About the London → Faro route
London to Faro is one of those routes that just makes sense. It's a short-haul hop — under two hours in the air, roughly 1,688 km — and it punches well above its weight in terms of how many people actually fly it. This is a leisure-heavy route, full of Brits chasing the Algarve sun, and easyJet (U2) runs it regularly out of Gatwick alongside the likes of TUI (W9). You're not flying to a business hub here. You're flying somewhere people genuinely want to be. Gatwick handles this route well — 216 non-stop destinations out of LGW means the airport's used to volume, and Faro keeps things manageable on the other end with 90 non-stop routes connecting it to the wider world.
Why travel from London to Faro?
Honestly? The Algarve is hard to argue with. The coastline around Lagos and Praia da Rocha has some of the most dramatic cliff scenery I've ever seen — golden rock stacks dropping straight into clear Atlantic water. But it's not just beach holidays driving this route. Faro's old town, the Cidade Velha, is genuinely lovely and totally overlooked by people who rush straight to the resorts. Food is a massive draw too — proper grilled fish, petiscos (think Portuguese tapas), and pastel de nata that wrecks you for any other pastry forever. Portugal's also become a real draw for remote workers and families with connections to the expat communities that've grown along the Algarve over the past two decades. And compared to Spain or Italy, it still feels like decent value.
Quick stats
- Distance: 1,688 km
- Estimated flight time: 1h 59m
- Operating airlines: BA, LS, U2, W9
- Direct route: yes
Practical tips for LGW → FAO
Peak summer (July-August) means packed flights and higher fares — if you can go in May, June, or September, you'll get great weather and a calmer experience. Low-cost carriers like easyJet are strict on bag sizes, so measure your carry-on before you leave home. Faro Airport is small and walkable — arrivals are straightforward, but taxis to the old town take about 10 minutes. There's also a bus (line 14 or 16) into the centre for a couple of euros. Portugal uses euros, speaks Portuguese (though English is widely spoken in tourist areas), and as an EU country there's no visa needed for UK travellers — just a valid passport.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from London Gatwick to Faro?
The flight is approximately 1 hour and 59 minutes, covering a distance of 1,688 km. This makes it a short-haul European flight with minimal jet lag.
Which airlines operate the London Gatwick to Faro route?
Four airlines serve this route: British Airways (BA), Lauda (LS), easyJet (U2), and Wizz Air (W9). Availability and frequency may vary by season.
What is the best time of year to fly from London to Faro?
April to June and September to October offer the ideal blend of pleasant weather (20-25°C), fewer crowds than peak summer, and generally competitive fares compared to July-August peak season.
Do I need a visa to travel from the UK to Portugal?
UK citizens can visit Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days under post-Brexit arrangements, though you must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining. No visa application is required for tourism or short-term visits.
What should I know about luggage and jet lag on this route?
Luggage allowances vary by airline—budget carriers like easyJet and Wizz Air typically charge for checked bags—so verify your booking details. Jet lag is minimal due to the short flight and one-hour time difference, though you may experience slight fatigue from the early morning departure times common on this route.