How to Get to Pico Island, Azores: Flights & Ferry Guide
Pico is reached by direct flight from Lisbon, by inter-island connection through Ponta Delgada, or by the 30-minute ferry from Faial. Here is what each option involves and how to get around once you land.
August 25, 2026 • 5 min read
How to Get to Pico Island, Azores: Flights & Ferry Guide
Pico Island is reached by direct flight from Lisbon, by inter-island flight from other Azorean islands, or by ferry from Faial Island (30 minutes from Madalena to Horta). Most international visitors fly into Lisbon or Ponta Delgada and connect from there.
Airport: Pico (PIX), near Madalena | Ferry from Faial: ~30 min | Getting around: Car hire essential
Pico is not the easiest island to reach, which is part of why it remains less crowded than São Miguel or Terceira. The central group of the Azores (Pico, Faial, and São Jorge) sits roughly 150 km northwest of the eastern group, and getting there requires either a direct connection from the Portuguese mainland or a connection through another island. Here is what each route actually involves.
By Plane
From Lisbon
Azores Airlines (SATA) operates scheduled flights from Lisbon (LIS) to Pico Airport (PIX). The flight takes approximately 2 hours. Frequency varies by season, with more departures available in summer. Outside the peak season, some routes operate only a few times per week.
For most international travelers, Lisbon is the most practical entry point into the Azores, with connections from across Europe, North America, and beyond.
From Ponta Delgada (São Miguel)
Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) on São Miguel is the main hub for the Azores. It receives direct flights from more international origins than any other Azorean airport, including direct routes from North America (Boston, Toronto) and multiple European cities. From Ponta Delgada, Azores Airlines operates inter-island connections to Pico, typically via Horta (Faial) or direct depending on the schedule.
If you are planning a multi-island trip through the Azores, routing through Ponta Delgada gives you the most flexibility for onward connections.
From Faial (Horta)
Faial Airport (HOR) in Horta is the closest airport to Pico and operates inter-island flights within the central group. If you are already in Faial, a short flight or the ferry (see below) are both options for crossing to Pico.
From North America
Direct transatlantic flights to Ponta Delgada operate from Boston (BOS) and Toronto (YYZ) on Azores Airlines, and from other North American cities seasonally. From Ponta Delgada, connect to Pico by inter-island flight or by combining a flight to Faial with the ferry crossing to Madalena.
Always check current schedules through Azores Airlines (sata.pt) or your travel agent, as inter-island frequencies change by season.
By Ferry
The ferry between Madalena (Pico) and Horta (Faial) is the most straightforward crossing in the Azores. The distance is approximately 8 km and the crossing takes around 30 minutes. It is operated by Atlânticoline and runs multiple times daily in summer, with reduced frequency in winter and during rough weather.
This crossing is used by residents and visitors alike, and it means that Pico and Faial function almost as a pair: staying on one island and spending a day on the other is routine. The ferry to Faial departs from the port in Madalena, which is also where the main accommodation, car hire, and services are concentrated.
Atlânticoline also operates less frequent ferry connections between Pico and São Jorge, via Cais do Pico on the north coast. Schedules are seasonal and should be checked in advance at atlanticoline.pt.
What to know before taking the ferry: The crossing can be rough when Atlantic swells run in the channel. In winter or during storms, crossings are cancelled. Always check weather conditions and the operator's site for disruptions before planning a same-day connection.
Arriving at Pico Airport
Pico Airport (PIX) is located on the west coast of the island, close to Madalena. It is a small airport with car hire desks (booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially in summer) and taxi availability. There is no regular bus service connecting the airport to the rest of the island.
The airport is approximately 3 km from central Madalena. By car, the main towns are: São Roque do Pico (north coast, ~25 km), Lajes do Pico (south coast, ~43 km from Madalena).
Getting Around Pico Island
A hire car is essential. Pico is 444 km² with a main road running the full length of the south coast, a secondary road along the north, and the Estrada Transversal crossing the interior. Public transport on the island is limited and does not serve most hiking trail access points, viewpoints, or the east coast.
Car hire is available at the airport and in Madalena. Book well in advance for July and August, when availability is tight. The roads are generally well-maintained but narrow in inland areas, and some tracks to viewpoints require a cautious approach.
Taxis operate from Madalena and Lajes do Pico, but they are limited in number and not reliable for island-wide travel without pre-arrangement.
Walking is practical within Madalena and Lajes, but not for crossing between towns or reaching trail access points without a vehicle.
Combining Pico with Other Islands
Pico is most naturally combined with Faial (30-minute ferry from Madalena) and São Jorge (ferry from Cais do Pico). These three islands form the central triangle and many visitors spend 2 to 3 days on each during a longer Azores trip.
Flying between the eastern and central groups is straightforward with Azores Airlines. A typical island-hopping itinerary might begin in Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), fly to Pico, take the ferry to Faial, and fly back from Horta.
PLAN YOUR PICO TRIP
Browse accommodation, activities, and packages for Pico Island. Our team can also handle inter-island logistics for multi-island itineraries.
Explore Pico Island →Pico Island Vacation Packages
Ready-to-book packages that include Pico Island, with flights, accommodation, and car hire arranged. Our local team handles all inter-island logistics.
