Ponta Delgada Airport luggage storage

About the airport

Ponta Delgada is one of the main gateways to the beautiful Azores Islands. Although owned by Portugal, these islands are actually a long way away from Europe, located almost in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. This isolation gives them a unique climate and ecology and makes them feel extremely remote. That by itself is enough to make many people want to visit and see this unique place for themselves.

The airport is also known as João Paulo II Airport in honor of former Pope John Paul II, who visited the Azores in 1991. The airport was inaugurated in 1969, to connect this island with the other islands in the archipelago, along with Madeira and mainland Portugal. In the time since then, it has become a crucial part of the transit infrastructure in this unique part of the world and brings around two million passengers a year to Ponta Delgada. The airport operates flights to locations including Boston, New York, Toronto, London, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and of course Lisbon, so thanks to the airport, these formerly remote islands have never been easier to reach.

Ponta Delgada Airport lies just five kilometers west of the center of the city of Ponta Delgada. After all, on the small islands, nothing is out of reach. Take advantage of luggage storage services to look after your bags, and you'll be ready to enjoy the Azores shortly after arriving here.

Can you leave your bags somewhere in the airport?

Ponta Delgada Airport does offer luggage storage facilities. You'll find this luggage storage service located before you pass through security, and it can be reserved through the information desk. This left luggage service provides one of the more convenient luggage storage options, but it can fill up at busy times. If you prefer to book luggage storage ahead of time so that you know you'll be taken care of, use Bounce to store luggage for as long as you like while you enjoy Ponta Delgada.

How early do you need to get to Ponta Delgada Airport?

In general, it's a good idea to arrive at the airport at least two hours before taking a domestic flight, and three hours before an international one. This gives you time to deal with any customs or immigration issues you might face and still make your flight without stress.

Can you use luggage storage before check-in?

You can. The luggage storage in Ponta Delgada Airport is located before you reach security, so you can check in your bags at the airport left luggage service then fly on to another island or elsewhere and pick up your bags when you get back.

How can I find luggage storage at Ponta Delgada Airport?

Bounce makes it easier than ever to find luggage storage in Ponta Delgada. By partnering with nearby hotels, local shops, restaurants, and other businesses, we provide multiple convenient locations near the major transportation hubs and tourist attractions in the city. Our app makes it a breeze to find a convenient location for luggage storage near you with no hidden fees, and you can leave any size of bags for anything from a few hours to an entire day to days at a time. Leave the heavy luggage behind and enjoy everything Ponta Delgada offers.

How to get to Ponta Delgada from Ponta Delgada Airport

Shuttle bus

Because Aeroporto João Paulo II is so close to the city it serves, reaching the city via shuttle bus is extremely easy. The bus leaves right outside the airport and visits many of the major attractions in the city, with stops at Av. Príncipe do Mónaco, Rua de Lisboa, Av. Infante Dom Henrique, Rua João Melo Abreu (Calheta), Av. Dom João III, São Gonçalo, Antero de Quental, and Ramalho. The shuttle bus only takes around 10 minutes to reach the center of the city, so you can find a place to store your luggage and start exploring right away.

ANC Aerobus

This is a private company that offers road transport between the airport and the city. They offer a variety of options including passenger vans, minibuses, and special cars that can be useful for those with reduced mobility. Using this service to reach Ponta Delgada costs more than taking the bus, but it can be cheaper than a taxi and a great option for seeing attractions like Mercado da Graça, São Brás fortress, and other highlights of the city. A one-way ticket for an adult costs €8, or €14 for a return, so it's still an affordable option.

Taxi

Finally, probably the easiest but also the most expensive option to reach the airport from the city is to take a taxi. You'll find plenty of taxis parked outside the arrivals hall of the airport, and because the airport is so close to the city, you can reach the center of town for only around €10, depending on traffic and how many bags you have with you. Your taxi will be cheaper if you're carrying less, so it might be worth taking advantage of Bounce luggage storage to look after your things while you explore.

Things to do near Ponta Delgada Airport

Portas da Cidade (City Gates)

Ponta Delgada's City Gates, known as Portas da Cidade, are emblematic of the Azorean capital's rich history and cultural heritage. Constructed in 1783, these gates originally functioned as part of the city's defensive structures. Positioned close to the waterfront in the São Sebastião parish, they were relocated to their current location at Gonçalo Velho Cabral Square during the mid-20th century urban developments.

Crafted from local volcanic stone and adorned with whitewashed masonry, the gates stand as a prominent symbol on the city's coat of arms. The surrounding square, with its decorative Portuguese mosaic pavement, provides a picturesque setting that captures the essence of Azorean architectural elegance.

A visit to the gates offers insight into the historical significance of Ponta Delgada's maritime and defensive past, serving as a reminder of the city's evolution from a fortified outpost to a modern, welcoming community.

Gruta do Carvão

The Gruta do Carvão, situated on the outskirts of Ponta Delgada, offers an extraordinary journey into the volcanic underbelly of São Miguel Island. As the largest lava tunnel on the island, extending over 1.6 kilometers, this natural wonder is a testament to the island's dynamic geological history.

The cave's interior reveals fascinating formations, including reddish-brown stalactites and stalagmites, alongside the oxidized basalt walls that shimmer with a unique yellowy luster. The experience is not only visually stunning but also educational, shedding light on the island's volcanic origins and the forces that have shaped its landscape over millennia.

Tours of the cave include an informative video presentation, followed by a guided exploration that may require navigating through tight spaces. This adventure is both a physical and intellectual exploration, exploring the geology of the Azores while challenging visitors to physically engage with the island's natural environment.

Museu Carlos Machado

The Museu Carlos Machado, found in the heart of Ponta Delgada within the historic Santo André Convent, practically exudes Azorean culture and history. Established in 1876 by Carlos Machado, a 19th-century naturalist, the museum presents a comprehensive overview of the Azores' natural history, geology, mineralogy, and biodiversity.

Machado's work was pivotal during a time when the Azores were a focal point of scientific interest following Darwin's development of his theory of evolution. The museum's exhibits, many of which were personally tagged by Machado, offer visitors a chance to delve into the rich tapestry of Azorean flora and fauna.

Additionally, the museum houses an impressive collection of liturgical art, including paintings, silverwork, and azulejos, housed in the adjacent Jesuit college. This melding of natural history with religious art provides a multifaceted view of Azorean heritage, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped the islands' identity.

Luggage storage near Ponta Delgada Airport

Even in an age of mass tourism, the Azores remain off the beaten path. But with a fascinating history to explore, along with unique ecology and beautiful scenery, maybe now is the time to give this island chain a chance to impress you.

It's easy to get to the city of Porto Delgada from the airport, and even easier when you store your luggage with Bounce. Leave the heavy bags behind at one of our luggage storage facilities and get ready to enjoy a place that truly is like no other.