whether you need an ETIAS travel authorization for the EU. If required, it must be completed before departure.
Review the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) — a new digital border registration that may apply to your trip. This is separate from ETIAS.
Confirm your passport does not expire within one year of your travel dates.
