Faro Airport Getting from Faro Airport (FAO) to Tavira is the first logistical decision for any holiday in the Eastern Algarve. Do you pick up a car immediately upon landing, or take a transfer and arrange a vehicle locally? Location: Faro Airport sits approximately 40 km west of Tavira. The drive is straightforward via the A22 motorway and typically takes 35–45 minutes. As of 1 January 2025, the A22 motorway is toll-free (Lei n.º 37/2024). Car Rental Desks: The car rental desks are located on the ground level, immediately after you exit the baggage claim area in Arrivals. Major operators with desks inside the terminal include Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, Goldcar, Guerin, Budget, and Enterprise. You will also find desks for rental brokers like Holiday Autos and Discover Cars. Airport Information: Faro Airport is a busy, single-terminal international airport that handled approximately 9.8 million passengers in 2024 (INE). You have two main driving routes from Faro Airport to Tavira. The choice depends on whether you prioritise speed or scenery. A22 (Via do Infante de Sagres): This is the fastest and most direct route. It is a toll-free motorway with a speed limit of 120 km/h, making the journey to Tavira around 35–45 minutes. You will take the exit at the main Tavira junction, which leads you onto the N125 for the final approach to the town. 2026 Road Condition Warning: By 2026, sections of the A22 are showing significant wear. Reports from sulinformacao.pt mention "extensive cracks, uneven surfaces, deep degradation" which can be harsh on a vehicle's suspension and tires. Drive cautiously and consider Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) insurance that specifically covers tire and glass protection. For more details, see our guide to Eastern Algarve driving rules. N125 (National Road): This is the older, free national road that runs parallel to the coast. The journey takes 45 minutes or more as it passes through towns like Olhão, Fuseta, and Luz de Tavira. It's a good option if you want to avoid motorway driving, see more of the local landscape, or make a stop along the way. This is the key decision. Both options have distinct advantages and disadvantages. #### Faro Airport Pickup: Pros Immediate Access: Get your keys and go directly to your accommodation without waiting for a transfer. 24/7 Availability: Desks are open for all flight arrivals, including late-night ones. Wide Fleet Choice: The airport has the largest selection of vehicles, which is crucial if you need an automatic, a 7-seater, or a specific model like a Renault Kadjar or Dacia Duster (or similar) during peak season. #### Faro Airport Pickup: Cons Hard-Sell Insurance Pressure: Some operators are known for aggressive upselling of their own insurance, even if you have pre-purchased third-party cover from providers like RentalCover or iCarHireInsurance. This is particularly well-documented for operators like Goldcar, Surprice, and Keddy-by-Europcar. Long Queues: In July and August, queues at the rental desks can be very long, sometimes adding an hour or more to your arrival process. High Deposit Holds: Airport operators often block a significant amount on your credit card. For example, a 2024 report for Goldcar noted a hold of €1,600 (security deposit) + €150 (fuel) + €150 (toll-box), totalling €1,900. #### Tavira Pickup: Pros No Queues & Personal Service: Local Tavira companies like Simplyrent or Flexmove offer a much faster, more personal pickup experience. No Aggressive Upselling: Local independent firms are known for their transparent and fair insurance policies without the high-pressure sales tactics. Local Expertise: Get tips on where to go and, crucially, where to park in Tavira from staff who know the area inside out. Flexibility: Some local companies offer a price-match guarantee (e.g., Simplyrent) or can arrange a Faro Airport delivery or delivery directly to your hotel or villa. #### Tavira Pickup: Cons Transfer Needed: You will need to arrange a taxi or transfer from Faro Airport to Tavira, which costs approximately €50–€70. Limited Fleet: Smaller local fleets, particularly for automatic cars, can be fully booked by late June for the peak season. Book well in advance. Limited Hours: Most local offices have limited or no opening hours on a Sunday. If you choose an airport pickup, be prepared for these common issues: The Hard-Sell Insurance Upsell: Desk staff may try to convince you that your third-party excess insurance (e.g., from a broker or your credit card) is not valid. It is. As one traveller on a Camino forum noted in September 2024, "It took about 20 minutes to extricate out of the insurance sales pitch." Calmly state that you are happy with your existing cover and will accept the standard excess deposit being blocked on your card. They cannot legally refuse your valid third-party cover. Goldcar's Fuel Policy: Beware of the full-empty fuel policy, where you are charged a high, non-refundable service fee and an inflated price for a full tank of fuel. A TripAdvisor user in 2025 reported being charged "€80 fuel for 4 days car rental that cost €65". Always insist on a full-to-full fuel policy where you return the car with a full tank and pay for nothing upfront. Out-of-Hours Return & Damage Claims: Returning a car to an unstaffed drop-off point is risky. Some renters report receiving unsubstantiated damage claims weeks later. If you must do an unattended return, document the car's condition thoroughly with a video, covering every panel, wheel, and the interior. If possible, always return the car during staffed hours and get a sign-off sheet. Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): When paying at the desk, you may be asked if you want to pay in your home currency (e.g., GBP). Always refuse this and insist on paying in Euros (EUR). The exchange rate offered will be poor, adding unnecessary cost to your rental. If you decide to rent in Tavira, here’s how to get there from the airport: Taxi: A taxi from the rank outside FAO to Tavira will cost approximately €50–€70 and take around 35 minutes. Uber/Bolt: Ride-sharing services are available from Faro Airport and are often slightly cheaper than a standard taxi. Train: The train from Faro city to Tavira is efficient (~40 minutes), but it's not ideal for arrivals. You must first take a 15-minute bus or taxi from the airport to Faro's railway station, making it cumbersome with luggage. When returning your car on a full-to-full fuel policy, where you fill up can make a noticeable difference. According to DGEG data from May 2026, Gasolina 95 averages ~€1.95/L and Gasóleo ~€1.98/L across the Algarve: Galp/BP at Airport Perimeter: These are the most convenient but also the most expensive, often charging approximately 5–10 cents per litre more than stations on the N125. Avoid them unless you have no other choice. Prio on EN125 (near Faro): The Prio station on the N125 just east of the airport turn-off is consistently the cheapest in the immediate area, often €0.05–€0.10 per litre below the major brands, according to community rankings on maisgasolina.com. Intermarché Olhão: For the absolute cheapest fuel in the region, plan a stop at the Intermarché hypermarket in Olhão. It's about 20 minutes from the airport via the A22 and a perfect final stop after one of your day trips from Tavira. The right choice depends on your priorities: convenience and vehicle choice (Airport) versus personal service and price transparency (Tavira). 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