How to Get to Cape Verde: All Travel Options and Connections

Cape Verde, an enchanting archipelago off the coast of West Africa, is well-connected to Europe, Africa, and other regions through various transportation options. Whether by air or sea, reaching Cape Verde is straightforward, with numerous international and domestic connections available.

This guide provides an overview of all the ways to travel to Cape Verde, including flights, ferries, and internal transportation options.

The most convenient way to reach Cape Verde is by plane, with direct flights from Europe, Africa, and occasionally the Americas. The country has four international airports that handle most foreign arrivals:

• Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) – Sal
• Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) – Santiago (Praia)
• Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC) – Boa Vista
• Cesária Évora International Airport (VXE) – São Vicente

Several European cities have direct flights to Cape Verde, including:

✈️ From Portugal: Lisbon and Porto (TAP Air Portugal, SATA Azores Airlines)
✈️ From the UK: London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham (TUI Airways, Jet2)
✈️ From Germany: Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf (TUI Fly)
✈️ From France: Paris, Marseille (Transavia, TUI Fly)
✈️ From the Netherlands: Amsterdam (TUI Fly)
✈️ From Italy: Milan, Rome, Verona (Neos Air)
✈️ From Spain: Madrid, Barcelona (Binter Canarias)
✈️ From Belgium: Brussels (TUI Fly)

Flights from Africa mainly arrive from Senegal (Dakar), Morocco (Casablanca), and Angola (Luanda), with TACV Cabo Verde Airlines and Royal Air Maroc operating regular services.

There are occasional long-haul flights from Brazil (Fortaleza and Recife) and charter flights from Canada. However, travelers from North and South America usually need to connect via Lisbon or another European hub.

For those traveling between islands, domestic flights are operated by BestFly Cabo Verde, with regular connections between major islands:

• Praia (Santiago) – São Vicente (Mindelo)
• Praia – Sal – Boa Vista
• São Vicente – Sal

Smaller islands like Maio and Fogo have airports, but flights may be less frequent.

Although there are no regular passenger ferries from Europe or Africa, travelers can reach Cape Verde by sea through the following options:

Cruise Ships

Several cruise lines stop in Cape Verde as part of transatlantic or African coastal routes. Popular ports for cruise arrivals include Mindelo (São Vicente), Praia (Santiago), and Sal.

Private and Cargo Boats

Some adventurous travelers sail to Cape Verde from the Canary Islands or West Africa. Yachts and cargo ships sometimes offer limited passenger spaces, but this is not a common commercial route.

Once in Cape Verde, moving between islands is possible by plane or ferry.

Domestic Flights

For long distances, domestic flights are the fastest option. BestFly Cabo Verde provides connections between the major islands.

Ferries and Boats

Inter-island ferries are a more affordable option but take longer. Main ferry routes include:

⛴ Santiago – Fogo – Brava (most reliable route)
⛴ São Vicente – Santo Antão (most frequent, multiple departures daily)
⛴ Sal – Boa Vista (seasonal)

Ferry services are operated by CV Interilhas, but schedules can be unpredictable, so booking in advance is recommended.

Once in Cape Verde, transportation varies by island:

🚖 Taxis – Available in all major cities and often used for airport transfers.
🚌 Alugueres (Shared Minibuses) – The most common and affordable public transport for short distances.
🚗 Car Rentals – Available on tourist islands like Sal, Boa Vista, and Santiago