Taxi service operation

Taxis at Faro airport, or cabs, operate according to a set of rules established by the Portuguese government which are applied in the entire country. Taxi transport in Portugal, especially at airports, is a service with a good and solid reputation, recognized internationally. Recent studies conducted by the FIA organization, place Portuguese taxi drivers among the best in Europe in aspects such as driving safety, vehicle quality, friendliness, sympathy and honesty in the choice of routes. The regulation of the taxi service and its business model is carried out jointly by the entities IMT - Institute for Mobility and Transport - and ANTRAL - National Association for Ground Transport - both under the supervision of the Department of Economy. Faro airport has a specific and well-defined area for taxis, near the terminal exit. If you are flying to the Algarve soon and considering this type of transport for your arrival and departure transfers between Faro airport, this page provides helpful information about the conventional taxi service.

Identification and colour of taxis

At Faro airport, throughout the Algarve and the rest of Portugal, taxis are easily identified from a distance by the black and green colour combination - black in the vehicle bottom half and green in the roof. Some taxis may also use the ivory-beige colour. These two colour options are only used for taxis, and as stated by the Portuguese law, no other private vehicle can use them. The vast majority of taxi drivers prefer the black and green combination as it is unique in the world, easily recognizable and transmits a national identity to the service. In addition to the differentiated colours, all taxis are equipped with a roof sign describing the service and the respective tariff / fare being applied for the transport. Also, the majority of taxis operating at Faro Airport are Mercedes brand vehicles.

Seating capacity

Taxis in Portugal are divided into two groups according to the number of seats or passenger capacity - those that can carry up to 4 passengers and those that can transport more than 4, with a maximum taxi capacity of 9 persons - 8 passengers plus the driver. This division implies the payment of different fares according to the cab capacity or seats available. At Faro airport there are taxis of both types, although the most common are the 4 seater taxis. For groups over 8 persons, the private transfer service between Faro airport is the best transportation alternative.

Luggage policy

If the passengers luggage requires the use of the taxi baggage compartment or roof rack, the driver can charge an additional amount of 1,60€ as stated by the law - payment per transport, not per luggage item. The driver decision to use the vehicle boot focuses on the size of each volume transported. If one of these exceeds the dimensions of 55x35x20 cm (length x width x height), it can not be carried in the front of the taxi. The luggage extra charge does not apply to wheelchairs or other equipment for passengers with reduced mobility. It also does not apply to baby pushchairs, prams and other infant carrying systems.

The transport of pets in taxis is allowed, provided that they are carried in proper boxes, do not represent danger for the taxi occupants nor they show lack of hygiene. The taxi driver can also apply the extra charge of 1,60€ for the pet transport, as stated by law. Small pet boxes can be carried in the front of the taxi. For larger casings, passengers should take a taxi van with a bigger boot.

Before travelling by taxi, you should previously clarify with the driver which costs will be associated with the transport of your luggage items. If you are carrying large volumes or non-standard luggage, the Faro airport private transfers service provides larger vehicles for that purpose.

Reduced mobility

Faro airport is served by adapted taxis for people with reduced mobility - the vehicles are identified with the accessibility sign. If you do not find one of these taxis upon arrival, you can request one to another taxi driver at the airport or use the nation wide contact for calling taxis - posted on information boards near the taxis rank. Inside the terminal there are information desks where you may also request an adapted taxi. Alternatively you can always pre-book in advance, prior to your arrival at Faro airport, a private transfer in an accessible vehicle.

Taxi fares

Taxi prices to and from Faro airport are charged according to established tariffs applied throughout Portugal. For most Algarve destinations served by Faro airport, the tariff 3 (outside city) is applied. For each tariff, the taxi fares vary according to the vehicle passenger capacity and the time of day transport is requested - daytime between 06h00 and 21h00 and night services from 21h00 to 06h00. Taxi transport on weekend days and holidays is charged during 24 hours the same way as night services during weekdays. Note that regardless of the distance travelled, there is always a minimum initial fare to pay - 3,25€ for daytime services and 3,90€ at night, weekends and holidays. Also note that for taxi routes that require the payment of tolls, the respective costs are always paid by the customer at the end of the trip. The following table shows the fares and journey times based on distance and taxi idle time for tariff 3.

