Quick Guide on How to Travel Between Islands in the Azores

The Azores Archipelago consists of 9 fantastic islands. In this article, we explain how to travel between islands in the Azores, in a quick guide with everything you need to know to explore this paradise in the Atlantic Ocean.

Given the location of the Azores, there are only two ways to travel between islands: by boat or by plane.

Traveling Between Islands

As mentioned earlier, you can only do this using two modes of transportation: boat and plane. Below you will find detailed information about each of these transport options, schedules, operations, prices, and other tips to enjoy your stay.

When you visit one of the Azorean islands, you will certainly want to visit the other eight. We recommend that you always plan your stay in the Azores in advance and with some care, which means you should always book at least 4 to 5 days on an island. This is the ideal number of days to see the main points of interest on each island. Don’t forget that if you are traveling between islands, you should account for any flight layovers and/or the duration of the boat trip.

To fully explore an island (and you will never see everything), one to two weeks is the ideal length of stay. See also our tips on how to plan a trip to the Azores.

Inter-Island Boat Trips

Inter-island boat trips are operated by Atlânticoline. The inter-island connections are divided into several lines:

• Blue Line: Connection between Horta (Faial) and Madalena (Pico);
• Green Line: Connection between Horta (Faial), Madalena (Pico), and Velas (São Jorge);
• Pink Line: Connection between Santa Cruz (Flores) and Vila do Corvo (Corvo);
• Purple Line: Only on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Connection between the Triangle Islands (Faial – Horta, Pico – Madalena, and São Jorge – Calheta) to Terceira Island – Praia da Vitória;
• White Line: Only on Mondays and Fridays. Connection between Faial (Horta), Pico (Madalena), São Jorge (Velas), Graciosa (Praia), and Terceira (Praia da Vitória);
• Orange Line: Every day except Wednesdays and Thursdays, connection between Velas (São Jorge) and São Roque (Pico).

Note: The seasonal operation that connected the 9 islands of the Azores is not active. There is currently no maritime connection between the Islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria.

Atlânticoline Schedules 2023

• Blue Line Schedules (Pico, Faial Connection)
• Green Line Schedules (Pico, Faial, and São Jorge Connection)
• Search for more schedules

Prices

Prices for inter-island boat travel vary significantly depending on the route, special fares, whether or not you have a vehicle, among other factors. See below for more information.

Buying Tickets

You can purchase your inter-island boat tickets at various locations:

• DirectFerries
• Online on the Atlânticoline website;
• Atlânticoline Store Network (view addresses and contacts);
• RIAC Store Network, Integrated Citizen Support Network;

See also: Atlânticoline – Schedules, Prices, Rates, and Buy Tickets >

Inter-Island Plane Trips

Inter-island plane trips are operated by the airline SATA Air Açores. There are year-round air connections between the 9 islands of the Azores.

SATA Schedules

You can consult the complete list of flight schedules and dates here.

Buying Tickets:

You can purchase your inter-island plane tickets at various locations:

• Official SATA website;
• AzoresGetaways;
• SATA Store Network;
• Travel Agencies;

See also: Airports in the Azores

Free Inter-Island Transfers

Regarding inter-island travel, there is also a free inter-island transfer service that you can enjoy, with prior reservation.

As part of the change to the air transport model on the Continental-Azores and Azores-Madeira routes, SATA Air Açores is required to provide a transfer service, at no cost to the passenger, for passengers traveling within the Autonomous Region of the Azores, with origins or destinations in Mainland Portugal or Funchal, who wish to use any of the gateways of the Azores. More information here.

Now that you know how to travel between islands in the Azores, we wish you a great trip and stay on the chosen island or islands.