US Golf Guides · 1 June 2026

Flying to the Algarve from the US East Coast

By The Golf Planet Holidays Team · Golf-travel specialists since 1981 · Published 1 June 2026 The Algarve is more reachable from the US than most American golfers think. Here is the practical guide. The airport You fly into Faro (FAO), the Algarve’s own airport — not Lisbon. Almost every resort is a 25–45 minute […]

The Algarve is more reachable from the US than most American golfers think. Here is the practical guide.

The airport

You fly into Faro (FAO), the Algarve’s own airport — not Lisbon. Almost every resort is a 25–45 minute transfer from the terminal.

The best routes from the East Coast

  • Via Lisbon: TAP Air Portugal flies non-stop from New York, Newark, Boston, Washington and Miami to Lisbon (about 7 hours), then a 45-minute hop to Faro.
  • Via London or Madrid: connect through a European hub onto a short Faro flight — often the most flexible option.
  • Seasonal direct: some summer charters serve Faro directly.

Time difference & on-the-ground

The Algarve runs on GMT/WET — five hours ahead of US Eastern time, so an overnight flight lands you mid-morning, ready to settle in. Once you arrive, you do nothing: we arrange your private transfer, your tee times and your buggies, so the golf starts the moment you do.

Flights can be added to any holiday as an ATOL-protected option, or you book your own and we handle everything on the ground. Either way you are quoted and billed in GBP.

What our golfers say

4.997 reviews

Golf Planet Holidays is an excellent company for golfing holidays, they are friendly, very helpful and tremendously efficient. Just back from a very enjoyable time in Tavira, Portugal.

judy fernie · Western Algarve · 2 years ago

A big thank you again Simon for organising our latest trip, this time to Quinta Do Lago. Your recommendation to include Ombria was well worth it ,you might need a few spare balls but it is a great course in the making and worth a visit.…

David Hall · Western Algarve · 2 years ago

Had an amazing week in Tavira at Maria Nova Hotel as suggested by Simon. Played 3 great courses and 1 absolutely amazing course - Monte Rei. Would highly recommend Golf Planet to arrange your trip. Transfers were good too.

Diane Scholes · Western Algarve · 3 years ago

Plan your trip with a specialist →

Where to stay & play in Western Algarve

Vila Gale Marina, Vilamoura — Western Algarve golfVila Gale Marina, VilamouraPinhal Golf Course, Vilamoura · Vila Sol Golf Course near Vilamourafrom£419per personDiscover & tailor your trip →Old Golf Course, Vilamoura — Western Algarve golfOld Golf Course, Vilamourafrom£536per personDiscover & tailor your trip →Palmares Golf Course, Lagos — Western Algarve golfPalmares Golf Course, Lagosfrom£299per personDiscover & tailor your trip →The Magnolia Hotel , Quinta do Lago — Western Algarve golfThe Magnolia Hotel , Quinta do LagoVale do Lobo Royal & Ocean Golf Courses · Pinheiros Altos Golf Course, Almancilfrom£419per personDiscover & tailor your trip →San Lorenzo Golf Club,  Quinta do Lago, Algarve — Western Algarve golfSan Lorenzo Golf Club, Quinta do Lago, Algarvefrom£579per personDiscover & tailor your trip →Faldo course Amendoeira, Alcantarilha — Western Algarve golfFaldo course Amendoeira, Alcantarilhafrom£309per personDiscover & tailor your trip →

Tailor your Western Algarve golf trip →

What our golfers say

4.997 reviews

Golf Planet Holidays is an excellent company for golfing holidays, they are friendly, very helpful and tremendously efficient. Just back from a very enjoyable time in Tavira, Portugal.

judy fernie · Western Algarve · 2 years ago

A big thank you again Simon for organising our latest trip, this time to Quinta Do Lago. Your recommendation to include Ombria was well worth it ,you might need a few spare balls but it is a great course in the making and worth a visit.…

David Hall · Western Algarve · 2 years ago

Had an amazing week in Tavira at Maria Nova Hotel as suggested by Simon. Played 3 great courses and 1 absolutely amazing course - Monte Rei. Would highly recommend Golf Planet to arrange your trip. Transfers were good too.

Diane Scholes · Western Algarve · 3 years ago

Frequently asked questions

How much does a golf holiday in Western Algarve cost?

Tailor-made golf breaks in Western Algarve start from £239 per person, including your hotel, green fees and airport transfers. Every package is built around your group, dates and handicaps.

Do you arrange flights to Western Algarve?

Flights can be added as an ATOL-protected option, or you book your own and we handle everything on the ground — private transfers, tee times and buggies.

Is my money protected?

Yes. Every booking is financially protected through Protected Trust Services (PTS) — your money is held safely in trust until you have travelled. Flight-inclusive trips are also ATOL protected.

Can I tailor the trip?

Always. We don’t sell off-the-shelf packages — every Western Algarve break is built personally around your group, your preferred courses and your dates.

Fully hosted golf tours

Come and play with us

Wherever you're travelling from, you're welcome on a Golf Planet hosted tour — a small group, a host with you from the first tee to the last, and every round, transfer and dinner taken care of. You just bring the clubs.

See all hosted tours →

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