Share This Article
Reaching the incredible Pico island in the Azores isn’t as straightforward as booking a single flight — there are no direct flights from abroad, not even from mainland Portugal. To get here, you’ll first need to fly into one of the two main gateways to the Azores: São Miguel or Terceira. From there, you can either take a connecting flight straight to Pico, or fly to one of its closest neighbors, Faial or São Jorge, and continue the journey by ferry.
I have already written a Detailed Guide of How to get to the Azores, so I recommend you to read that before this one as you can only get to Pico island when you’re already in the Azores.
That’s where the fun begins. Ferries link these islands across the Central Group (more on this topic below), giving you the choice to arrive at either São Roque, on Pico’s north coast, or Madalena, on the west coast.
São Roque is quieter and less visited, a small town that feels more traditional, with fishing boats in the harbor and a slower pace of life. Madalena, on the other hand, is livelier, with more restaurants, bars, and easy access to Pico’s famous vineyards — and it’s also the most common entry point for travelers coming from Faial.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the different routes to Pico — flights, ferries, and combinations of both — so you can choose the one that works best for your trip.
The Azores archipelago – DON’T SKIP THIS PART
The Azores archipelago consists of 9 islands grouped into three groups:
– The eastern group, made up of the island of São Miguel (the largest and most populated island in the Azores) and the island of Santa Maria, known for being a holiday destination for the people of São Miguel.
– The central group, made up of the triangle islands (São Jorge, Pico and Faial) as well as Terceira and Graciosa island. The islands in the triangle are islands very close to each other, so the short distances that separate them are generally overcome using Azores ferries and not flights.
– The western group, made up of the remote islands of FLores and Corvo. It is the most difficult group to access and where fewer people arrive.
Traditionally, we use planes to travel between different groups of islands and the Azores ferries to travel between islands belonging to the same group.
Getting to Pico island from other Azores islands
As I said before, it is impossible to get a direct flight to Pico other than from São Miguel or Terceira Islands. So I am going to explain in detail how to get to Pico island from the most important islands in the Azores (I am sure you’ll be arriving from one of these!): São Miguel, Terceira, Faial and São Jorge.
Getting to Pico island from São Miguel
The most common way to travel from São Miguel (the main gateway to the Azores) to Pico is by plane. SATA Azores Airlines operates daily flights from Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) to Pico Airport (PIX), and the journey takes about 1 hour. It’s the fastest and easiest option, especially if you’re short on time.
Ferry from São Miguel to Pico
You might be wondering if there’s a ferry from São Miguel to Pico. The truth is, there isn’t a direct connection — the two islands belong to different island groups, and ferries only operate within the same group. If you’d like to travel by ferry, you’ll need to make a stop in another island from the Central Group, usually Faial or Terceira, and then continue by ferry to Pico.
- Via Faial: One option is to fly from São Miguel to Horta (Faial Island). From there, you have a quick and frequent ferry connection to Pico — just 30 minutes across the channel. These ferries run all year round and are very reliable.
- Via Terceira: Another option is to fly from São Miguel to Terceira Island and then continue by ferry. However, the ferry route from Terceira to Pico is less convenient: it’s not as frequent, it makes stops on other islands (including Graciosa), and it only operates in the high season summer months.
Because of this, most travelers who want to combine a ferry from São Miguel to Pico with their trip choose the Faial route. It’s faster, more reliable, and available year-round, making it the most practical option if you want to enjoy a sea crossing on your way to Pico.
Getting to Pico from Terceira
If you’re in Terceira Island, reaching Pico is easy — you can either fly directly or travel by ferry during the summer months.
Flying from Terceira to Pico
SATA Air Açores runs direct flights from Lajes Airport (TER) to Pico Airport (PIX). The flight takes around 35 minutes, making it by far the fastest and most convenient way to travel between the two islands.
Terceira to Pico ferry
For those who prefer to travel by sea, there is also the option of a terceira to pico ferry. This service is seasonal, only running from June to September, and it’s operated by Atlânticoline on two different lines:
- White Line: it connects Terceira → Graciosa → São Jorge → Pico → Faial. It stops at every island in the Central Group, almost like a sea bus. In August 2025, the Terceira to Pico journey runs on Mondays and Wednesdays, taking around 6 hours and 30 minutes. The fare is 45€ per adult, with discounts for children and senior citizens.
- Purple Line: it connects Terceira → São Jorge → Pico → Faial. This line skips Graciosa, making the trip a little faster. It usually runs on Tuesdays and Saturdays in high season, though the schedule varies each year.
Because the ferry is much slower and less frequent, most travelers choose to fly. But if you’re planning an island-hopping trip through the Central Group, the ferry can be a scenic and memorable way to arrive in Pico.
