The Azores Portugal Travel Guide
Public bus systems operate on São Miguel, Terceira, Faial, and Pico. They furnish a means for locals to move between towns and villages. São Miguel possesses the most developed network. Routes connect Ponta Delgada to some major towns and a few tourist spots. Service can be infrequent, especially on weekends and holidays. Companies like Scotturb and Arriva operate these routes. Other islands have even more limited bus services.
Tickets are purchased directly from the bus driver, using cash. Fares are generally low (€1.50 to €4-5). No multi-day passes are widely available. Operating hours generally run from early morning to late evening, but frequency can be very low, sometimes only 2-3 buses per day on certain routes. Expect reduced service on weekends and public holidays. Buses may not always run precisely on time.
Most developed bus network, connecting major towns and some tourist spots.
Low fares (approx. €1.50-€5). Purchase tickets directly from the driver.
Public buses may not be fully accessible for travelers with mobility challenges.
Generally very safe. Confirm the taxi is licensed.
If a meter is available, confirm its use, or agree on the price clearly.
Verify car and driver details match the app info.
Share trip details with a friend for added security.
A rental car provides the most flexible way to explore the islands. It permits access to remote viewpoints and trailheads not served by public transport. Book well in advance, especially for summer and for specific car types (automatics are less common). Consider full coverage insurance or check your credit card travel benefits for rental car insurance.
Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Headlights recommended in tunnels. Speed limits: 50 km/h (urban), 90 km/h (rural), 100 km/h (expressways). Alcohol limit: 0.05% BAC.
Main roads are good. Secondary roads are narrow, winding, and steep. Fog is common at higher altitudes. Livestock may appear on rural roads.
Pay-and-display parking in city centers. Free parking often on town outskirts or at attractions. Blue lines mean paid parking; yellow/red mean no parking.
Exploring the Azores on foot or by bicycle has intimate connections with the landscape. Town centers are pleasant for walking, with historic streets that invite leisurely strolls. Numerous well-marked hiking trails crisscross all islands, from easy coastal paths to challenging mountain ascents. Many trails are linear, requiring arrangement for pick-up or drop-off at the endpoint.
Atlantico Line provides passenger and car ferry services between islands, especially important for the Central Group.
Essential for island hopping.
Ponta Delgada and Praia da Vitória serve as common cruise ship ports. Immigration procedures apply for international cruise arrivals.
International entry points.
Essential for activities like whale watching, dolphin swimming, and visiting specific coastal areas or islets.
Organized from main ports.
For inter-island travel, Atlantico Line ferries are the standard, but checking schedules and booking ahead, especially with a car, is a good idea.
