Transportation in Cape Verde

Cape Verde has a variety of transportation options. From comfortable taxis and buses, to the more popular shared Hiaces, to inter-island ferry services and even private chartered planes - you have a variety of options to get around during your travels to our beautiful islands!

Travel like the locals do - be sure to catch a ride in one of the shared Hiaces!

Our Cape Verde Transport guide below will help you get to and navigate your way around the islands. If you want more information on the islands (and things to see and do) check out our Cape Verde Destination Guide.To book an exciting tour or activity, have a look at our Cape Verde Tours.

Cape Verde Transportation Guide

Getting here by Air

Flights arrive from overseas destinations via the international airports on the islands of Sal (2km south of Espargos) and on Santiago (Praia). Now we have one more International Airport in Boa Vista Island but the mainly international flights to there are private chartered planes from Lisbon and Italy. There are weekly flights arriving from Lisbon (Portugal) and also flights from other destinations in Europe (such as Paris and Amsterdam).

It takes approximately 4 hours to fly here from Lisbon; 6 hours from Paris; and about 7 hours from Boston (USA). There is no departure tax when you head back home either.

Visit our partner Air Valid for Airline Reviews and Information about Cape Verde.

Flights to Cape Verde

Getting here by Boat

Cape Verde has 2 major ferry ports servicing international passenger and cargo ships. These are located in Praia and Mindelo. However if looking to get here via passenger ship, direct services can be rare and extremely costly.

Getting around by Air

The main domestic air services are run by TACV - Cabo Verde Airlines with flights available to all the inhabited islands with the exception of Santo Antao and Brava and by a new private airline "HALCYONAIR CABO VERDE AIRWAYS" that at this moment has flights to Santiago, Fogo, Sal, Boa Vista and São Vicente Islands.

Private air charter services are also available through Cabo Verde Express.

Getting around by Boat

Ferry services are also available between the islands of Cape Verde. There are bi-weekly trips between the islands of Praia, Fogo and Brava (however sometimes Fogo is omitted). Services usually commence in the late evening from Praia, taking up to 12 hours to reach the first island (which can be Fogo or Brava). Services back to Praia usually depart the first island around midday.

There are other services that connect some of the islands including a daily ferry between Mindelo (São Vicente) and Santo Antão; as well as services from Fogo to Brava. Ferries also exist between Santiago, Fogo and Brava but these can be sporadic and unreliable. For more information, check with the  Agencia Nacional de Viagens.

Getting around by Road

At this moment Cape Verde has several main asphalt roads. But some small districts and Neighborhoods around the Islands still are paved with cobblestones. Although trips along these can be slow and winding, they are definitely more picturesque.

But at this moment most of the Projects are in progress to try to convert more of the roads to asphalt, but it is an obvious slow process heavily reliant on the support of foreign aid.

Traffic drives on the right hand side of the road throughout Cape Verde. Children under 12 must sit in the back seat.

Shared Minivans (also referred to as Hiaces - the original brand of the buses): Due to the fact that most of the population can not afford to own their own vehicle, these are the most common forms of transport on the islands. These are usually minibuses or converted small trucks taking multiple people to various destinations throughout the island, particularly to the more rural locations.

Bus Services: These are the same as above. Except for Praia and Mindelo, there are no regular bus services in Cape Verde.

Taxi: Most taxis are relatively new and comfortable if you are in Praia or Sal. It is advisable to agree to the fee before commencing your journey. Fares are usually fixed and known locally. Taxis can also be hired to see the sights around the island.

Car Hire is available on the major islands, although it is always recommended to book these before your travels. You will require an international driving permit, and your insurance should be displayed on the dashboard or windscreen. Contact us and we can help make arrangements for your car hire needs.