Ferry Schedules to the Islands of Armona, Culatra and Farol from Olhão
Plan your island escape with our easy-to-read ferry timetables
Find the ferry schedules for Armona, Culatra and Farol departing from Olhão. Amo-te Olhão makes your trip easier with clear, essential information organised by season and accessible at a glance.
Ferries remain one of the most affordable ways to explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park, with crossings running all year round.
And to make planning even simpler, the NextFerry app lets you check departures by date and time, helping you prepare your crossing with complete ease.
FERRY SCHEDULES FOR ARMONA
Winter
April & May
June & September
July & August
From 1 October to 31 March
| From Olhão | From Armona |
|---|---|
| 08:30 | 09:00 |
| 12:00 | 12:30 |
| 15:00 | 15:30 |
| 17:00 | 17:30 |
From 1 April to 31 May
| From Olhão | From Armona |
|---|---|
| 08:30 | 09:00 |
| 10:00 | 10:30 |
| 12:00 | 12:30 |
| 15:00 | 15:30 |
| 17:00 | 17:30 |
| 19:00 | 19:30 |
From 1 to 30 June & from 1 to 30 September
| From Olhão | From Armona |
|---|---|
| 07:30 | 07:50 |
| 09:30 | 10:00 |
| 11:30 | 12:00 |
| 12:30 | 13:00 |
| 14:30 | 15:00 |
| 15:30 | 16:00 |
| 17:30 | 18:00 |
| 18:30 | 19:15 |
| 19:45 ⚠️ | 20:00 ⚠️ |
⚠️ The 19:45 crossing from Olhão (20:00 from Armona) is no longer operated from 20 September onwards.
From 1 July to 31 August
| From Olhão | From Armona |
|---|---|
| – | 07:15 ⚠️ |
| 07:30 | 07:50 |
| 08:15 | 09:00 |
| 09:30 | 10:00 |
| 10:30 | 11:00 |
| 11:30 | 12:00 |
| 12:30 | 13:00 |
| 13:30 | 14:00 |
| 14:30 | 15:00 |
| 15:30 | 16:00 |
| 16:30 | 17:00 |
| 17:30 | 18:00 |
| 18:30 | 19:15 |
| 20:00 | 20:30 |
⚠️ does not run on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays.
⛴️ Olhão ↔ Armona
Journey time: around 15–20 minutes
ℹ️ Useful information
Ferry tickets are sold only at the ticket offices, located near the Olhão ferry terminal or directly on the islands.
Ticket offices open 30 minutes before each departure.
📍 Ticket office
Location: See on Google Maps
Telephone: +351 964 123 878
❓ FAQ
See our FAQ section.
FERRY SCHEDULES FOR CULATRA / FAROL
Winter
June
July to September
From 21 September to 31 May
| From Olhão | From Culatra | From Farol |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 07:45 | 07:30 |
| 11:00 | 13:00 | 12:45 |
| 15:00 | 15:30 | 16:00 |
| 18:30 | 19:00 | 19:15 |
From 1 to 30 June
| From Olhão | From Culatra | From Farol |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 07:45 | 07:30 |
| 09:00 | 09:30 | 10:00 |
| 11:00 | 13:00 | 12:45 |
| 15:00 | 15:30 | 16:00 |
| 17:15 | 17:45 | 18:15 |
| 19:30 | 20:00 | 20:20 |
From 1 July to 20 September
| From Olhão | From Culatra | From Farol |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 07:45 | 07:30 |
| 09:00 | 09:30 | 10:00 |
| 11:00 | 11:30 | 12:00 |
| 13:00 | 13:45 | 13:30 |
| 15:00 | 15:30 | 16:00 |
| 17:15 | 17:45 | 18:15 |
| 19:30 | 20:00 | 20:20 |
⛴️ Olhão ↔ Culatra / Farol
Journey time: around 30–45 minutes
ℹ️ Useful information
Ferry tickets are sold only at the ticket offices, located near the Olhão ferry terminal or directly on the islands.
Ticket offices open 30 minutes before each departure.
📍 Ticket office
Location: See on Google Maps
Telephone: +351 964 123 878
❓ FAQ
See our FAQ section.
NEXTFERRY APP: find your next ferry in one click!
Amo-te Olhão makes your stay easier by simplifying your journeys to Armona, Culatra and Farol.
With the NextFerry app, you can find the next available ferry in just one click and add it instantly to your phone so it’s always at hand. Practical, fast and designed to enhance your experience in Olhão.
Access the app by clicking on the banner below ⬇️.
