Flying to the Algarve is Easier Than Ever—New Flights into Faro
Flying to the Algarve just got a whole lot easier. For years, U.S. travelers heading to Portugal’s stunning southern coast have had to either drive South from Lisbon or Porto, or fly into major European cities like Paris or Barcelona, then hop on a regional carrier to get to the Algarve (via Faro ). That workaround opened doors to exploring extra cities but added complexity to the journey.
Now, there’s big news: United Airlines has officially launched nonstop service from the U.S. to Faro, Portugal—the first route of its kind in May 2025. This changes the game for anyone planning to explore the Algarve, from the sea-carved Benagil Caves to the breathtaking cliffs of Ponta da Piedade.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like tour links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and end up booking. That said, we would never recommend something we don’t stand behind 100%.
Why Faro Is the Gateway to the Algarve
Faro Airport (located here) is the southernmost airport in Portugal and serves as the main entry point when flying to the Algarve region, which is famous for:
- Benagil Caves: Iconic sea caves you can explore by kayak or boat. Visiting Portugal’s Benagil Caves
- Ponta da Piedade: Jaw-dropping cliffs and arches near Lagos. Visiting Portugal’s Ponta da Piedade
- Tavira, Lagos, Albufeira, Carvoeiro: Towns filled with charm, culture, and those golden Algarve beaches.
- Incredible food and wine: With everything from fresh seafood to local wine, and a slower pace perfect for vacation mode.
- Sagres: Sailors used to consider it the end of the world.
Related: Algarve’s Must See Caves: Benagil Caves vs Ponta da Piedade
Our family visited the Algarve through Faro in 2024 and loved the dining, driving around the various cities, and exploring sea caves. The food is more affordable than in other larger cities, and patios are aplenty. Highly recommend taking advantage of this new nonstop flight to Faro! Use Booking.com for the best selection in Portugal and consider smaller boutique stays.
Visit our travel insider resources if you want easy and effortless travel overall.
All About the New United Airlines Flight to Faro
United’s launch of a direct flight from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Faro (FAO), giving flight access to the Algarve region of Portugal, is part of the airline’s growing commitment to connecting U.S. travelers with more unique European destinations. This is our favorite addition in this new flight schedule!
Flight Schedule (as of May 2025):
- Newark (EWR) to Faro (FAO)
Departs: 9:35 PM (local time)
Arrives: 9:50 AM the next day (local time) - Faro (FAO) to Newark (EWR)
Departs: 11:40 AM
Arrives: 3:00 PM (same day)
These departure and arrival times are ideal for connecting travelers from cities like Chicago, Houston, Denver, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., thanks to United’s vast domestic network funneling through its Newark hub.
✳️ Pro Tip: If you have a long layover in New York, consider planning a mini-excursion—grab a slice, stroll Central Park, or even squeeze in a museum visit. Based on our initial observations, itineraries are more favorable on the return flight, given the early morning arrival in New York.
Related: Portugal Trip Planning Hack: Start in Paris or Barcelona
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Part of United’s Broader Growth at Newark
This Faro route was originally postponed but is now officially live—launched on May 17, 2025—and reflects United’s strategic growth at EWR, where they’re expanding both destinations and flight frequency. Faro isn’t the only city to join their European network from Newark, but it is one of the most leisure-travel focused additions.
The flight is operated on a Boeing 757-200, with:
- 16 Polaris Business Class seats
- 42 Economy Plus seats
- 118 Standard Economy seats
Source: Travel and Tour World
Need a cell phone data plan while abroad? See how an eSIM for travel is an easy option.
Added Connectivity with TAP Air Portugal
If you need additional flexibility during your Portugal trip, TAP Air Portugal—a member of the Star Alliance, like United—is part of the same airline network. That means you could fly United one way and TAP the other, or even use TAP for intra-European connections (like Faro to Lisbon or Porto) as part of a larger itinerary.
This creates a seamless, multi-city travel opportunity without jumping between completely separate airlines—something that’s helpful when planning an efficient but flexible trip to Portugal.
Taking an early morning flight? See our early morning flight tips.
🧳 Travel Expert’s Flying to the Algarve Tips
Here’s what we recommend when booking this new flight and planning your Algarve getaway:
- Book Early: United’s seasonal Faro route runs a few times per week and may sell out in peak summer months. Consider Expedia or Google Flights to research flights.
- Know Your Options: If the nonstop from Newark doesn’t work for you, look into flying into Lisbon and connecting down via TAP. The drive from the Algarve to Lisbon isn’t too long, at about 3 hours, but we wouldn’t recommend it on your travel day.
- Rent a Car: It’s the easiest way to explore the full Algarve region at your own pace.
- Leave Room to Wander: Even if you’re itinerary-driven, leave space for beach stops, cliff walks, and seafood lunches you didn’t plan for.
Related: How (and Why) to Book Wellness Travel on Top Travel Sites
Quick and Easy Links
- Flights & Hotels: Booking.com, Expedia or Hotels.com
- Tours: Get Your Guide
- Vacation Rentals: VRBO
- Language Learning: Babble
- See our Travel Insider Resources Page for tools to make travel day easier
Final Thoughts: Flying to the Algarve Region
United’s new nonstop route to Faro is more than just convenient—it’s a long-awaited connection that puts flying to the Algarve within easy reach for U.S. travelers. Whether you’re heading to Portugal for dramatic landscapes, warm waters, or a laid-back European escape, this is a major win for effortless trip planning.
✨ Curious about the Algarve? We’ve got dedicated guides on Benagil Caves, Ponta da Piedade, and even a Portugal planning hack that used to rely on Paris and Barcelona stopovers—but now, thanks to United, there’s an even easier path.
Ready to book? This might be your summer to explore southern Portugal with less stress and more breezy adventure. Happy, breezy travels.
Peruse more of our expert tip guides and flight tips:
