São Jorge Airport serves the eponymous narrow and elongated island of the Azores, famous for São Jorge cheese and the spectacular fajãs, coastal plains created by landslides or lava flows.
Located approximately 10 minutes from Velas, the island's capital.
How to get to São Jorge Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to SJZ
Parking near São Jorge Airport
The parking is small and located right in front of the terminal.
Rates align with the standards of an island destination.
How to get to Velas from SJZ
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at São Jorge Airport
Several car rental companies have counters in the arrivals area, useful for exploring the fajãs and trails of the island.
For visitors from the EU, a national driving license is sufficient, plus passport and credit card.
Hotels near São Jorge Airport
Velas
The airport is 6 km southeast of Velas; you can only get there by taxi, there are no dedicated shuttles or airport buses.
Best for: Those who want the ferry port, cafés and restaurants of Velas within easy reach.
- Ferry port for Pico and Faial, cafés and restaurants within walking distance
- Views of the channel between São Jorge, Pico and Faial from many houses in the area
- The airport remains 6 km away: a taxi is always needed, there is no airport bus
- Small town: evening life winds down early out of season
Recommended hotels
- Aldeia da Encosta Holiday homes on a slope above Velas, 5 minutes downhill on foot from the centre (cafés, shops, restaurants) and 10 from the natural pools; views of the channel between São Jorge, Pico and Faial. View availability
- Blue Planet São Jorge Azores - RRAL nº 1341 Registered local accommodation (RRAL) in Velas, with garden, barbecue and views of the island's mountains. View availability
Urzelina, near the airport
The airport is about 5 minutes by car from Urzelina; Velas is 6 km away, 15-20 minutes by taxi.
Best for: Short layovers or dawn flights, when it's worth staying a few minutes from the terminal instead of heading down to Velas.
- A few minutes from the terminal, handy for the first flights of the morning
- Basalt-stone country house with outdoor pool and views of Pico, rare for the area
- No real village nearby: for dinner you stay at the property
- A rental car or a taxi is needed even just to reach Velas
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, of modest size, handles direct flights to Terceira and São Miguel.
The recommended margin before boarding for flights is 2 hours.
Map of São Jorge Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. What are the fajãs of São Jorge?
Spectacular coastal plains formed by landslides or lava flows, among the island's most iconic and photographed landscapes.
Q. Is São Jorge famous for its cheese?
Yes, São Jorge cheese is one of the most celebrated gastronomic products of the Azores, traditionally produced on the island.
Q. How do you reach São Jorge from the other Azores?
With direct flights via SATA Air Açores from Terceira and São Miguel.
Q. How far is Velas from the airport?
About 6 km, a 10-15 minute taxi transfer.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
