$121 Cheap Flights from Madrid (MAD) to Ponta Delgada (PDL)

Madrid (MAD) to Ponta Delgada (PDL) at a glance

Travel from Madrid (MAD) to Ponta Delgada (PDL) with a range of airlines on this international short-haul route. Explore various options from full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans as you visit the renowned sights and neighborhoods of Ponta Delgada. Here, you’ll find essential details for flights departing from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to João Paulo II Airport (PDL).

• Fastest flight duration: around 3h 30m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,200 miles (1,930 km)
• Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $115–$315, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Joao Paulo II Airport (PDL)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here’s a look at the most popular airlines for flights from Madrid to Ponta Delgada, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Many travelers opt for layovers at Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), which typically has about a 1 hour and 45 minute wait. This allows you to customize your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to find the ideal itinerary.

• TAP Portugal: This comprehensive airline provides one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $115 and $215. It is responsible for about 45% of flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, with an overall travel time of approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
• SATA International-Azores Airlines S.A.: Another full-service option, SATA offers one-stop journeys with one-way fares typically ranging from $150 to $275. The airline accounts for around 30% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel duration of about 5 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in the layover.
• Iberia: Providing non-stop flights, Iberia features one-way fares that usually range from $115 to $315. This airline handles approximately 25% of departures for this route, with the entire travel time clocking in at 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Alternative route from Madrid (MAD) to Ponta Delgada (PDL)

• Madrid to Santa Maria Island (MAD-SMA): Vila Do Porto Airport (SMA) is located approximately 61 miles from Joao Paulo II Airport (PDL), making it a convenient option for travelers.

How to find the best prices for flights from Madrid (MAD) to Ponta Delgada (PDL)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Madrid to Ponta Delgada is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are often available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures from 5 AM to 12 PM usually offer the best prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Wednesday tends to be less expensive, while Saturday remains the busiest travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.* Find Ponta Delgada hotel and flight deals.
4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Joao Paulo II Airport from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport

Ponta Delgada welcomes travelers from Madrid with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Ponta Delgada efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Ponta Delgada, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Joao Paulo II Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Joao Paulo II Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
• Public transportation: From Joao Paulo II Airport, Ponta Delgada Seaport, a seaport, is conveniently located about 0.1 miles away on foot, making it easily accessible for travelers looking to continue their journey by water.

Madrid to Ponta Delgada Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Madrid to Ponta Delgada

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Madrid to Ponta Delgada are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Madrid to Ponta Delgada with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Madrid to Ponta Delgada

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Madrid to Ponta Delgada: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Madrid to Ponta Delgada

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Madrid to Ponta Delgada in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $121 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Madrid to Ponta Delgada flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Madrid to Ponta Delgada airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.