Taxis and transfers in the Azores: how fares and booking work

Taxis fill the gaps that buses and ferries leave: an early start at a trailhead, a late dinner in another village, or a ride from the airport with heavy bags. Taxis in the Azores work a little differently from the mainland, so it helps to know the rules before you get in.

No meter: how fares are set

Portugal's national taxi law applies in the Azores with some regional rules, set out in Regional Legislative Decree 24/2025/A. The biggest difference for visitors: Azorean taxis are exempt from having a taximeter. The regional parliament decided that charging by meter does not suit small, scattered island markets, and the government reviews the exemption every year.

That does not mean drivers charge what they like. Taxi fares fall under a regional maximum-price regime, approved by the member of the Regional Government responsible for land transport after hearing the sector's associations. So instead of watching a meter tick, you settle the price for the journey with the driver.

Taxi ranks and airport taxis

In towns, look for a taxi rank (praça de táxis), or ask your hotel or a café to call one for you. At Ponta Delgada airport the taxi rank is at Arrivals, and the airport lists taxi phone numbers on the same page. The airport is less than 3 km from the city centre, so the ride into Ponta Delgada is short.

On the smaller islands, and whenever you land on an evening flight or need a ride for a dawn start, do not count on finding a free taxi on the spot: book in advance through your accommodation or a local taxi number.

Adapted taxis

For wheelchair users, Ponta Delgada airport lists an adapted taxi service run by Cresaçor, with phone numbers and an e-mail on its public transport page. Book an adapted vehicle well ahead of your trip, and on other islands ask your accommodation to help you find one.

Pre-booked transfers and private drivers

Many hotels, guesthouses and activity companies offer transfers: a driver meets you at arrivals or picks you up for a tour, at a price agreed in advance. This is often the easiest option for families with luggage, for groups, and for trips that start before the first bus. When you book an activity, check whether pick-up is included and from where.

• Confirm the price, the pick-up point and the time in writing.
• Share your flight number so the driver can follow delays.
• Keep the operator's phone number to hand in case plans change.

Taxi, bus or hire car?

On São Miguel the bus covers the main towns, and a taxi fills the gaps. If you plan several full days of touring, a hire car usually works out more flexible. On the smaller islands, a mix of taxis and activities with pick-up can be enough for a short stay.