São Vicente · Cesária Évora International Airport (VXE)
São Vicente airport to Mindelo and the Santo Antão ferry
Short answer
Cesária Évora airport is about 5 km southwest of Mindelo, near São Pedro. No scheduled airport bus appears in any source we checked; taxis are listed at most airports on arrival, and the tourism board calls taxis São Vicente’s main transport. For Santo Antão, carry on to Mindelo’s port: the ferry to Porto Novo takes 40 minutes.
Getting into Mindelo
The tourism board places the airport about 5 km southwest of Mindelo, near São Pedro, and says taxis are São Vicente’s main means of transport, with affordable fares — agree the price before you start. The airport company says formal taxis are available at most airports on arrival.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeFlights and airportsCabo Verde AirportsPublic transportation at the airportsTurismo de Cabo VerdeSão Vicente island
Buses and taxi apps in Mindelo
The tourism board says São Vicente’s public buses run 9 daytime routes and two night routes. The operator, Transcor SV, publishes nothing usable online, so confirm a route and its hours at the stop. The board also names two taxi apps working in Mindelo, Nha Taxi and Zoomly.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeGetting around each island by land
Money and SIM cards
The airport company lists a BCA bank at São Vicente airport. The tourism board names the Praia and Sal airports for SIM-card stores, so buy a SIM in Mindelo.
Sources: Cabo Verde AirportsFinancial services at the airportsTurismo de Cabo VerdeTelecommunications and internet
Same day to Santo Antão
The Mindelo–Porto Novo ferry takes 40 minutes; on 14 October 2026 the schedule showed two sailings each way. Tickets must be bought at least 1 h 30 before departure — online is easiest — and you must check in at least an hour before sailing with a photo ID that matches the ticket. The non-national fare is 1,500 CVE.
Nothing here is a protected connection: a late flight does not hold the boat.
Sources: CV InterIlhasRoutes, schedules and crossing timesTicket purchase rulesPassenger rules: check-in, luggage and assistancePassenger tariff (national and non-national)
Pre-booked transfer
Landing late, with children or heavy bags?
A transfer booked ahead meets you at São Vicente (VXE) 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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Questions travellers ask
How far is São Vicente airport from Mindelo?
About 5 km, southwest of the city near São Pedro, according to the tourism board. Taxis are listed 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 fly into São Vicente and reach Santo Antão the same day?
Often, if your flight lands well before the last sailing. Buy the ferry ticket at least 1 h 30 ahead, check in an hour before, and keep a night in Mindelo as plan B.
Sources: CV InterIlhasRoutes, schedules and crossing timesTicket purchase rules
Are there night buses in Mindelo?
Yes: the tourism board lists two night routes besides 9 daytime routes. Confirm the route and its hours at the stop.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeGetting around each island by land