The best form of transportation from the airport is to rent a car right in the terminal. There is no conventional public transport to the airport.
Car rental
As full travel around São Miguel is only possible by car, we recommend renting a car directly upon arrival at the airport, where all the car rental companies operating on the island are located. You will find the counters of all car rental companies in the arrivals terminal, but be sure to book your car well in advance, ideally 1-2 months.
Some car rental companies have limited capacity and if you wait until the last minute or even on the spot, you may find that only the most expensive cars are left.
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Examples of average prices:
- 7-day winter rental (book at least one month in advance): small car from 120 eur
- 7-day rental in summer (book at least 6 months in advance): small car from 250 eur
When returning your car on arrival at the airport, follow the signs for your rental company to direct you to the appropriate car park. You can drop off your car directly at the car park and do not need to visit the rental counter in the terminal.
Taxi
The only relevant mode of transport outside of car rental is a taxi. There are always plenty of taxis waiting outside the terminal and the prices are flat and predetermined. Taxameters don't work here, the prices are always exactly set for each combination of locations.
There is no haggling over price and dishonesty from taxi drivers is absolutely rare.
The price to the centre of Ponta Delgada is 10 eur.
On a larger scale, you will only find taxis in Ponta Delgada. The central station is located on the coastal promenade near Portas da Cidade (location on google.com/maps).
Bus
There are no public transport buses directly to the terminal.
Nor do buses stop anywhere within comfortable walking distance, so taxis or car hire are the only options.
