Pico Airport (PIX) - Aeroporto do Pico - is on the north coast of Pico island, approximately 4km west of Madalena, the main port and largest settlement. Pico is the second-largest island in the Azores and home to Portugal’s highest mountain - Ponta do Pico at 2,351m. Flights operate from Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) and Lisbon with Azores Airlines; many visitors also arrive by ferry from nearby Faial island (30 minutes from Horta to Madalena).
Taxi From Pico Airport
Taxis are available at PIX. The ride to central Madalena is very short - typically 5–8 minutes - and the metered fare is low. For destinations beyond Madalena, the journey is longer and costs more.
| Destination | Approximate Cost (2026) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Madalena (centre and port) | €5–10 | 5–8 min |
| Lajes do Pico (south coast main town) | €30–40 | 35 min |
| São Roque do Pico (east coast) | €35–45 | 40 min |
| Pico mountain base (PNSAC) | €12–18 | 15 min |
Night rates apply after 21:00. Pico’s taxi fleet is larger than the more remote islands (Flores, Graciosa, Corvo) but advance arrangement is still advisable for early morning arrivals.
Ferry: Faial to Pico (Alternative to Flying)
The ferry crossing from Horta (Faial) to Madalena (Pico) is one of the best short sea routes in Portugal. Pico’s volcanic cone is directly in front of you for the entire 30-minute crossing.
- Operator: Atlânticoline
- Route: Horta → Madalena
- Duration: approximately 30 minutes
- Fare: approximately €3–4 per adult single as of 2026 (confirm on Atlânticoline website)
- Frequency: multiple daily sailings; reduced schedule in winter
- Booking: advance booking recommended in July and August; can sell out on peak weekends
This is often the most practical and scenic way to travel between the two islands. Many visitors combine a Faial arrival (direct mainland flights) with a ferry across to Pico rather than taking an internal Azores Airlines hop.
Private Airport Transfers
Private transfers are available for arrivals at PIX, particularly useful for larger groups or those heading directly to accommodation in Lajes do Pico or the south coast rather than Madalena.
- Cost: approximately €10–20 to Madalena; €40–55 to Lajes do Pico as of 2026
- Booking: Compare Pico transfer options
- Best for: groups, families with young children, or visitors heading directly to remote stays
Car Hire at Pico Airport
Car hire is available at PIX and is strongly recommended for any stay longer than a night in Madalena. Pico is a long, thin island (42km east to west) with most attractions spread along its length.
- Cost: from approximately €35–55/day in low season; from €60–90/day in summer as of 2026
- Book in advance: Pico’s hire fleet is limited relative to demand in summer
- Roads: the north coast road (EN3) is straightforward; roads up towards the mountain base are paved but steep and winding
- UNESCO wine landscape: the black lava vineyards (currais) near Madalena and Santo António are a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site - easily accessible by car
Getting Around Pico
Key Pico destinations with driving distances from Madalena:
- Pico mountain base (Lagoa do Capitão trailhead): 12km south, 15 minutes
- UNESCO wine landscape (Criação Velha and Biscoitos): 10–20 minutes east
- Caves (Gruta das Torres): 12km east of Madalena, 15 minutes
- Lajes do Pico (whale museum, historic town): 38km, 35 minutes
- São Roque do Pico (eastern main town): 42km, 40 minutes
- Whale watching departures (Lajes): 38km, 35 minutes
Whale watching is one of the main draws for Pico - sperm whales, blue whales, and dolphins are regularly sighted in the surrounding deep waters. Boats depart primarily from Lajes do Pico and Madalena.
Which Option Is Right For You?
| Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Staying only in Madalena | Taxi from airport or port |
| Exploring the full island | Car hire |
| Arriving from Faial | Ferry Horta → Madalena |
| Climbing Pico mountain | Car hire (early start required; register ascent with PNSAC beforehand) |
Plan Your Trip
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