TAXI BOATS
Taxi boats are an excellent alternative for reaching the islands of the Ria Formosa from Olhão. More expensive than the ferry but much faster, they offer complete freedom of schedule, day and night. They are also the only way to access places not served by the ferry, such as Deserta Island or Hangares. And as a bonus… they’re perfect if you’ve missed your ferry!
Prices
Contacts
| Destination | 1 to 5 passengers | Additional passenger |
|---|---|---|
| Armona | 35€ | +5€ |
| Culatra | 40€ | +5€ |
| Hangares | 40€ | +5€ |
| Farol | 45€ | +5€ |
| Deserta | 55€ | +6€ |
| Ponta Culatra / Barra Velha | 55€ | +6€ |
| Boat | Pilot | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Taxi IV / V – Amanhecer 8 | Henrique Alexandre | +351 917 583 621 / +351 911 856 446 |
| Rio Taxi | Celestino Lopes | +351 914 882 424 |
| Taxi–Praia | Carlos Carmo | +351 969 114 474 |
| TaxiCulatra | Décio Mendonça | +351 964 350 877 |
| Maré Alta / Lenguiça | Cavaco & Jorge Lda | +351 912 552 148 / +351 910 451 564 |
| Aquatáxi | Mónica Santos | +351 969 321 625 |
| Táki Tála / Táki Tála 1 | Wilson Mendonça | +351 969 578 257 |
| Minibuz | Juntapraia | +351 912 588 984 |
| Uber | Nuno Soares | +351 967 488 096 |
🌙 Night fee: +10€ (after sunset or before sunrise).
🧳 Luggage fee: 10€, 15€ or 20€ depending on volume.
💡 Prices shown refer to a one-way trip.
📍 Useful information
Location: See on Google Maps
TICKETS & PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Tickets for the ferries to Armona, Culatra and Farol are purchased directly at the ticket offices located at the entrance of each ferry terminal. There is a ticket office in Olhão, and each island also has its own for your return trip. Ticket offices usually open between 15 and 30 minutes before each departure, and payment is accepted in cash only.
The main ferry terminal in Olhão is located between the market and the old harbour: 👉 See the location on Google Maps.
For any questions, the staff on site are available to help you (☎ +351 964 123 878).
Amo-te Olhão gathers all essential information here to help you plan your crossing through the Ria Formosa with complete peace of mind.
FERRY TIMETABLES IN IMAGE FORMAT
Find here the visual timetable sheets for the islands of Armona, Culatra and Farol — ideal for quick access from your phone during your stay.
Armona: timetables to view
Armona schedules presented in clear, easy-to-read visuals — perfect for quick reference during your stay.
From 1 to 30 June & from 1 to 30 September
From 1 July to 31 August
From 1 October to 31 March & From 1 April to 31 May
Culatra / Farol: timetables to view
Culatra and Farol schedules presented in clear, easy-to-read visuals — perfect for quick reference during your stay.
From 1 to 30 June
From 1 July to 20 September
From 21 September to 31 May
Download the timetables (PDF)
Download the ferry timetables for Armona, Culatra and Farol in PDF format. A simple and convenient way to keep the information close at hand, even offline.
Perfect for planning your day, sharing the timetables with fellow travellers, or saving them on your smartphone.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
General questions
What are the ferry schedules from Olhão?
The schedules are available directly on this page, organised by island and season. Crossings run all year round.
Do ferries run every day, all year round?
Yes, ferries operate every day, with frequency adjusted depending on the season.
Do the schedules change depending on the season?
Yes, schedules vary throughout the year. In summer, there are more crossings to accommodate higher demand, while in winter the frequency is reduced. Always check the date ranges shown in each table, as each range has a different timetable.
Where is the ferry terminal in Olhão?
The ferry terminal is located between Olhão’s market and the old harbour. The ticket office is at the entrance to the terminal.
📍 See the location on Google Maps
Buying tickets
What is the price of the ferry to Armona, Culatra and Farol?
Here are the return fares applied in December 2025:
⛴️ Armona
• Adult: €4.20 return
• Child (4 to 10 years): €2.00 return
⛴️ Culatra
• Adult: €4.20 return
• Child (4 to 10 years): €2.00 return
⛴️ Farol
• Adult: €4.80 return
• Child (4 to 10 years): €2.40 return
Prices may vary slightly depending on the year, but these are the official fares at the date indicated.
Where can I buy ferry tickets?
Tickets are purchased directly at the ticket offices located at the entrance to each ferry terminal, both in Olhão and on the islands for the return trip. Ticket offices usually open 15 to 30 minutes before departure.
Can I buy a ticket online?
No, tickets are not sold online.
Can I buy tickets in advance?
Yes, you can buy your tickets in advance directly at the ticket offices.
Can I pay by bank card at the ticket office?
No. Payment is cash only.
