How far is Flores Airport from Santa Cruz das Flores?

Flores Airport (FLW) is approximately 2–3km west of Santa Cruz das Flores, the island's main settlement. By taxi or car the journey takes around 5 minutes. There is no public bus between the airport and town.

Is there a taxi at Flores Airport?

Taxis are available at Flores Airport (FLW), though the fleet is very small. Pre-arranging a pick-up with your hotel or accommodation host is advisable, particularly for early morning or evening arrivals. The island has very limited transport infrastructure.

Should I hire a car on Flores island?

Yes, if you plan to explore the island. Flores has 9 parishes spread across its mountainous terrain and the waterfalls, lakes, and coastal viewpoints that make it famous are scattered around the island. Most are only reachable by car. Local car hire companies operate on the island - book well in advance as the fleet is very small.

Which airlines fly to Flores Airport?

SATA Air Açores (now Azores Airlines regional network) operates flights between Flores (FLW) and Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), typically with a stop or change in Faial or Graciosa. Direct connections from mainland Portugal are seasonal and infrequent. Flores is one of the more remote and less frequently served Azores airports.

Flores Airport Transfers | The Portugal Guides

Flores Airport (FLW) - Aeroporto das Flores - is located on the western coast of Flores island, approximately 2–3km from Santa Cruz das Flores, the island’s administrative centre and main settlement. Flores is the westernmost island of the Azores and one of the remotest; flights operate primarily via Ponta Delgada or Faial with Azores Airlines / SATA Air Açores. Getting here takes planning - most travellers hop through Faial (Horta Airport, HOR) or São Miguel (Ponta Delgada, PDL).

Taxi From Flores Airport

The airport is very small and the taxi fleet on the island is extremely limited. During busy summer months, it is strongly recommended to arrange pick-up with your hotel or guesthouse before you land.

Destination	Approximate Cost (2026)	Time
Santa Cruz das Flores (centre)	€5–10	5 min
Lajes das Flores (south coast)	€12–18	15 min
Fajã Grande (west coast)	€20–30	25–30 min
Fajã de Lopo Vaz	€18–25	20–25 min

Flores has a handful of licensed taxis; arrivals on afternoon flights when multiple SATA connections land at once can temporarily exhaust available taxis. If you do not have accommodation pick-up arranged, ask the airport desk for assistance - the airport staff know the local taxi situation well.

Private Airport Transfers

Pre-booked private transfers offer peace of mind on an island where public transport is minimal. Some local tour operators and guesthouse owners offer transfer services for guests.

Cost: approximately €10–20 to Santa Cruz das Flores as of 2026; higher to the southern and western parishes
Booking: Compare Flores airport transfer options
Best for: visitors staying outside Santa Cruz, or arriving on late evening flights

Communicating with your accommodation in advance is the most reliable approach on Flores - most guesthouse owners are happy to arrange pick-up and can advise on the best transport for your stay.

Car Hire on Flores

Car hire is available on Flores island and is highly recommended for any stay longer than a single night in Santa Cruz. The island’s waterfalls, lakes (Lagoa Funda, Lagoa Rasa), fajãs (coastal shelf settlements), and viewpoints are spread across a mountainous interior with no public transport connections.

Cost: from approximately €35–55/day as of 2026; summer rates are higher
Book as far in advance as possible: the total car fleet on Flores is very small - last-minute bookings regularly find nothing available
Pick-up: some companies can deliver to the airport; confirm when booking
Local providers: Lusitania Rent-a-Car is one of the operators on the island; check availability early

Compare Flores island car hire rates

Getting Around Flores

Once you have transport, Flores reveals one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Azores:

Poco da Alagoinha (waterfall viewpoint): 15 minutes from Santa Cruz
Lagoa Funda and Lagoa Rasa (twin crater lakes): 20 minutes
Fajã Grande (westernmost village in Portugal, near sea stacks): 25 minutes
Rocha dos Bordões (basalt column geological formation): 15 minutes
Lajes das Flores (main southern town): 15 minutes south
Miradouro da Cão (sweeping island panorama): 20 minutes

The island is only 143 km² but the mountain roads are narrow and winding - allow more time than the distances suggest, and be cautious in misty conditions (Flores receives the most rainfall of all the Azores islands).

Ferry from Flores

A ferry service connects Flores to Corvo island (the smallest of the Azores), operated by Atlânticoline. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes. Flores also has occasional ferry connections to the central group islands (Faial, São Jorge, Pico), but these are infrequent and subject to weather conditions - the western Azores can experience rough seas. Check the Atlânticoline schedule carefully before planning ferry travel from Flores.

Which Option Is Right For You?

Situation	Best Option
Staying only in Santa Cruz	Taxi or accommodation pick-up
Exploring the full island	Car hire
Day trip to Corvo	Ferry from Flores port
Tight budget, central base	Walk or taxi within Santa Cruz

Plan Your Trip

✈️ Book flights to Portugal 🛡️ Get travel insurance 📱 Stay connected with an eSIM 🚗 Rent a car on Flores

Flores Airport Transfers - Taxi & Car Hire From FLW Airport

Things to do here