Santa Maria Airport serves the eponymous island, the southernmost and geologically oldest of the Azores, with sandy beaches unique in the archipelago.
Located approximately 10 minutes from Vila do Porto, the island's capital.
How to get to Santa Maria Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to SMA
Parking near Santa Maria Airport
In front of the terminal there is a small parking area.
Rates align with the standards of an island destination.
How to get to Vila do Porto from SMA
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Santa Maria Airport
Only some car rental operators are present in the arrivals area.
A driving license, passport, and credit card are sufficient for EU citizens, without needing an IDP.
Hotels near Santa Maria Airport
Vila do Porto
The airport is about 5 km west-northwest of Vila do Porto; you get there by taxi in a few minutes, with no dedicated public shuttle.
Best for: Those who want the port and historic centre of Vila do Porto just steps away, with the airport still only a few minutes off.
- Port, marina and historic centre within walking distance of the vila's hotels
- Beaches and natural pools on the south coast a few minutes away by car
- Few restaurants open out of season: evening life is limited
- Without a rental car, the finest beaches such as Praia Formosa remain out of walking reach
Recommended hotels
- Hotel Santa Maria Opened in 2003 about 2.35 km from the centre and 5 minutes from the airport; 50 rooms, a pool and two tennis courts, among the most extensive facilities on the island. View availability
- Azores Youth Hostels - Santa Maria In the restored building of an eighteenth-century palazzo on Rua Frei Gonçalo Velho, in the historic heart of Vila do Porto and a few steps from the port; outdoor pool and buffet breakfast included. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, of modest size, handles connections to São Miguel and Lisbon.
The recommended advance time for flights is 2 hours.
Map of Santa Maria Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. What makes Santa Maria special among the Azores?
It is the geologically oldest island in the archipelago, with golden sand beaches that are rare elsewhere in the Azores, which are typically volcanic.
Q. What is the island's most famous beach?
Praia Formosa, one of the archipelago's best known for its golden sand.
Q. Did Santa Maria Airport play a historic role in transatlantic aviation?
Yes, built by the United States at the end of the Second World War, for decades it was a key technical refuelling stop for Pan Am flights between North America and Europe, before long-range aircraft made it unnecessary.
Q. Is Santa Maria directly connected to Lisbon?
Yes, the airport has connections both to São Miguel and to mainland Portugal.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights