London to Faro train

Trains from London to Faro

While there are no direct trains from London to Faro, you can travel by train and bus or plane for a comfortable journey. The quickest way to get from London to Faro is by air. Direct flights from London Heathrow to Faro take around 2h 40min. Many airports in London, such as Heathrow and Gatwick, have train stations that connect them to the city of London and other regional destinations. If you prefer to travel from London to Faro by land, you take a combination of trains and buses. The quickest trains from London to Faro take around 20h 24min and go via Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and finally to Faro by bus.

London to Faro train times: Daily Departures

If you are flying from London to Faro, you will find a number of direct flights to Faro departing daily from various airports such as Heathrow, Stansted and Luton. There is an increased schedule of flights operating during summer months departing from early morning to late evening.

Getting to the airport by train is easy. Express trains depart from Paddington to Heathrow approximately every 15min from around 5:15 a.m. until around 00:00 a.m., while trains to Gatwick depart from Victoria around every 30min all day. Those travelling to Faro by train and bus will usually begin their journey by travelling from London to Paris. Eurostar trains depart around five times a day from London St Pancras from as early as around 7:00 a.m. until around 8:00 p.m. The journey time from London to Paris by train is around 2h 16min.

How long is the journey by train from London to Faro?

The duration of your journey from London to Faro will depend on your chosen mode of transport. The quickest direct flights from London to Faro take around 2h 40min and depart from Heathrow airport. Flights to Faro from airports like Gatwick, Luton and Southend take around 2h 50min. Travel by train and bus will take significantly longer and involve a number of changes. Train passengers can expect a total journey time of around 20h 24min for the quickest routes by train to Faro from London. While flights to Faro take a much shorter time and are usually cheaper, travelling to Faro by train is still a comfortable and scenic option. If you are flexible on time, you can also stop at several popular destinations en route such as Paris and Barcelona.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from London to Faro?

Departure train station: London St Pancras. This is the main international train station in London and is conveniently located in the heart of the city, just north of the centre. The train station is easily accessible by local bus and metro lines, as well as regional buses and trains if you are travelling from outside of London. There are several restaurants and cafes at the station where you can dine in or purchase refreshments to take with you on the train. You’ll also find practical facilities such as baby changing, charging spots and a pharmacy.

Arrival train station: Faro station. Faro’s main train station is situated right in the city centre. You can reach the Cidade Velha (Old Town) in around 15min on foot. There is also a taxi rank and public buses to take you around the city. The station features a ticket office, waiting room and bar.

Train Faro. Source: Shutterstock

Which train companies travel from London to Faro?

All international trains from London to mainland Europe are operated by Eurostar. Eurostar runs around five trains a day from London to Paris and offers a comfortable and affordable service with an on-board bar buffet. Trains from Paris to Spain are usually run by the French national train company TGV. Trains from Paris to Barcelona take around 6h 41min and run around twice daily. From Barcelona you can travel to Seville with the Spanish national rail company Renfe. Renfe offers direct trains from Barcelona to Seville around twice a day with a fastest journey time of around 5h 26min. Once you have arrived in Seville, you can take a bus to Faro. Portuguese bus company Rede Expressos run around three buses per day departing from Plaza de Armas bus station. The journey takes around 2h 15min.

Eurostar trains from London to Faro

Eurostar trains depart from London St Pancras and arrive at Paris Gare de Nord station. Trains depart around five times a day most days of the year. The quickest train journey from London to Paris takes around 2h 16min.

TGV trains from London to Faro

When travelling by train from London to Faro, you will usually board at least one train operated by TGV. Direct trains from Paris to Barcelona take around 6h 41min departing from Paris Gare de Lyon and arriving at Barcelona-Sants railway station.

Renfe trains from London to Faro

The quickest trains from London to Faro will usually involve at least two stops in Spain. Renfe operate direct trains from Barcelona to Seville with a journey time of around 5h 26min. Trains depart from Barcelona-Sants and arrive at Sevilla-Santa Justa station.

Faro Trains. Source: Shutterstock

Train from London to Faro: Services on Board

If you choose to travel by train from London to Faro, you can look forward to a comfortable journey with plenty of practical services. Eurostar offers Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier class tickets. Standard Premier passengers can enjoy spacious seating areas, extra luggage allowance and a complimentary light meal, while Business Premier passengers can also access exclusive lounges at the station, a dedicated boarding gate, and a three-course onboard meal. TGV and Renfe both offer First Class and Standard tickets. For an extra cost, First Class passengers will have access to spacious and reclining seats with power outlets, and access to comfortable lounges in the train station. One of the most practical features about train travel is the lack of luggage weight limit. Standard tickets usually allow at least two items of luggage per passenger.

If you wish to travel with a bike, check restrictions with each company you are travelling with on your train journey from London to Faro. Some trains have dedicated bike spaces, while others may ask you to disassemble your bike before travel, or only allow folding bikes. Eurostar currently only allows folding bikes. TGV and Renfe allow both folding and assembled bikes, but spaces are limited and should be booked in advance. Pets are usually not allowed on trains from London to Faro, however assistance dogs are allowed to travel with passengers and space can be reserved in advance.

Eurostar allows Trains from London to Faro are also suitable for travellers with reduced mobility or special access requirements. Luggage assistance services are available at the station, while ramps are available to help wheelchair users get on and off the train. Wheelchair spaces are also available in selected carriages. If you do require assistance on your journey, we recommend booking before you leave to tell the train company about your needs.

How to find cheap train tickets from London to Faro?

The best way to find cheap trains from London to Faro is to compare different route options and book your tickets in advance. Before you book trains to Faro, consider how flexible you can be on the timing of your journey. If you can afford to spend around a day travelling, travelling by train can be a comfortable option that allows you to admire the landscapes of France and Spain as you travel. Compare train routes from London to Faro via different cities to find the cheapest option for you.

Bear in mind that slower journeys by train may be cheaper than the fastest options. If you want to save time, you may also wish to consider flying from London to Faro. Flights are much faster than trains from London to Faro and also tend to be cheaper.

Travelling to Faro by train — travel tips

The capital of the Portuguese Algarve, the coastal city of Faro has many cultural and historical sights to explore. Wander along the cobbled streets of the Old Town and admire monuments that offer an insight into the city’s diverse history, such as the neoclassical Arco da Vila gateway, Roman passageways, ornate churches and distinctive examples of baroque and gothic architecture.

Faro is also renowned for its stunning beaches and secluded islands in the Ria Formosa lagoon, which are easily accessible by boat. And after a day spent relaxing at the beach, you can sample fresh seafood delicacies at many quaint restaurants around the marina.