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The short answer: fastest, cheapest, easiest
There is no direct train from Faro to Seville. The two cities are about 200 km apart, across the Guadiana river that forms the border between Portugal and Spain.
- Cheapest: the bus, 2.5 to 3.5 hours, a few departures a day, from about €15–30
- Fastest: a car, about 2 hours on the A-22 and A-49 motorways
- Easiest from Faro airport: a shared shuttle or a private transfer straight to your hotel
- Remember the time change: Spain is one hour ahead of Portugal all year.
Comparison table (train, bus, car, transfer, flight)
| Option | Time (approx.) | Price (approx.) | Frequency | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | No direct train | Not practical: several changes and a ferry | ||
| Bus (Damas, FlixBus, Alsa) | 2 h 30–3 h 30 | €15–30 | A few a day | Omio or the operators |
| Car | about 2 h | Fuel, plus a cross-border one-way fee on a hire car | Any time | DiscoverCars |
| Shuttle or private transfer | about 2 h–2 h 30 | Per seat (shuttle) or per car (private) | Pre-booked | Transfer |
| Flight | None | There are no flights between Faro and Seville |
Step by step
Why not the train?
Portugal’s Algarve railway ends at Vila Real de Santo António, on the Portuguese side of the Guadiana. There is no railway across the river, and no train link between the Algarve and Seville. Travelling by rail means changing to a ferry and then buses, which takes much longer than the direct bus. Take the bus.
By bus
- Book ahead in summer and at Easter. Buses on this route are run by Damas (with its Portuguese partner), FlixBus and Alsa. Compare times and fares on Omio or on the operators’ websites.
- Find the stop. In Faro, most buses leave from the bus station in the city centre, near the marina. Some services also stop at Faro airport; check your ticket.
- Bring your passport or ID card. There are normally no border checks between Portugal and Spain, but you must carry ID and checks can happen.
- Arrive in Seville, usually at the Plaza de Armas bus station, 15 minutes’ walk from the cathedral and close to Triana.
Check the times carefully. Timetables show local time at each end. A bus that leaves Faro at 9:00 and arrives in Seville at 13:00 takes 3 hours, not 4, because Seville is an hour ahead.
By car
The drive is about 200 km and takes about 2 hours:
- Head east on the A-22 (Via do Infante) along the Algarve.
- Cross the Guadiana bridge into Spain near Ayamonte.
- Continue on the toll-free A-49 past Huelva to Seville.
Tolls: the A-22 had electronic-only tolls for many years, which caught out many foreign drivers. The tolls were abolished in 2025, but check before you go. The Spanish side is free.
Hire car: hiring in Faro and returning in Seville means a cross-border one-way fee, which can be high. Declare that you are driving into Spain when you book. Compare prices and conditions on DiscoverCars. Often it is cheaper to take the bus to Seville and hire a car there for the days you need it: see car hire in Seville.
In Seville: don’t drive into the historic centre, which has camera-controlled access and very little parking. Park at your hotel or a public car park on the edge of the centre.
A car makes most sense for combining the Algarve with a tour of Andalusia. See our Andalusia road trip.
By shuttle or private transfer
Several companies run shared shuttles from Faro airport to Seville, cheaper per person than a private car but on a fixed timetable. A private transfer picks you up in arrivals and drops you at your hotel’s door, which is the easiest option for families and groups arriving with luggage. Book a Faro to Seville transfer.
Both directions
Seville to Faro works the same way, with the clock going the other way:
- Bus: from Plaza de Armas to Faro, 2.5 to 3.5 hours. A bus leaving Seville at 9:00 arrives in Faro around 10:30 to 11:30 local time, because you gain an hour.
- To Faro airport for a flight: check whether your bus stops at the airport, and allow a generous margin. A transfer is the safest choice for an early flight.
- Car: A-49 west, then the A-22, about 2 hours.
To reach Plaza de Armas from your hotel, walk or take a short taxi ride. See getting around Seville.
For other ways into the city, including flights to Seville airport, see how to get to Seville. Choosing a base? See where to stay in Seville.
FAQ
Is there a train from Faro to Seville?
No. There is no direct train and no rail link across the Guadiana. The bus (2.5 to 3.5 hours) or the car (about 2 hours) are the practical options.
How long is the bus from Faro to Seville?
About 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the service and the number of stops. Timetables are in local time, and Seville is one hour ahead of Faro.
Is there a time difference between Faro and Seville?
Yes. Spain is one hour ahead of Portugal all year round. Set your watch forward when you cross into Spain, and back when you return.
How long is the drive from Faro to Seville?
About 2 hours for around 200 km, on the A-22 in Portugal and the A-49 in Spain.
Can I get from Faro airport to Seville directly?
Yes, by shared shuttle, private transfer or hire car. Some buses also stop at Faro airport; check the timetable, or take a taxi or local bus to Faro bus station.