Cape Verde's airports are small and close to the resort areas, so transfers are usually short and simple. The main decision is whether to pre-book, take an included resort transfer or simply walk out and take a taxi — and the right answer depends on the island and the time you land.
Sal: Amílcar Cabral International (SID)
The busiest international gateway, just outside Espargos in the middle of the island. Santa Maria, where most visitors stay, is around 15–20 minutes away; expect roughly €15–20 by taxi. Package holidays almost always include a coach transfer. See our Espargos guide if you have time to kill.
Boa Vista: Aristides Pereira International (BVC)
Close to Sal Rei — around 10–15 minutes, roughly €10 by taxi. The big resorts on Praia de Chaves and Praia de Salinas are 15–30 minutes out, and because they are isolated, a pre-booked or included transfer is the sensible option.
Praia, Mindelo and the smaller airports
Praia's Nelson Mandela International (RAI) is a few minutes from the city centre. Cesária Évora Airport (VXE) on São Vicente is roughly 10 minutes from Mindelo. Smaller airfields serve São Filipe (Fogo), Maio and São Nicolau, all with short hops into town. Brava has no working scheduled airport — you arrive by ferry from Fogo. Full details in our airports guide.
Practical tips
- Agree the taxi fare before you get in — meters are rare.
- Carry small notes in escudos; see money and costs.
- Pre-book if you land late at night or are heading to a remote resort.
- Allow extra time on departure — small terminals can be slow at peak.
- Check whether your hotel includes a transfer before paying twice.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Sal airport to Santa Maria?
Typically around €15–20 for the 15–20 minute journey. Agree the fare before departing, as meters are rare.
How far is Boa Vista airport from the resorts?
Sal Rei is 10–15 minutes away; the Praia de Chaves and Praia de Salinas resorts are roughly 15–30 minutes. Pre-booked transfers are advisable.
Should you pre-book an airport transfer in Cape Verde?
It is worth it for late arrivals and remote resorts. Otherwise taxis wait outside every terminal and are straightforward.