| Popular in | August | High demand for flights, 27% potential price rise |
| Cheapest in | November | Best time to find cheap flights, 5% potential price drop |
| Average price | £271 | Average for round-trip flights in August 2022 |
| Round-trip from | £92 | From London to Azores |
Information is based on travel restrictions from United Kingdom to Azores
Most visitors from United Kingdom can enter Azores without restrictions.
COVID-19 testing requirements
Visitors from United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Azores.
Quarantine requirements
Visitors from United Kingdom are not required to quarantine after entering Azores.
Returning to United Kingdom from Azores
COVID-19 testing requirements
Visitors from Azores are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering United Kingdom.
Quarantine requirements
Visitors from Azores are not required to quarantine after entering United Kingdom.
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LON - PDL Price
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£11 - £385
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PDL Temperature
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16 - 25 °C
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PDL Rainfall
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24 - 123 mm
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Peak Season
April to October is the peak season for flights to Azores-Islands, when the weather is at its warmest and the islands are in full swing with tourists. The cheapest flights to Azores-Islands during this time are in April and October, though you might be able to find some good flight deals in May and September, too. July and August are the most expensive months to travel to Azores-Islands as these mark the peak of the summer season.
Off Season
If you travel between November and March, you’ll be able to find numerous cheap flights to Azores-Islands. These months are the off season, where the crowds are fewer and the temperatures are lower than in summer. That being said, it’s still fairly warm, spring and autumn are great times to visit for the colours and clear skies.
Flight times from the UK to the Azores Islands, Portugal range from 3h to 5h direct.
London to Azores-Islands – 3 hours 45 minutes
Manchester to Azores-Islands – 3 hours 45 minutes
Birmingham to Azores-Islands – 3 hours 40 minutes
Glasgow to Azores-Islands – 3 hours 50 minutes
Cardiff to Azores-Islands – 3 hours 30 minutes
Ryan Air, TAP Portugal, and SATA are the main airlines that offer cheap flights to Azores-Islands from the UK. There are numerous flights that leave throughout the week, especially between April and October in the high season. There are less flights in the winter months, but you’ll be able to find the cheapest flights to Azores-Islands during this time.
In the majority of cases, there aren’t any direct flights from the UK to the Azores Islands. However, the Azores own airline, SATA, does operate limited availability for a direct 4-hour flight from Gatwick, UK to Sao Miguel on Saturdays, May through October. SATA also operates flights between the Azores islands. Additionally, Ryanair has a direct flight on Saturdays from Stansted to Sao Miguel. The majority of one-stop flights to the Azores Islands connect through Lisbon and arrive at Lajes Airport on Terceira Island in the Azores.
There are three main airports that run cheap flights to the Azores: Sao Miguel, the largest of the Azores-Islands, has an international airport (João Paulo II International Airport) situated just 2km from Ponta Delgada. Faial’s airport, Horta Airport, is around a 25-minute drive from Horta, and Terceira’s international airport is about 20 minutes from Lajes. There are several flight deals each week, so you’ll be able to find a route that’s within your budget.
There are 9 islands that make up the Azores Islands, with 3 main airports. Most of the islands are primarily home to various small villages and towns, rather than one specific city centre. While there are taxis and buses, the most reliable and useful mode of transportation is to rent a car which can be done at any of the five international airports which are located on Pico, Santa Maria, Faial, Terceira, and Sao Miguel. You will need to adjust to driving on the right side of the road, however! To reach the other islands, you will need to hop on a flight or go by ferry or boat, where available.
Sao Miguel’s Airport:
Bus Services: The airport bus travels to Avenida Marginal de Ponta Delgada every hour, taking about 30 minutes.
Taxis: There are plenty of taxis outside the terminals which will take you to the major destinations around the island. Price and distance depends on your end destination.
Terceira/Lajes Airport:
Bus Services: There are no official airport buses from Terceira airport to Lajes, but a local bus passes outside the terminal every 2 hours travelling to Praia da Vitoria.
Taxis: You can get a taxi into Lajes. The journey is quick, and prices depend on your final destination.
Horta Airport:
Taxis: Taxis are the quickest and easiest way to get into Horta. Alternatively, you can rent a car from the airport.
Hints and tips connected to navigating between terminals
All three major Azores-Islands airports only have one terminal, making them easy to navigate.
The lure of the Azores Islands is that there is plenty to see and do. The countryside is stunning with caldeiras, ancient lava tubes, crater lakes, and ocean views. There are some unique activities, such as the running of the bulls in Terceira. The bulls run down the streets, so be sure to plan ahead for a safe observation seat. Another popular option is the hot springs. Most Azores visitors agree that the cuisine makes the trip special. Although the Azores Islands are a region of Portugal, the food is decidedly their own. There are a few items you definitely should try while you are there, such as alcatra, massa sovada, local cheeses, and tons of fresh seafood that just came off the boats. For a unique treat, give the cracas a try – it might seem strange to eat a barnacle, but they are amazing!
For stays in the Azores Islands of less than 90 days, you do not need a visa. If you plan to stay longer than that, you will need to get a tourist visa from a Portuguese consulate or embassy. You will need a passport and it must be valid for at least 90 days following your departure date, although six months validity is recommended.