Lisbon to Lagos Portugal — Best Ways to Get There (2026)

🇵🇹 Part of our 2 Weeks in Portugal — on day 7 we took the train from Lisbon Oriente to Lagos. It was the perfect way to arrive in the Algarve.

Lagos is about 280km south of Lisbon — close enough for a comfortable half-day journey. We took the train and arrived in Lagos feeling relaxed, having watched the Alentejo plains roll past and the Algarvian hills begin to rise. Much better than fighting traffic on the A2.

Here is everything you need to know about getting from Lisbon to Lagos.

Option 1: Train (Our Recommendation)

Time: 3 hours 30 minutes–4 hours
Cost: €22–€35 (advance booking)
Frequency: Multiple daily (roughly every 2 hours)
Departs: Lisbon Oriente or Lisbon Entrecampos
Arrives: Lagos (terminus station)

The train from Lisbon to Lagos requires one change — typically at Tunes (a rural junction in the Algarve) where you switch from the Alfa Pendular or InterCidades to the regional Algarve line. The change is well-coordinated and the connection is usually just 5–10 minutes. Lagos is the end of the line so you cannot miss your stop.

How to book:

• CP (Comboios de Portugal) — book at least 3–5 days ahead for best fares
• You can book both legs (Lisbon → Tunes → Lagos) as a single through-ticket on the CP website

Our experience: We booked Lisbon Oriente → Lagos (via Tunes) for €26 per person, 5 days in advance. Departed 9:50am, arrived Lagos 1:22pm. The Alfa Pendular leg to Tunes was very comfortable; the regional train on to Lagos was older but perfectly fine. The Algarve section of the journey — through almond and orange groves with glimpses of the coast — was genuinely beautiful.

Tip: Trains from Oriente are usually more convenient than from Santa Apolónia as Oriente is on the Metro and has more intercity services.

Option 2: Bus (Rede Expressos)

Time: ~4 hours 30 minutes
Cost: €20–€25
Frequency: Several services daily
Departs: Lisbon Sete Rios bus station
Arrives: Lagos bus station (central, a short walk from the old town)

Rede Expressos runs a direct Lisbon–Lagos coach service. Comfortable modern coaches with Wi-Fi. The journey is longer than the train but the bus station in Lagos is centrally located — potentially saving taxi costs.

Book at: Rede Expressos website

Best for: travel budget calculator travellers; those staying near the Lagos bus station.

Option 3: Drive

Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (without traffic)
Cost: €20–€25 fuel + €18–€22 motorway tolls
Route: A2 south from Lisbon → join A22 (Via do Infante) west to Lagos

Driving is the fastest option and gives you complete flexibility — essential if you want to explore beaches and villages along the Algarve coast. The A22 is Portugal's main Algarve motorway (known as the Via do Infante) and runs almost all the way to Lagos.

Best for: Those with a hire car planning to explore the Algarve coast; families with children; groups of 3+.

Hire car: Book through Discover Cars — pick up in Lisbon and drop off in Faro or Lagos.

Note on tolls: The A22 in the Algarve operates electronic tolls only (no cash payment booths). If you hire a car, check that it has a toll transponder or ask about the rental company's toll payment options.

Option 4: Fly (Not Recommended)

There is no commercial airport at Lagos. The nearest airports are Faro (80km east, ~1 hour by car) and Lisbon (departure point). Flying makes no sense for this route.

Lisbon to Lagos: Comparison Table

Which Lisbon Station Do Trains to Lagos Leave From?

Most Lagos trains depart from Lisbon Oriente (the main intercity station, served by Metro Red Line). Some also stop at Entrecampos (a secondary station, also on the Metro).

Note: Rossio and Santa Apolónia stations do NOT serve the southern lines to the Algarve — make sure you head to Oriente.

The Lagos Train Station

Lagos train station is small and charming — about a 10-minute walk from the old town and marina. There are taxis available outside (€5–7 to the old town) and the walk along the river is pleasant.

Lisbon to Albufeira (If You Are Heading There Instead)

Albufeira is actually closer to Faro than to Lagos on the train network. The best option:

1. Train from Lisbon Oriente to Tunes or Faro
2. Local train westbound to Ferreiras station (Albufeira's nearest station, 6km from town)
3. Taxi or bus from Ferreiras to Albufeira centre (~€6 taxi)

Total journey time: approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a direct train from Lisbon to Lagos? There is a single through-ticket but you do need to change trains at Tunes. The change is smooth and usually just 5–10 minutes. No need to collect luggage.

How long does it take to get from Lisbon to Lagos? By train: 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours. By car: approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. By bus: 4 hours 30 minutes.

Can I buy train tickets from Lisbon to Lagos on the day? Yes, but advance booking gives better prices. The route does not usually sell out except on summer weekends and public holidays.

How much does the train from Lisbon to Lagos cost? From around €22 (advance InterCidades) to €35 (last-minute). Check the CP website for current prices.

Is it worth hiring a car for Lisbon to Lagos? If you plan to explore the Algarve coast at your own pace — yes, absolutely. If you just want to get to Lagos and stay there — the train is more relaxing and similar cost.

What to Do at Each End

Leaving Lisbon: 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary · Things to Do in Lisbon · Lisbon Card Review

Arriving in Lagos: Things to Do in Lagos · Lagos Portugal Itinerary · Where to Stay in Lagos · Best Beaches in the Algarve

The full route: 2 Weeks in Portugal Itinerary · Algarve Travel Guide