Cabo Verde is a stunning archipelago of ten volcanic islands off the coast of West Africa, offering pristine beaches, vibrant Creole culture, and year-round sunshine. From the windswept dunes of Boa Vista to the lush mountains of Santo Antão, this island nation combines African and Portuguese influences with world-class water sports and authentic island hospitality.
- Public
- Limited formal public transport - main system is alugueres (shared minibuses) departing when full. Affordable and authentic but unpredictable timing. Main islands have reasonable coverage, outer islands minimal.
- Taxi
- Yellow taxis widely available in main towns. Agree price before departure as meters are rare. Reliable and relatively affordable by European standards. No Uber - local CVMovel app available in Praia.
- Rental
- Car rental valuable for exploring larger islands (Santiago, Santo Antão). 4x4 recommended for mountain areas. Inter-island: rent separately on each island as cars cannot cross on ferries.
- Walking
- Flat tourist areas like Santa Maria town center and Mindelo's harbor area are walkable. Praia's Plateau is compact. Mountain trails require proper hiking footwear. Islands are generally safe for walking.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi to Santa Maria - €15-20 (fixed rate)
- Shuttle
- Shared minibus (aluguer) - €5 per person
- Bus
- Hotel shuttle - €10-15 (pre-arranged)
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Limited formal bus service. Main transport is 'alugueres' (shared minibuses) on most islands.
- Aluguer details
- Shared minibuses following set routes, departing when full (usually 15 passengers). Extremely affordable and authentic local experience.
- Cost
- Short trips 100-200 CVE ($1-2), longer routes 300-500 CVE ($3-5)
- Tips
- No fixed schedules - departures when full. Peak hours are early morning and late afternoon. Prepare small change. Crowded but safe and cheap.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, bicycle
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- 200-300 CVE ($2-3)
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Minimal formal inter-city buses. Alugueres (shared minibuses) connect towns within islands.
- Santiago
- Alugueres from Praia to Cidade Velha (300 CVE), Tarrafal (500 CVE), Assomada (400 CVE)
- Sal
- Shared taxis/alugueres from Santa Maria to Palmeira, Espargos (300-500 CVE)
- Tips
- Depart from central markets or transport hubs. Leave early morning for best connections.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal)
From centre: 2 km to Espargos, 17 km to Santa Maria
Options: Taxi to Santa Maria - €15-20 (fixed rate); Shared minibus (aluguer) - €5 per person; Hotel shuttle - €10-15 (pre-arranged); Private transfer - €24-30; Rental car pickup available at airport
Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia)
From centre: 3 km to Praia center
Options: Taxi to city center - 1000 CVE (€10) fixed rate; Shared aluguer - 300-500 CVE (€3-5); Hotel shuttle - pre-arranged with accommodation; Private transfer - €15-20; Rental car available
Aristides Pereira International Airport (Boa Vista)
From centre: 6 km to Sal Rei
Options: Taxi to Sal Rei - €10-15; Hotel shuttle - included with most resort bookings; Private transfer - €20-25; Rental car pickup available
Cesária Évora International Airport (São Vicente)
From centre: 10 km to Mindelo
Options: Taxi to Mindelo - 1000 CVE (€10); Shared aluguer - 300-400 CVE (€3-4); Hotel shuttle - pre-arranged; Private transfer - €15-20
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
CVMovel Taxi App
Local taxi booking app available in Praia and Sal with set prices - closest equivalent to Uber in Cabo Verde
Binter CV App
Official app for booking Binter Canarias domestic inter-island flights - best prices available through direct booking
Maps.me
Offline maps app invaluable for navigating islands where Google Maps coverage is incomplete. Download island maps before arriving.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Alugueres depart when full - arrive at the transport hub early morning for best connections to rural destinations
Agree taxi prices before departure - meters are rarely used and prices should be negotiated upfront
Book inter-island flights at least 2 weeks ahead through Binter CV for best prices - last-minute flights are significantly more expensive
Ferries between São Vicente and Santo Antão are the most reliable inter-island ferry route - other routes are frequently cancelled due to rough seas
Car rental is essential for exploring Santiago and Santo Antão beyond main towns - 4x4 required for mountain roads
Keep small change (100-200 CVE) available for alugueres and market transport - drivers rarely have change for larger notes
Late-night transport: negotiate with a hotel-recommended taxi driver for airport returns and nightlife - no reliable taxi apps outside Praia