How to get from Lisbon to Lagos, Portugal

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There are a number of ways to travel from Lisbon to Lagos, however the common factor of all of these is that you should book in advance if you are planning to travel during the peak season (summer). However, this holds true regardless of season to get the best rates and ensure availability on your preferred route. 

This guide will break down all of the different ways to travel between Lisbon and Lagos, and the pros and cons of each. But before you go to the article, here is a list of the most popular tours and excursions in Lagos:

Getting from Lisbon to Lagos, Portugal

By car

By far the fastest and easiest way to get from Lisbon to Lagos is by car. Car rentals in Portugal are quite affordable, if booked in advance or during the low-season. If you’re planning to visit during the summer months, make sure to book your car in advance.

Additionally, make sure to check the transmission type as the majority of rental cars are manual transmission. Automatic cars are available as well, but tend to book out faster and cost as much as double the price. 

By bus 

Traveling by bus is an easy and affordable way to get from Lisbon to Lagos safely. There is a direct bus between Lisbon and Lagos that takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes. Make sure to book the fastest route, because some routes take close to 5 hours. 

Tickets can be booked directly through Rede Expressos, and should be booked in advance. You will also find a seasonal timetable on the same website. Tickets are typically around 20 Euro for a one way ticket to Lagos, and 35 Euro when purchasing a roundtrip ticket. 

The buses leave from a number of stations in Lisbon, the main station being Lisboa Sete Rios. Make sure you double check your ticket to confirm which station your bus is departing from. 

By train

While there is no direct route from Lisbon to Lagos, traveling between the two cities by train is still affordable and easy to do. Total travel time ranges from 3 hours and 45 minutes to 4 hours and 30 minutes. Choosing between traveling by bus and train will really just come down to personal preference between the two modes of transportation. 

When traveling by train from Lisbon to Lagos you will need to transfer in Tunes. Tickets typically range from 22 Euro to 24 Euro for a 2nd class fare, so only slightly more expensive than the bus. 

Tickets, which should be booked ahead of time, can be purchased directly through the Comboios de Portugal website. 

There are assigned seats on the route from Lisbon to Tunes, but not from Tune to Lagos. 

By flight

There is no airport in Lagos, so if you want to fly from Lisbon to Lagos you will need to fly into Faro International Airport, which is a 45 minute direct flight. From the airport to Lagos it is a 1 hour drive, or as long as 2 hours by bus. This is not the most convenient or fastest way to get to Lagos, but may be a good option if you’re coming from further north or outside of Portugal. 

Best beaches to visit in Lagos 

Lagos gives you access to some of the most beautiful beaches in world, both in the city and in nearby towns. Here are a few beaches that you need to add to your list:

• Ponte de Piedade
• Praia do Camilo
• Praia Dos Estudiantes
• Praia do Ana

Where to eat in Lagos

• Casinha do Petisco – hands down my favorite restaurant in Lagos (we dined here multiple times during our trip). I recommend trying the traditional Cataplana. Cataplana is served in a big round dish like a steam cooker and is filled with all kinds of seafood. Here they serve it with potatoes on the side – perfect for dipping in the delicious sauce. The portions here are HUGE so sharing is never a bad idea.
• Travia – a newer wine bar in town, Travia serves only Portuguese natural wines. Plus, they have a selection of delicious tapas.
• O’Camilo – located very close to  Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, O’Camilo has amazing seafood. There is a great heated outdoor seating area and a view over the beach. Hours are limited during the off-season, so make sure to check ahead.
• Adage Tipica A Forja – referred to locally as the Blue Door, this is another great (affordable) spot for seafood. It is one of the most popular restaurants in Lagos so expect a wait. I recommend the ordering a whole fish to enjoy.
• Coffee & Waves – a tiny coffee shop serving big surf vibes. Here you’ll find great options for breakfast, as well as coffee and tea drinks. These also sell an assortment of local natural wines.

Visiting Portugal? Here are some other articles to check out:

• Best Restaurants in Lagos, Portugal
• Hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Hike
• 3 Days in Porto, Portugal
• First Timers Guide to Lisbon

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