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Looking for Your Definitive Guide to Transiting Azores Islands (w/ tips for kids)?

  • Writer: Trevor Lawrence
    Trevor Lawrence
  • Jun 19
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jun 23

Lush green hills surround a turquoise lake under a partly cloudy sky, with a winding road cutting through the landscape, evoking tranquility.
Just gonna say it: a most attractive cauldron.

Azores Transit Guide: Rock-Hopping the Atlantic Ocean

The Azores archipelago's nine volcanic islands are mostly reached by plane due to distance. Getting around requires a little extra planning—but it's isolated, lush volcanic beauty at every turn.


Special Considerations for Parents

  • Strollers: Manageable in towns but tricky on cobbled streets and hiking areas.

  • Baby Wearing: Highly recommended for trails and uneven surfaces.

  • Car Seats: Required in rental cars. Limited availability for car seat rentals, but they do exist. Check availability with providers in advance. Make sure your car seat can be secured with seat belts.

  • Ferry Travel: Bring snacks, layers, and motion sickness supplies—waters can be choppy.


Inter-Island Travel Options

Mode

Routes Covered

Notes

SATA Air Açores

All islands (daily or near-daily flights)

Fastest and most reliable option. Discounted inter-island fares for residents in case you wanna, you know, move there.

Atlanticoline Ferries

Major islands (especially Faial, Pico, São Jorge)

Seasonal frequency. Slower but scenic and affordable. Limited winter service.

Private Boat Charters

Faial–Pico–São Jorge, or custom routes

Flexible and scenic, but expensive. Great for groups.

Typical One-Way Prices (2025)

Route

By Air (EUR/USD)

By Ferry (EUR/USD)

Time (Approx.)

São Miguel → Terceira

€60–€90 / $65–$97

N/A

~45 minutes (flight)

Faial → Pico

€45 / $49

€5–€6 / $5.40–$6.50

~10–20 min (ferry)

São Jorge → Faial or Pico

€50–€80 / $54–$86

€10–€12 / $11–$13

~1–1.5 hours (ferry)

Terceira → Graciosa

€50–€70 / $54–$76

Limited ferry

~35 minutes (flight)

Getting Around on São Miguel (Most Popular Island)


Check out our lovely 4-day itinerary. We cannot wait to return.

Mode

Coverage

Notes

Taxis

Island-wide

Can be expensive for long distances. Confirm fare in advance.

Ride-hailing

Rare or unavailable

Not reliable outside Ponta Delgada.

Rental Cars

Highly recommended

Best way to explore the island on your schedule.

Buses (EVA/Atlântico)

Major towns and routes

Limited weekend service. Timetables vary. Use official site: https://www.redeatlantico.pt


Getting Around on Pico, Faial, and Terceira

  • Car Rental: Ideal for Pico, São Miguel, São Jorge and Faial—roads are simple and scenic. Sometimes a bit narrow off the main island through-routes, but mostly great.

  • Buses: Limited and mostly school/day routes. Terceira has slightly better service.

  • Taxis: Available but should be arranged in advance.

  • Ferries: Use between the central triangle islands (Pico, Faial, São Jorge).


Useful Maps & Apps


Attractive cows hoarding ocean views in the Azores.

WS&T Family Tip: If you're island-hopping with kids, stick to the central triangle (Faial, Pico, São Jorge) for easier logistics and shorter travel distances. São Miguel, one of our favorites, is a trip unto itself. But that doesn't mean you can't touch them all.


Renting a car can be a bit pricey, but is considerably easier (and probably cheaper on the whole) than coordinating bus and taxi routes—especially with little ones in tow.


This guide should help you embrace the isolated beauty of the Azores without getting lost between ports or bus stops. Watch for (and wave at) the handsomest cows I've ever seen.


While subject to change due to construction, schedule and route issues, we do our best to keep the Azores transit guide (with kids) up to date. Let us know if you see something that needs revision, or notice any glaring issues with our memory of the system.

 
 
 

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