One of the most popular places in Portugal is the Algarve where you will find the most stunning beaches, good vibes, and the city of Lagos!
With over 300 sunny days a year, the sun is always shining in Lagos and that’s just one of many reasons why people love this small city down in the Algarve.
Going from Lisbon to Lagos is a popular trip and it is very easy to get between the two cities.
Lagos is a relaxed coastal city that’s known for its amazing beaches and chilled-out vibe. It’s a lot smaller than Lisbon and has a totally different feel to it.
Whether it’s a weekend trip you’re going for or if you’re making your way from Lisbon to Lagos for an extended period of time we’re sure you’re going to love it!
In this post, we’ve listed the different options for how to get between Lisbon and Lagos including how long it takes, the average cost, and where to book the trip.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means if you decide to use the links and make a valid purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you <3
5 easy ways to get from Lisbon to Lagos
Whether you’re road-tripping down to the Algarve to experience the surf or just doing a weekend trip from Lisbon to Lagos you’re going to love it.
Let’s get right into all the different options on how to get between the two cities.
In this post, you will find the different options, ticket prices, links to sites where you can book your tickets, and reasons why we recommend each option.
Lisbon to Lagos by Train
Average price: €18-€25 one way
Average time: Roughly 4 hours
Convenience: 4/5
Where to book: Omio
Taking the train from Lisbon to Lagos is convenient if you want to relax, sleep, or even get some work done as the ride is super smooth.
The trains are also quite spacious so it’s definitely nice to have some room and space for the 4-hour train ride.
Unfortunately, the trains are a little more expensive than the buses but I guess you get what you pay for. The train goes through the Portuguese countryside which is nice to have while looking out the window.
If you don’t mind spending a few extra Euros, the train is a nice way to go between the two cities.
Book your train ticket from Lisbon to Lagos here.
Lisbon to Lagos by bus
Average price: €5 one way
Average time: Roughly 4 hours
Convenience: 4/5
Where to book: Omio
Taking the bus from Lisbon to Lagos is definitely one of the more convenient and the cheapest way to get there.
It takes just as long as the train but it’s quite a bit cheaper. So in this case the bus definitely gives you the best bank for your buck.
When we went from Lisbon to Lagos we took the bus and we thought it was super convenient. We really enjoyed the drive across the bridge as we left Lisbon!
Once you’re out of Lisbon, you cruise on the highway and drive through a more desert-like landscape before you enter the Algarve and go through some nice coastal cities.
If you’re fine with buses then this is a solid option to get you from Lisbon to Lagos.
Book your bus ticket from Lisbon to Lagos here.
Lisbon to Lagos by rental car
Average price: Anywhere from $10-50 a day + gas
Average time: 3 hours
Convenience: 4.5/5
Where to book: Discover Cars
The price for public transport is so cheap in Portugal that we personally really favour the bus or the train over rental cars.
We also want to mention that you have to pay toll fees when driving on Portuguese highways. Even though it’s not expensive, it’s another fee to take into account for the price of your car rental.
There are options to avoid the tolls by taking secondary roads which we did quite often while we were travelling Portugal by van. But sometimes you spend way more time on these narrow and windy roads so it’s worth just paying the toll fees.
With all that being said, if you prefer having a rental car then go for it! It is super convenient having one if you plan to do a lot of day trips from Lagos such as to the Benagil Cave, Sagres, or another beautiful coast town.
If you do rent a car, we recommend Discover Cars and then picking it up from the Lisbon Airport since it’s usually the cheapest option. We like using Discover Cars because it compares the different rental companies and shows you the cheapest and best options.
Book your rental car from Lisbon Airport here.
Tip: The further you book the car rental in advance the more likely you are to get a better discount.
Lisbon to Lagos by Campervan
Average price: Depends on the season (price guide here)
Average time: 3 hours
Convenience: 5/5
Where to book: Portugal by Van
If you get the opportunity to travel Portugal by Van then do it! It’s a great way to see the country and a convenient way to stay in one spot for multiple days at a time.
