PDLUpdated May 15, 2026

Getting to and from Ponta Delgada airport

Ponta Delgada · Portugal

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Departures Arrivals
PDL · Transportation

Ground transportation options

Public transportation, licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps, private transfers and car rental at Ponta Delgada airport (PDL), 3 km from Ponta Delgada. See also the airport guide for general information.

Buses

The ANC Aerobus service provides a direct connection between the terminal and the centre of Ponta Delgada. The route is circular and includes more than 20 strategically located stops covering the main hotel areas and points of interest, from Santa Clara to Avenida Dom João III.

Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver. In addition to the regular service to the city centre, there are private transport options and group transfers to other locations on the island, such as Lagoa, Vila Franca, Nordeste and Povoação.

Taxis

The taxi rank is located immediately outside the arrivals hall exit. The service operates 24 hours a day and is mainly run by the Associação de Táxis de Ponta Delgada and Cresaçor.

The journey to the city centre takes approximately 10 minutes. Fares are regulated and vary depending on the final destination on the island; it is recommended to check the current fare table available at the taxi rank or agree on an approximate cost with the driver before starting the journey.

Website: Associação de Táxis de Ponta Delgada

Book ahead

Private transfer from PDL Rent a car at PDL

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Tips for getting to and from PDL

Going to the airport

  1. Leave earlier than you think you need to: Ponta Delgada airport is 3 km from Ponta Delgada. Allow for rush-hour traffic, strikes or events, and check the local news before you go.
  2. On public transportation, check the schedule (weekends and holidays usually have fewer services), whether you need to change lines and how to pay: transit card, contactless or cash.
  3. If you booked a shared shuttle, keep the company's phone number at hand in case the pickup is late.
  4. Returning a rental car? Follow the signs to the rental car return area. If you drive your own car, check parking at PDL.

Leaving the airport

  1. After baggage claim and customs, follow the ground transportation signs. The arrivals page has a step-by-step guide.
  2. Arriving late at night? Not every bus or train runs 24 hours: check the last departure in advance. Ride-hailing apps usually pick up at a designated zone, not at the curb.
  3. With a private transfer, the driver usually waits in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name.
  4. Renting a car? Booking ahead gives you better rates; see car rental at PDL.
  5. Staying near the airport? See hotels and overnight stay or hotels near PDL.
German Giudici

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Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.