Car Rental at Ponta Delgada Airport

Airport travel guide

The capital of the Azores, Ponta Delgada is not often mentioned among the archipelago’s most famous attractions — after all, the real charm of the islands lies not in city streets, but among its volcanic landscapes and rugged beaches. That being said, the Azorean capital can still be an interesting place to explore, especially if you know where to look. And if you get a rental car, that magnificent nature is never too far away, either. With that in mind, these are five of the most interesting attractions in and around Ponta Delgada:

• Whale watching. Located in the Atlantic Ocean nearly halfway between Europe and North America, the Azores is one of the best whale-watching spots on the planet  — and many tours take off from Ponta Delgada. Different species of whales have different migration patterns, but generally the warmer time of the year — from May to October roughly — is considered the best period to spot the whales, including the blue whale, the largest mammal on the planet. Find out more about tours by visiting this guide to whale-watching tours.
• São Sebastião Church. Dating back to the mid-16th century, San Sebastian Church is not only one of the oldest buildings in the Azores, but it’s also one of the most beautiful. A mixture of Gothic and other styles, it continues to fulfill its original function to this day but is also open to visitors. Ponta Delgada is home to some other architectural landmarks as well, including the beautiful city gates and city hall.
• Sete Cidades. Located in a deep caldera, a crater-like volcanic depression, Sete Cidades is made up of a number of lakes, including Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul (the Green and Blue Lakes) named after the distinct color of their waters. A truly impressive place to visit, Sete Cidades is just a 35-minute drive northwest of Ponta Delgada and can be easily accessed by car.
• Old Town. Established in the mid-15th century, the city of Ponta Delgada has had a long and varied history, something that is reflected in the look and feel of its old town. The former fishing settlement that grew over centuries is the location of the aforementioned São Sebastião Church, as well as other landmarks like Gates to the City and the three branches of the Carlos Machado Museum.
• Furnas. As suggested by its name (it literally translates to ‘furnace’), this settlement in the inland–eastern part of the island is famous for its volcanic activity. Not only are there hot springs for bathing and hiking trails for marveling at the otherworldly scenery, even staples of the local cuisine are cooked via the geothermal heat emanating from the depths of the calderas. A car trip from Ponta Delgada takes only about 45 minutes and can be combined with a visit to beaches on the northeastern or southerneast coast of São Miguel. 

Top international routes

• Lisbon
• Terceira
• Pico
• Horta
• Santa Maria
• Porto
• São Jorge
• Flores
• Funchal
• Boston
   

Main airlines

Azores Airlines, Ryanair, and TAP Air Portugal are the main airlines bringing passengers to the Azores Islands from Europe and the United States.

SATA Air Açores operates flights to other islands in the Azores.

Terminals

The single passenger terminal has two levels: the ground level and the first level.

Location

Ponta Delgada Airport is just 5 km (3.1 miles) from downtown. Av. Antero de Quental is the main street leading to and from Ponta Delgada.

The rest of the island of Sao Miguel is within a short driving distance. The furthest point from the airport can be reached in just an hour and a half.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $6 per day
• Medium cars - from $8 per day
• Station wagons - from $37 per day
• Large cars - from $12 per day
• SUVs - from $9 per day
• Vans - from $41 per day
• Convertibles - from $22 per day
• Premium cars - from $83 per day

Car rental desks

All of the rental companies that are located at the airport can be found in the rental car area in the arrivals hall.

Micauto and ANC Azores Holidays are located in the city and provide a shuttle or meet and greet service.

Finally, Goldcar provides a shuttle service of which renters can find the pickup point just outside the main hall.

Services and facilities

Small and cozy, the airport offers cafeterias, duty-free shops, ATMs, a luggage storage area, a baby care room, and a post office. Special assistance is available for passengers with reduced mobility.

Nearest gas station

A Galp petrol station, located at EN1-1A 48, is on the way from downtown to the airport, from which it is less than a five-minute drive. The station is open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m but also provides the opportunity to pay at the pump 24 hours a day.