Portugal (Azores)
Horta (Faial) → Madalena (Pico)
The Blue Line across the channel between Faial and Pico: half an hour from Horta, the yachting harbour, to Madalena at the foot of Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest peak. It is the everyday link between the two islands and the easiest way to climb Pico or tour its vineyards from Horta.
Horta (Faial) to Madalena (Pico) ferry at a glance
The ferry from Horta (Faial) to Madalena (Pico) takes 25m – 30m across the Faial–Pico Channel (Atlantic Ocean), operated by Atlânticoline. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: about 5–7 sailings a day each way all year (Blue Line), plus Green Line boats calling at Madalena.
Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.
Sources: atlanticoline.pt · atlanticoline.pt · atlanticoline.pt · atlanticoline.pt · How we verify
Return crossing: Madalena (Pico) to Horta (Faial)
Atlânticoline also sails Madalena (Pico) to Horta (Faial), taking 25m – 30m.
Horta (Faial) to Madalena (Pico) ferry timetable & sailing pattern
Blue Line from Horta usually at 07:30, 10:45, 14:30 (or 14:15), 17:15, with extra sailings (08:30, 19:00, 22:00) on busy summer days; from Madalena 08:15, 11:30, 15:00–15:15, 18:00
Timetable published into December 2026; the Green Line to São Jorge also carries Horta–Madalena passengers.
Published departure times
- Horta 07:30
- Horta 10:45
- Horta 14:30
- Horta 17:15
- Madalena 08:15
- Madalena 11:30
- Madalena 18:00
Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.
Official Atlânticoline timetable →Check prices & book on Direct Ferries →Source: Atlânticoline timetable tool (Sep–Nov 2026 sample dates). Verified 2026-09-29.
Maritime Crossing Route Map
Interactive sea passage between Horta (Faial) and Madalena (Pico)
Ready to cross from Horta (Faial) to Madalena (Pico)?
Book your crossing with Direct Ferries: live fares, availability and sailing times.
Operators on This Route
| Operator | Crossing Time | Vessels |
|---|---|---|
| Atlânticoline | 25m – 30m | Gilberto Mariano, Mestre Jaime Feijó, Cruzeiro das Ilhas, Cruzeiro do Canal |
Route Features
Vehicles
Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted
Foot Passengers
Walk-on passengers welcome
Pets
Pets allowed with valid documents
Distance
5 nautical miles
Getting There & Onward Transport
- Horta Maritime Terminal is on Avenida 25 de Abril (9900-115 Horta)
- Madalena’s João Quaresma Maritime Terminal is on Rua Dona Maria da Glória Duarte (9950-340 Madalena do Pico)
- Atlânticoline has ticket offices at both terminals