Getting to Azores

As the Azores are so remote, the only way to travel here is by plane, but the good news is that there are three international airports in the island chain and daily flights from major centres in Europe, America and Canada.

By air

Visitors can enter the Azores via three international airports that are located on São Miguel, Faial and Terceira, with flights originating in mainland Europe and the UK, America and Canada. Ponta Delgada-Joao Paulo II Airport on the island of São Miguel is the main gateway to the Azores, with a million passengers arriving and departing every year, while Faial’s international airport is located in the town of Horta and also accepts flights from Europe, the United States and Canada, and Terceira’s international airport serves both civilians and the military, and is situated near Lajes.
 
There are daily scheduled flights to the Azores in the summer from the UK (Heathrow and Gatwick) with a change in Lisbon, and direct flights are also available in the summer once a week from Gatwick to Ponta Delgada Joao Paulo II Airport on São Miguel. This service is the best option for those coming from the UK for a one-week holiday, with a flying time of just 3 hours, 30 minutes.

Ponta Delgada Joao Paulo II Airport

Ponta Delgada Airport is located near to Ponta Delgada on the island of São Miguel and is the main gateway to the Azores, with daily flights from major European, American and Canadian centres in the summertime and a capacity of about one million passengers. The airport is just short of two miles from town and it also offers flights to many of the other islands in the Azores.

There is one terminal which caters for both domestic and international flights, and it comes equipped with a bank, cash machine, moneychanger and a post office. Snack bars and delicatessens provide sustenance, while a newsagent, standard shops and a duty-free outlet provide the shopping options.

Ponta Delgada Joao Paulo II airport transportation

Getting to and from the airport and the town is easy enough, with a clearly marked main road running the entire distance to town – about two miles – and good public transportation. The bus that runs to the town from the airport makes a stop at avenida Marginal de Ponta Delgada and runs hourly, while taxis are also available 24 hours.

Alternatively, there are also international airports on both the islands of Faial and Terceira if flights to São Miguel are fully booked. Both these airports are a lot smaller than Ponta Delgada-Joao Paulo II Airport however, so tickets need to be booked way in advance.