Getting to Pico from Faial
Faial and Pico are practically next-door neighbors. The two islands are separated only by the Faial Channel, which means hopping across by ferry is quick, easy, and something locals do all the time. If you’re staying in Horta, it’s almost too tempting not to sail over for the day.
Daily ferries from Faial to Pico on the green line)
The Blue Line dedicated to this crossing and runs plenty of times a day. Ferries leave from Horta (Faial) and land either in Madalena or São Roque, both on Pico.
- Horta → Madalena: This is the main route and the one most people use. In August 2025, there are 7 ferries every day. The ride takes only 25 minutes, costs 8€ one way, and drops you right in the heart of Pico’s wine country.
- Horta → São Roque: Less convenient, but useful if you need to be in Pico’s north coast. Only 2 ferries per day, and not every day —, plus the trip takes about 1 hour and costs 12€.
There’s also the Green Line, which links all three “Triangle Islands”: Faial, Pico, and São Jorge. It’s less frequent than the Blue Line, but worth keeping in mind if you’re planning a bigger island-hopping adventure.
Local tip
If you’re just coming over for the day, stick to Horta–Madalena. It’s faster, cheaper, and gives you way more flexibility for getting back in the evening. Save São Roque for when you actually need to be in that part of the island.
Getting to Pico from São Jorge
The islands of São Jorge and Pico are very close, and the ferry is the natural way to get across. There are usually 2 or 3 crossings per day, though not every day of the week, and they connect Velas (São Jorge) either to São Roque or to Madalena on Pico. The trip takes about 1 hour and costs 17€ per adult.
This is one of the most scenic rides in the Azores, with Pico’s volcano filling the horizon as the ferry gets closer. But I’ll be honest: it’s also the ferry where I’ve felt the most seasick. The height and direction of the waves in this part of the channel can make the crossing pretty rough, even on days that don’t look stormy.
Still, if you can handle a bit of rocking, the journey is absolutely worth it — and on calmer days, it’s one of the most beautiful approaches to Pico you’ll ever see.
Tips for Booking Ferries and Flights to Pico island
- Ferry schedules change every year. Summer (June–September) has more routes and frequencies, while some crossings don’t operate at all in winter. Always check Atlânticoline’s website for the latest timetable.
- Flights are also seasonal. SATA Air Açores adds more connections in summer, but seats sell out quickly — book as far in advance as you can, especially for July and August.
- Weather matters. Strong winds, rough seas, and fog often cause delays or cancellations. Atlânticoline will send you an SMS if your ferry is affected.
- If you tend to get seasick (like I do), take a motion sickness pill about 30 minutes before boarding. Some crossings — especially São Jorge to Pico — can get really rough.
- Prices are fixed and don’t change much, but buying tickets online ahead of time guarantees your spot. Don’t rely on last-minute purchases at the port during the high season!
- Bring snacks and a jacket on longer crossings — even in summer, the Atlantic can surprise you.
FAQs about traveling to Pico
Is there a direct ferry from São Miguel to Pico?
No. The only direct way is by plane, which takes about an hour. If you want to travel partly by ferry, you’ll need to first fly to Faial or Terceira and continue from there.
How long does the flight from São Miguel to Pico take?
About one hour. The flights are operated by SATA Air Açores, the regional airline of the Azores.
Can I bring a car on the ferry to Pico?
Yes, most ferries have space for cars, but places are limited. If you’re traveling in summer, book your vehicle spot well in advance.
Are the ferries to Pico reliable in winter?
Not always. Some routes stop running outside of summer, and those that remain can be cancelled or delayed due to rough seas.
What happens if my ferry to Pico is cancelled due to weather?
Atlânticoline will notify you by SMS if there are changes. You can either take the next available sailing or request a refund.
Is there food or drinks available on board the ferries?
Yes. All the ferries have a small bar where you can buy drinks and snacks — simple but enough to keep you going during the trip.
Can I buy ferry tickets at the port in Pico?
Yes, you can, but in summer it’s risky. Ferries often sell out during July and August, so it’s much safer to book online in advance.
Can I bring luggage on the ferry?
Yes. Your ferry ticket already includes luggage, and there’s no extra fee. You just carry it onboard with you, and on the larger ferries you’ll find racks where you can store bags during the trip.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Route to Pico
Getting to Pico might take a little extra planning, but that’s part of the adventure. If you want speed and convenience, fly directly from São Miguel or Terceira. If you’re in Faial or São Jorge, hop on a ferry and enjoy one of the most beautiful sea crossings in the Azores.
Whichever route you choose, the reward is the same: arriving on an island where Portugal’s highest mountain towers over vineyards, lava fields, and some of the most dramatic scenery in the Atlantic. Pico isn’t the easiest island to reach, but that’s exactly why it feels so special when you get here.
