Santiago · Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI)
Praia airport to the city centre
Short answer
Praia’s airport is about 3 km northeast of the city, the tourism board says. No scheduled airport bus appears in any source we checked, so take a taxi from the rank and agree the fare first, or book a transfer. In town, Sol Atlântico’s real-time map lists lines 2 to 16 and 18 to 20 — line 15 still has an unwithdrawn suspension notice from 6 August 2024.
Getting into Praia
Nelson Mandela International Airport lies about 3 km northeast of Praia, the tourism board says, and taxis are available on arrival. The airport company says fares vary by island and points to the municipal council for prices. The UK government advises using authorised taxis from a rank or called by your hotel.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeFlights and airportsCabo Verde AirportsPublic transportation at the airportsUK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficeCape Verde travel advice: safety and security
Money and SIM cards at the airport
The Cotacâmbios exchange office is at Praia airport and says it serves the passengers of every flight, every day of the week. The airport company lists the Alou phone store there, and the tourism board says Alou and Unitel T+ sell SIM cards at the Praia and Sal airports.
Sources: Cabo Verde AirportsFinancial services at the airportsTelecommunications at the airportsTurismo de Cabo VerdeTelecommunications and internet
Praia’s city buses once you are in town
Sol Atlântico’s real-time map lists lines 2 to 16 and 18 to 20, nearly all through Plateau; line 15 also has a suspension notice dated 6 August 2024 that has not been withdrawn in writing, so ask before relying on it. Trips are sold in prepaid bundles: 5 trips for 215 CVE, 10 for 430, 15 for 645 — 43 CVE a trip. A card has to be bought in person at the customer desk; bundles can then be topped up online or through vinti4.
The opening hours on the operator’s website list Sunday as closed, so plan the card on a weekday.
Sources: Sol AtlânticoReal-time bus map and line listProvisional suspension of line 15Tariffs, cards and passes
Ferries from Praia
CV InterIlhas’ duration table gives Santiago to Maio 1 h 45, Santiago to Fogo 5 h 05 and Santiago to Brava 5 h 45. The operator publishes sailings date by date — on 14 October 2026 only Santiago–Maio ran, out and back — so read the schedule for your date.
Sources: CV InterIlhasRoutes, schedules and crossing times
Pre-booked transfer
Landing late, with children or heavy bags?
A transfer booked ahead meets you at Praia (RAI) and takes you to your door — useful after dark, with luggage, or when you would rather not negotiate a fare on arrival.
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Where the bus is not enough
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Questions travellers ask
How far is Praia airport from the city?
About 3 km northeast of Praia, the tourism board says. Taxis are available on arrival; there is no scheduled airport bus in any source we checked.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeFlights and airportsCabo Verde AirportsPublic transportation at the airports
Can I take the city bus from Praia airport?
Sol Atlântico publishes no airport line, and its trips are sold on prepaid cards bought at a customer desk, so a taxi is the realistic first ride. Use the buses once you have a card.
Sources: Sol AtlânticoTariffs, cards and passes
Is there a cash machine or exchange office at Praia airport?
The airport company lists the Cotacâmbios exchange office at Praia airport, which says it serves every flight. The tourism board says ATMs are available on all islands.
Sources: Cabo Verde AirportsFinancial services at the airportsTurismo de Cabo VerdeTelecommunications and internet