Can I reserve a seat on the ferry?
No. Ferries do not operate with reservations. In summer, it is recommended to arrive early to avoid waiting.
Boarding & practical organisation
What time should I arrive before departure?
Allow enough time to park, buy your tickets and queue, especially in high season.
Where can I park in Olhão to take the ferry?
Several parking options are available along the seafront.
There is also a drop-off zone right next to the ferry terminal, convenient for unloading luggage or helping passengers with reduced mobility.
Is there a lot of waiting time in summer?
Yes. The islands are very popular, and queues can be long in July and August.
Can I board with a pushchair?
Yes, pushchairs are allowed on board.
Are bicycles allowed on board the ferries?
No. Bicycles are not allowed on ferries departing from Olhão.
This rule is clearly displayed at the ferry terminal and applies all year round.
Are the ferries accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes. The ferries have access ramps that allow passengers with reduced mobility to board. Boarding is generally smooth both in Olhão and on the islands.
Who has priority boarding?
Ferries in Olhão apply priority access following Portuguese decree DL n.º 58/2016 of 29 August.
Priority is given to:
👴 Elderly people
♿ People with reduced mobility / wheelchair users
🤰 Pregnant women
👶 People carrying a baby
This priority applies at both the ticket office and boarding area.
Are dogs allowed on board?
Only dogs and cats are allowed on board, and only if transported in an appropriate cage or carrier.
Are there toilets on board the ferries?
Yes, all ferries have toilets.
Delays, cancellations & weather
Can ferries be cancelled?
Cancellations are rare and occur only in cases of severe storms or extreme weather alerts.
What weather should I expect for a day on the islands?
Before heading out, it’s always a good idea to check the weather to anticipate wind, temperature and sunshine.
👉 Check the weather in Olhão
Practical tips
What should I absolutely bring to the islands?
Bring cash, as there are no cash machines on the islands and not all shops accept bank cards. Also take water and sunscreen.
Where can I eat before or after the crossing?
If you’d like to plan a meal before leaving or after returning, Olhão offers plenty of options for all tastes.
👉 See our restaurant recommendations
Frequent questions about the islands
How do I get to Armona from Olhão?
You can reach Armona by ferry or by taxi boat.
How do I get to Culatra from Olhão?
By ferry or by taxi boat, depending on your preference.
How long is the crossing to Armona, Culatra or Farol?
- Armona: 15 to 20 minutes
- Culatra: 30 to 45 minutes depending on whether the ferry stops at Farol first
- Farol: 30 to 45 minutes depending on whether the ferry stops at Culatra first
Can I visit Armona in winter?
Yes, ferries run all year round.
Can I visit Farol in December?
Yes, connections to Farol operate in winter.
What can I do in Olhão?
If you have some time before the ferry or after returning, Olhão offers plenty of opportunities to explore, stroll around or enjoy the Ria Formosa.
👉 See recommended activities in Olhão
What events take place in Olhão and the Algarve?
The Algarve hosts many cultural, musical, traditional and festive events throughout the year.
👉 See upcoming events
NextFerry application
Is there an app to check ferry schedules?
Yes. The NextFerry app makes it easy to check ferry schedules between Olhão, Armona, Culatra and Farol.
It shows the next available ferry, but also all departures based on the date and time you select.
👉 Access NextFerry
How can I see the next ferry in real time?
The NextFerry app automatically displays the next departure based on your current time.
You can also choose a specific date and time to see all available ferries.
👉 Access NextFerry
I noticed an error in the NextFerry app. What should I do?
If you notice an error or inconsistency in the displayed schedules, you can report it directly through our contact page so we can fix it quickly.
👉 Report an issue via the contact page
Excursions & activities
Can I go on a boat trip from Olhão?
Yes, many excursions are available: short tours, half-day trips, island visits, sunset tours…
If there is one excursion Amo-te Olhão truly recommends, it’s this one:
👉 See the recommended excursion
Are there excursions in the Ria Formosa?
Yes, several operators offer small-group tours or private boat trips.
To make sure you choose the best experiences, feel free to contact Amo-te Olhão:
👉 Contact us for personalised recommendations
Can I book a guided tour of the islands?
Yes, absolutely. Amo-te Olhão can guide you towards the best tours based on what you’re looking for.
👉 Contact us for personalised recommendations
Favourite excursion
Discover Farol, Culatra and Armona (or Deserta) on a full-day excursion departing from Olhão.
Amo-te Olhão highly recommends this tour — we’ve done it several times and our travellers, friends and family all agree: it’s one of the most beautiful experiences in the Ria Formosa, offering outstanding value for money.
Deserted beaches, authentic villages and passionate guides: a must-do.
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