• 4 PAX
• 8 PAX

Extra charges applied by taxis at Faro airport

Faro airport taxi prices - estimated

Using the above tariff 3 applied by most taxis at Faro airport as the reference rate, the following table shows an estimate price for the total cost of a taxi trip between Faro airport and all the Algarve major destinations. If applicable, to the disclosed amount is yet to be added the cost of tolls if the taxi route uses the Algarve A22 motorway (Via do Infante) - for such destinations, the toll column shows the corresponding value.

• 4 PAX
• 8 PAX

Information on possible toll charge in taxi journeys from faro airport

With the exception of some locations closer to Faro airport, taxi transfers to most destinations in the Algarve go through the A22 motorway or Via do Infante, which crosses the region from one end to another, east to west. Its the fast and safest route and its use requires the payment of tolls. There is a free alternative, the secondary N125 road, but is less used by taxis because traffic is more intense and sometimes it can take twice as long to reach the same destination.

As stated by the Portuguese public taxi service rules, when a taxi journey requires the payment of tolls, the respective cost for the outward trip and the empty taxi return will be paid by the passenger. Toll prices between Faro airport and most Algarve destinations are displayed in information boards next to the taxi rank. Before vehicle departure, confirm with the taxi driver the additional amount payable for tolls according to your destination.

From the the perspective of a taxi leaving Faro airport, the red markers in the following interactive map represent the two possible intersections with the A22 motorway, depending if passenger destination is to the east or west of Faro airport. The blue markers show the several exits along the motorway - drivers will take the nearest one according to the final destination. Click on each blue exit point to get the respective toll cost of a taxi trip starting at Faro airport.

Algarve toll road (A22) prices from Faro airport

Taking a taxi at the airport

The steps required to take a taxi at Faro airport are similar to those taken in other international airports. After leaving the plane and passing through the baggage claim area - blue area on the terminal map - you will be guided to the arrivals public area - in green. You will find the terminal exit doors on the right, leading you to the arrivals area outside where you will see the taxis stand under a big structure. Faro airport is relatively small and it will be easy to find the taxis after leaving the terminal building. The usual direction signs are also present throughout the airport to guide you.

Calling a taxi to the airport

Regardless of the country area where you are, if you need to call a taxi to Faro airport, use the national taxi central contacts available 24 hours. If you wish to obtain further information on the taxi service, you should instead contact the ANTRAL office in the Algarve.

Alternative to public taxis

As in other airports worldwide, taxis are definitely a reliable and comfortable transport option to get to and from Faro airport. Taxis operate day and night and guarantee fast transport at any time to all destinations without prior booking. It is a service on which one can always count but of course also entails higher costs and is not as viable for longer distances or larger groups of passengers. If you do not have anyone to pick you up or leave you at Faro airport, there are alternatives to the taxi service that with a little planning and prior information may prove to be more economic and equally comfortable, both for people travelling alone or in group.

Private transfers

To avoid unforeseen expenses, being surprised with the final price of the taxi trip or simply to avoid waiting lines at Faro airport, many tourists visiting the Algarve prefer to book before their arrival a private transfer with fixed cost from Faro airport to their holiday accommodation.

Equally comfortable, direct and with complete schedule flexibility, transfers are a cheaper alternative to conventional taxis for most destinations. Although it requires prior booking via the Internet, this transportation alternative ultimately saves time upon arrival at the airport, as you will already have a reserved vehicle and driver waiting in the arrivals area. Customers can also pre-book transfers to most destinations with the possibility of paying later to the driver on the transport day.

Transfers represent a more personalized service, reason for which most travel agents also prefer this option for transporting their customers back and forth to the airport. Transfer companies operating at Faro airport provide vans, mini-buses and coaches prepared for groups over 8 passengers - the limit of public taxis. They also let customers choose the path taken to their destination - either through the paid motorway or via the free alternative - thus enabling the saving of another additional cost charged by regular taxis.

Public buses

When it comes to other public transportation options, Faro airport is only served by city buses to and from the central station at Faro city centre, 6 km away. There you can take the corresponding bus to your final destination in the Algarve. Not as convenient as a taxi or a private transfer - especially while carrying large volumes of luggage - however buses tend to be the cheapest alternative, especially for destinations closer to the airport. For farthermost locations it will depend on the number of hops to reach your final destination as the price difference may no longer make up for the lost time with the transport.

If you are considering the train option, please note that there is no direct railway connection to Faro airport yet. The nearest train station is located at Faro city centre, 6 km from the airport. You must take the bus, request a taxi or a private transfer to get there first.