How to get to Algarve Circuit – 2027 Portuguese Grand Prix

The best ways to get to Algarve International Circuit in Portimão for the 2027 Portuguese Grand Prix. Information about flights, shuttle buses, driving directions and parking.

Dates are not yet confirmed for the 2027 Portuguese Grand Prix

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After unexpectedly joining the F1 calendar for two years during the pandemic, the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão makes a return next season as part of an initial two-year deal. Algarve International Circuit will become arguably the most remote circuit on the 2027 F1 calendar. Located in the picturesque tourist region of the Algarve, 250km from the capital Lisbon, the circuit is surrounded by forest and farming areas. The closest nearby towns of Portimão and Lagos are around 20km away on the coast. The access roads to the circuit are limited and significant traffic delays can be expected on race weekend. Very little public transport is available in the Algarve region, and the best way to get around on race weekend will be to hire a car. Free shuttle buses are also expected to be available from both Portimão and Lagos on race weekend. 

Closest Airports

The closest airport is Faro International Airport, which is situated about 80km or 1 hour’s drive east of Algarve International Circuit. The airport is a major hub for discount carriers Ryanair and easyJet, and is also served by several European flag carriers, notably British Airways, Aer Lingus, Finnair, Lufthansa and TAP Air Portugal. Some of the busiest routes are from various cities in the UK, as well as Dublin, Paris, Lisbon and Amsterdam. Seasonal long-haul flights are also available from Newark (United) and Toronto (Air Transat). 

Faro Airport offers bus connections to Faro and other towns throughout the region, more information here. Private companies also offer minibus transfers from the airport to major tourist towns along the cost; Algarserra and Faro Airport Transfers are recommended.

For a better selection of flights, especially if you are travelling to the race from outside Europe, you may choose to fly into Lisbon Airport. As well as a better selection of flights from all around Europe, Lisbon Airport is also served by long-haul routes from several cities in the USA and Canada, as well as Dubai and Brazil (Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo). Lisbon Airport is just under 300km from Algarve International Circuit (2.5 hour drive). Train services are also available from Lisbon to Portimão, taking about 3 hours.

Finally, it’s also worth considering flying into Seville Airport, which is about 280km or 3 hours’ drive from Algarve International Circuit. Seville Airport is a popular hub for discount carriers Ryanair, easyJet, Volotea and Vueling. 

How to Get to Algarve International Circuit

Due to its rather isolated location, there’s no public transport serving the Algarve International Circuit. The circuit is best accessed by private vehicle. It’s situated about 10km to the north of the main east-west A22 motorway, via Junction 3 (Mexilhoeira Grande). 

Be aware that the small local roads near the circuit can become heavily congested at peak times on race weekend. As a result, the organizers recommend you arrive early at the circuit, and leave ample time to get from the carpark to your grandstand. Both gravel and asphalt carparks surround the circuit, some of which are expected to be paid (behind the Main Grandstand) and some which are expected to be free, like for MotoGP.

The mobility plan for next year’s Portuguese Grand Prix is not expected to be released until closer to race weekend, but we can predict how it will look based on the circuit’s annual MotoGP race. Free shuttle buses are expected to be offered from both Portimão (near Praia da Rocha) and Lagos (near the Marina). You’ll need to show your race tickets to use this service. In addition, free park & ride lots are expected to be available near the shuttle bus pick up locations in both Portimão and Lagos. 

Getting Around on the Algarve

As we’ve already noted, the Algarve region is not particularly well-served by public transport. But if you decide not to rent a car for race weekend, limited options do exist. 

Car

Hiring a car will give you the most freedom and flexibility to get the most out of your weekend on the Algarve. Most major international rental car companies, and some local ones, are represented at Faro International Airport. Please note that the main highway running west to east in the region, the A22, is a toll road. The good news is that most hire cars are fitted with an electronic device to register your tolls, which will be  passed on to you by the rental car company.

Trains

The closest train stations to the track can be found in Portimão and Lagos. Both stations offer services along the coast to Faro, and further afield to Lisbon, Porto, Seville and Madrid. Train services are run by the Portuguese state rail operator, Comboios de Portugal. 

Most one-way fares in the area are priced from €4-12, depending on where you are travelling and whether you are taking a fast train (IC) or a regional train (R). A special ‘tourist train pass’ is also available, which offers unlimited travel for two days (€22.40 for adults) or three days (€33.60 for adult tickets) on all Algarve regional trains. This is a good option if you are planning to use trains on race weekend.

Bus

For intercity bus options from Porto, Lisbon, Madrid, Seville and other cities to the Algarve, check Flixbus. Within the Algarve, limited bus services connect the major towns, most of them run by a company called Eva Transportes. Buses run on weekdays from around 07:00 until 20:30, with less frequency on weekends. Tickets are relatively cheap, but can only be bought at sales offices or on the bus – having some cash handy for the latter is recommended. A tourist pass is also available for local bus services for either three days (€35 for adults) or seven days (€46 for adults). Check bus timetables here.

Taxi & Uber

Local taxis are available on the Algarve, and most drivers are honest and will use the meter. It should cost around €50 to travel from Portimão or Lagos to the circuit on race weekend, about double that to travel from Faro airport to the circuit. A list of reputable local taxi companies can be found on the airport website. Uber is also available on the Algarve, though it won’t always be easy to find a car outside of the main tourist towns.