Nestled along the stunning western Algarve coastline, Salema is a picturesque fishing village that feels wonderfully removed from the tourist crowds – yet it’s surprisingly accessible from both Faro and Lisbon airports. Whether you’re landing in the Algarve’s main gateway or Portugal’s capital city, here’s everything you need to know about transport from Faro or Lisbon airports.
From Faro Airport (Approximately 100km, approx. 1 hour)
Faro Airport is the closest and most convenient option for reaching Salema, making it the preferred choice for most visitors to the western Algarve.
Hiring a Car
For many holidaymakers, renting a car offers the greatest freedom and flexibility. Faro Airport hosts all major car hire companies, with desks conveniently located in the arrivals hall and immediately outside the terminal. We are pleased to recommend an excellent hire car company to guests of Simply Salema.
The drive to Salema is straightforward – you’ll take the A22 motorway westbound towards Lagos, exit at junction 1 for Vila do Bispo and follow signs through Budens to Salema. The route is well-signposted and the roads are excellent.
Having your own vehicle means you can explore the magnificent beaches, charming villages and dramatic clifftop walks of the western Algarve at your own pace. You’ll also have the freedom to visit local markets, discover hidden restaurants and make spontaneous trips to places like Sagres or Lagos.
Private Transfers and Taxis
If you’d prefer not to drive, pre-booked private transfers offer a stress-free door-to-door service. Several reputable companies operate between Faro Airport and Salema, with prices typically ranging from €80-120 for a standard car (prices may vary by season and provider). Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak summer months.
Regular taxis are available at the airport rank, plus Ubers are readily available. The advantage of a pre-booked service is knowing your driver will be waiting for you, particularly reassuring after a long flight.
Public Transport: Bus
Public transport from Faro to Salema requires a change but is manageable. From Faro Airport, you can take the airport bus (Linha 16) to Faro bus station or the train to Faro station, from where the bus terminal is a short walk away. From Faro bus station, EVA Transportes operates services to Lagos. The journey takes roughly 1.5 hours. From Lagos, you’ll need to catch a local bus to Salema. The entire journey can take 3-4 hours depending on connections, but it’s an economical option and gives you a real sense of the region.
From Lisbon Airport (Approximately 280km, 3-3.5 hours)
While further afield, Lisbon Airport opens up additional flight options, particularly from international destinations, and sometimes offers more competitive fares.
Hiring a Car
The drive from Lisbon to Salema is longer but perfectly manageable and rather scenic. After collecting your rental car from the airport, you’ll join the A2 motorway heading south across the impressive Vasco da Gama Bridge, then continue on the A2 toward the Algarve. At Ourique, you’ll join the IP2 and then the A22 westbound, following the same final route as from Faro through Vila do Bispo to Salema.
It’s a longer drive at around 3 hours, but the Portuguese motorway network is excellent, and you’ll pass through some beautiful countryside. Many visitors enjoy breaking the journey with a stop—perhaps in the medieval town of Évora or the coastal city of Sines. Again, these are toll roads, so factor that into your planning.
Private Transfers
Private transfer services from Lisbon to Salema are available, though naturally more expensive given the distance – expect to pay €200-300 or more. For families or groups sharing the cost, this can still represent reasonable value for the convenience. As with transfers from Faro, advance booking is essential.
Public Transport: Train and Bus Combination
The public transport option from Lisbon is more involved but offers an authentic Portuguese travel experience. From Lisbon’s Oriente or Sete Rios stations, you can catch a train to Lagos. The journey takes approximately 3.5-4 hours, with services running several times daily. These trains are comfortable and affordable, and the route along the coast south of Lisbon is particularly beautiful.
Once in Lagos, you’re in the same position as travelers arriving by bus from Faro—you’ll need to catch a local bus to Salema. Total journey time can be 5-6 hours depending on connections, so this is really one for those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, or those on a tight budget.
Alternatively, you could take a bus from Lisbon’s Sete Rios terminal directly to Lagos with Rede Expressos, Portugal’s main intercity bus operator. Journey times are similar to the train, and from Lagos you continue as described above.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choose car hire if you value flexibility, plan to explore the region extensively, or are traveling with family and lots of luggage.
Choose a private transfer if you want door-to-door convenience without the responsibility of driving, especially after a long flight.
Choose public transport if you’re on a budget, traveling light, enjoy the journey itself, or want to minimize your environmental impact. Just be sure to check timetables in advance, particularly for the final Lagos-Salema leg.
Choose Faro over Lisbon if you have the option—it’s closer, simpler, and gets you to the beach much faster!
Final Tips
Whichever route you choose, download the timetables or confirm your transfer booking before you travel. If you’re arriving in summer, book car hire and transfers well in advance as availability can be limited. For public transport users, the CP (Comboios de Portugal) website and app are invaluable for train times, while EVA Transportes and Rede Expressos have their own websites for bus schedules.
Once you arrive in Salema, you’ll find that all the planning was worthwhile. This unspoiled fishing village, with its golden beach, fresh seafood, and welcoming atmosphere, is the perfect Algarve retreat – and getting here is part of the adventure!