Portugal is also super camping friendly and there are tons of great campsites along the Algarve Coast.
We camped and travelled mostly around Portugal’s Silver Coast but the Algarve is known for its amazing campsites near the coast and the beach.
If you pick up your campervan in Lisbon you can drive directly to Lagos in a few hours or make a stop along the way and camp in the Algarve.
There are quite a few camping spots in and around Lagos as well. So the van life is super easy and convenient around Lagos and has lots of possibilities for some great day trips.
Of course, if you’re doing just a day trip from Lisbon to Lagos then this isn’t for you. But if you’re looking for a longer period of time then renting a campervan might be the best option.
Other related questions about Lisbon to Lagos
Can you take a train from Lisbon to Lagos?
Yes, there are trains that go from Lisbon to Lagos that take roughly 4 hours. Taking the train from Lisbon to Lagos takes longer than other means of public transport and is also more expensive.
How long is the train from Lisbon to Lagos?
The train from Lisbon to Lagos takes roughly 4 hours. It’s not the quickest way to get between the two cities but it is still fairly convenient and quite relaxing taking the train through the Portuguese countryside.
How long is the bus from Lisbon to Lagos?
The bus from Lisbon to Lagos takes roughly 4 hours. It’s a convenient way to travel between the two cities and is also the cheapest form of public transport between Lisbon and Lagos.
Is it easy to get from Lisbon to Lagos?
Yes, it’s super easy to get from Lisbon to Lagos especially since there are trains and buses that go there.
Buses and trains leave quite frequently from Lisbon and drop you off in downtown Lagos so it really isn’t that hard at all to get between the two cities.
Is Lagos worth visiting?
Lagos is absolutely worth visiting! There are so many things to do in Lagos including some amazing boat tours around Lagos. Lagos has some of the best beaches in the Algarve and amazing weather during the summer months.
If you get the chance to do a day trip from Lisbon or even time to spend a few weeks in Lagos you should totally do it.
Also read: Top 20 Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal
Can you fly into Lagos Portugal?
Lagos Portugal does not have an airport but the city of Faro has an international airport.
From Faro to Lagos is less than 100km away and takes roughly an hour to get from Faro to Lagos. So even though Lagos does not have an international airport you have one quite close by.
Is there Uber in Lagos Portugal?
Yes, you can use Uber in Lagos and the rest of Portugal. You can also use Bolt which is usually cheaper than Uber.
Most drivers use both Uber and Bolt so you shouldn’t have a problem getting a ride using either app.
Get more out of your trip to Lagos with these activities
- See more than 140 species and learn about their conservation projects at Lagos Zoo with this ticket
- Go on an aquatic safari with an experienced skipper and a specialist guide on this dolphin-watching tour from Lagos
- Marvel at one of the most beautiful natural rock formations in the world on this boat trip from Lagos to the Benagil Cave
❗️ Use Tiqets promo code ‘RWADVENTURES5’, which offers a 5% discount on all products (except City Passes) until December 31, 2024.
You may also like…
- Hiking the Lagos Coastal Walk to Ponta da Piedade
- 8 Beautiful Beaches in Lagos You Need to Visit
- Everything You Need to Know About Campervan Rental in Portugal
- The Most Awesome 2-Week West Coast Portugal Road Trip
- 5 Awesome Boat Tours to Do in Lagos, Portugal
Recap of how to get from Lisbon to Lagos
We hope you have the best time exploring the Algarve and Lagos!
It’s an area of Portugal we love and if you love the ocean, beaches, and hip vibes you’ll love Lagos. It gets busy in the summer because you couldn’t ask for better weather but during shoulder seasons it’s still warm and a bit quieter which makes it perfect to explore.
Lagos has some amazing beaches that are worth exploring and make sure to hike to Ponta de Piedade along the coast as well. The coastal trail is amazing!
Enjoy your trip and let us know if you have any questions about Lagos in the comments below or DM us on Instagram.
Love it? Share it!
