Getting Around Cape Verde 2025
Navigate Cape Verde like a local with our transportation guide.
Cape Verde is an archipelago of ten volcanic islands off the coast of West Africa, offering year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, and vibrant Creole culture. This Atlantic paradise blends African rhythms with Portuguese heritage, creating unique experiences from windswept dunes to dramatic mountain hikes.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Cape Verde.
Public Transit
Local aluguer (shared minibuses) are the primary public transport on each island — inexpensive ($1-3) but depart only when full and follow no fixed schedule. Praia and Mindelo have more regular service. Not suitable for tight schedules.
Taxis
Available in tourist areas of Sal, Boa Vista, and Praia. Meters are rare — always agree on the fare before departure. Praia's official yellow taxis are most regulated. Night fares 25-50% higher.
Car Rental
Car rental is the best way to explore individual islands independently. Economy cars from $25-35/day on Sal and Boa Vista. 4x4 recommended for Boa Vista's desert tracks and Santo Antão's mountain roads. Book in advance during peak season.
Walking
Santa Maria (Sal) and Sal Rei (Boa Vista) town centers are compact and easily walkable. Mindelo's center is pleasant on foot. Praia's Plateau district is walkable but the city sprawls beyond it. Rural areas require transport.
Getting There
How to arrive in Cape Verde.
✈️ By Air
Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal)
Aristides Pereira International Airport (Boa Vista)
Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia)
Cesária Évora International Airport (São Vicente)
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Cape Verde.
🚌 Buses
Local minibus (aluguer) service available in major towns. Praia and Mindelo have regular routes ($0.50-1 per ride). Santa Maria has limited service. Departures when full, not on schedule.
🛺 Local Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Long-Distance Buses
Regular bus/minibus connections between towns on larger islands. Santiago: Praia to Assomada $2-3, to Tarrafal $3-4. São Vicente: Mindelo to Calhau $2. Sal: limited routes, mainly Espargos to Santa Maria $2. Schedules flexible, departures when full.
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Domestic Flights
TACV Cabo Verde Airlines and Binter Cabo Verde operate inter-island flights. Sal-Boa Vista $60-90 (20 min). Sal-Santiago $80-120 (30 min). Sal-São Vicente $90-130 (40 min). Book in advance during high season. Weather delays common.
Private Car/Driver
Driving in Cape Verde
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Generally not recommended
Driving Side
Right-hand traffic
License Required
International Driving Permit recommended
Road Conditions
Varies by region. Main highways usually good, rural roads may be poor.
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Always agree on taxi fare before getting in — most Cape Verdean taxis have no meter and tourist overcharging is common, particularly from airports
Inter-island travel by ferry (CV Interilhas fast ferries) is more scenic, cheaper, and sometimes more reliable than small domestic aircraft — book at least 2-3 days ahead in peak season
Car rental on Sal and Boa Vista is easy with several companies near the airports — book ahead in December-April peak season as fleet is limited
The ferry between São Vicente and Santo Antão (Porto Novo) runs several times daily and takes 45 minutes — this island combination is highly recommended as the ferry is reliable and scenic
Fuel is significantly more expensive than Europe or North America — budget $60-80 to fill a rental car tank. Plan routes to minimize unnecessary driving
Road signage is limited outside main towns — download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline) before exploring rural areas where mobile data may not reach
Useful Apps
CV Interilhas App
Official inter-island ferry booking app for scheduling and ticket purchase between Cape Verde's islands
TACV App
Cabo Verde Airlines domestic flight booking for inter-island flights when ferry schedule doesn't suit
Navigate Cape Verde Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
Download Transport Guide