If you want to get around São Jorge, you really need to rent a car. That's true of most of the islands in The Azores, but it's especially true of São Jorge. Most of the car rental companies are based in and around Velas.

Getting around São Jorge Island in the Azores is best achieved by renting a car or a scooter, as public transport is extremely limited and does not reach the famous "fajãs" (coastal plateaus) that the island is known for. Most car rentals are located in the main towns of Velas or Calheta, and it is a high-value strategy to book several months in advance, especially for the summer of 2026, as the local fleet is small. For those who enjoy active travel, bicycling is a popular way to see the "flat" parts of the towns, but the island's steep, winding volcanic roads make a car the only practical way to visit the remote northern coast. Taxis are available for one-off trips or to transport hikers to the start of trails like the Serra do Topo. If you are traveling between islands, regular ferries connect São Jorge to the neighboring islands of Pico and Faial, allowing you to "island hop" while using your rental car to explore the lush, green ridges and artisan cheese factories that make São Jorge a unique Azorean gem.