Taxis and aluguers are the two transport options most visitors use once they leave the airport. Taxis are direct and convenient; aluguers are shared vans or pickup-style vehicles that connect towns and villages at a much lower cost and offer a glimpse of everyday island life.
The system is informal compared with a European train timetable. Understanding where vehicles leave, when they depart and whether you are paying for one seat or the whole vehicle prevents most misunderstandings.
Cape Verde taxis and aluguer minibuses: quick facts
| Taxi | Private, direct and priced per journey |
| Aluguer / Hiace | Shared route transport, normally paid per seat |
| Timetable | Often leaves when sufficiently full rather than at a fixed minute |
| Payment | Cash in Cape Verdean escudos is safest |
| Airport guidance | Official airport information says taxi prices vary by island; ask locally |
Taxi vs aluguer: what is the difference?
A taxi takes you directly to your destination and is the easiest choice with luggage, at night or on a tight schedule. An aluguer follows a local route, picks up other passengers and is cheaper, but less predictable.
Taxi
Choose it for airport transfers, remote hotels, early ferries, private day tours and journeys with bags.
Aluguer
Choose it for budget travel between towns and villages when you have time and light luggage.
Private aluguer
Drivers may offer to leave immediately if you pay for all seats. Confirm whether the quote is for one seat, your group or the entire vehicle.
How aluguer minibuses work
Aluguers are often Toyota Hiace-style vans, minibuses or adapted pickups. They run recognised routes but may not use formal stops or a published timetable.
Where to find them
Ask for the local aluguer stand, praça or departure street. Guesthouses and café staff usually know the current location.
When they leave
Many leave when enough seats are occupied. On popular morning routes this can be quick; late afternoon or quieter routes can involve a long wait.
Where they stop
They may pick up and drop off passengers along the route. Tell the driver your destination when boarding.
Last services
Do not assume there will be an evening return. Ask the driver or locals when the final likely departure is.
Taxi and aluguer prices
There is no single national tourist fare. Official airport guidance says formal taxi rates vary by island, while informal Hiace services can start at around 100 CVE for a short trip.
Agree taxi prices first
Ask the total price before loading luggage, especially at night, at airports and for waiting-time tours.
Ask for the local seat fare
For an aluguer, clarify the price per person and whether luggage costs extra.
Carry small notes and coins
Drivers may not have change for a large banknote.
Day tour pricing
Confirm hours, route, waiting time, fuel, parking and whether the driver returns you to the original hotel.
Airport taxis and transfers
Formal taxis are available at most airports. For distant resorts, a pre-booked hotel or package transfer can remove uncertainty, while city airports such as Praia and São Vicente are relatively close to their centres.
Late arrivals
Pre-book when arriving after dark or when reception closes early.
Hotel confirmation
Ask the property for the expected fare or trusted driver contact.
Meet-and-greet details
Save the driver’s name, phone number and meeting point offline.
Official guidance
See the airport public-transport page for general taxi and Hiace information.
Local transport by island
Each island has its own rhythm and departure points.
Sal
Taxis are easy around Santa Maria and the airport. Organised tours are often simpler for a full island circuit.
Boa Vista
Resorts can be far from Sal Rei, making hotel transfers, taxis or guided 4x4 tours important.
Santiago
Aluguers connect Praia with towns such as Assomada, Cidade Velha and Tarrafal. Ask locally for the correct stand.
São Vicente
Mindelo has city buses and taxis; aluguers and shared vehicles serve other parts of the compact island.
Santo Antão
Aluguers and taxis meet ferries in Porto Novo. For hiking, arrange a drop-off and pickup rather than expecting an immediate return vehicle.
Fogo, Maio, São Nicolau and Brava
Services are smaller and departure times less formal. Accommodation hosts are valuable for arranging drivers and confirming the last ride.
Etiquette, luggage and safety
Local transport is generally straightforward when you communicate clearly and allow time.
Greet the driver
A simple greeting and your destination makes the interaction smoother.
Keep valuables with you
Do not put passports, phones or cash in luggage stored out of sight.
Seat belts
Use them where fitted, and choose another vehicle if the condition or driving makes you uncomfortable.
Do not rush the system
An aluguer is not the right option for a flight check-in or non-refundable ferry connection unless you leave very early.
Useful transport phrases
Portuguese is the official language and Cape Verdean Creole is widely spoken. A few simple words help.
“Quanto custa?”
How much does it cost?
“É por pessoa?”
Is that per person?
“A que horas sai o último?”
What time does the last one leave?
“Quero ir para…”
I want to go to…
Show the address
Keep the hotel name and map pin on your phone, because similar place names can cause confusion.
Frequently asked questions
What is an aluguer in Cape Verde?
A shared minibus, van or pickup that follows a local route between towns and villages.
Do aluguers have timetables?
Often not a fixed published timetable. Many depart when sufficiently full.
Are taxis available at Cape Verde airports?
Formal taxi services are available at most airports.
Should I agree the taxi fare first?
Yes. Confirm the total fare, destination and any waiting time before leaving.
Can I pay by card in a taxi or aluguer?
Do not rely on it. Carry small cash in Cape Verdean escudos.
Are aluguers suitable with large suitcases?
They can take luggage, but a taxi is usually easier and more predictable with several bags.
Checked July 2026. Schedules, fees and entry rules can change; verify again before booking or travel.
Practical checklist
- Carry small CVE notes for fares.
- Ask whether a price is per person or for the whole vehicle.
- Confirm the last return aluguer before leaving town.
- Use a pre-booked taxi for early flights and essential connections.