Flying in
Every visitor arrives at São Tomé International Airport (TMS), about 5 km from the capital. There are no long-haul flights from outside the Lisbon and African routes, so most itineraries involve one connection.
| Via | Typical carrier | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | TAP Air Portugal; STP Airways | The main route from Europe, about 6 hours direct. Some TAP services have stopped in Accra on the way. |
| Accra (Ghana) | TAP | Useful link from West Africa when the Lisbon flight calls there. |
| Libreville (Gabon) | Regional airlines | The shortest crossing from the mainland, under an hour. |
| Luanda (Angola) | TAAG Angola Airlines | Connects to southern Africa and beyond. |
Island-hopping: São Tomé to Príncipe
The two islands are about 150 km apart. Flights between São Tomé (TMS) and Príncipe (PCP) take around 35 minutes and have been operated by STP Airways and Africa’s Connection, using small propeller aircraft.
Seats are limited, so book early — ideally as soon as your international flights are confirmed, or through your Príncipe lodge. Baggage allowances are lower than on international flights, schedules are not daily in every season, and flights may be retimed for weather or operational reasons. Always leave a buffer before an international departure.
Cargo boats also make the crossing, but they are slow and uncomfortable and are not recommended for visitors.
From the airport
Taxis wait outside arrivals and the ride into the city takes 10–15 minutes; agree the fare before you set off. Most hotels will arrange a transfer if asked.
Getting around São Tomé island
One paved road runs along the north and west coast to Santa Catarina, another down the east coast to Porto Alegre, and a third climbs inland through Trindade to Monte Café and Bom Sucesso. There is no road right round the island: the south-west is roadless forest.
- Car with driver: the easiest option and what most visitors choose. Drivers double as informal guides and know which stretches are passable. Arrange through your hotel or book a guided day.
- Self-drive: small 4×4s are the usual hire cars. Driving is on the right. Expect potholes, people and animals on the road, few signs and almost no lighting — avoid driving after dark.
- Shared taxis: yellow taxis and minibuses leave from around the market in the capital when full, serving towns such as Trindade, Guadalupe, Neves, Santana and São João dos Angolares. Cheap, sociable and unpredictable.
- Motorbike taxis: common for short hops in and around the capital.
- Boats: needed for Ilhéu das Rolas and for whale-watching or diving trips.
Approximate driving times from São Tomé city
| To | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | about 5 km | 10–15 min |
| Lagoa Azul | about 16 km | 25–35 min |
| Neves | about 27 km | 45–60 min |
| Monte Café | about 18 km | 35–45 min |
| Bom Sucesso (Obô) | about 25 km | 50–60 min |
| São João dos Angolares | about 40 km | 1–1¼ hrs |
| Pico Cão Grande viewpoint | about 60 km | 1½–1¾ hrs |
| Porto Alegre (boat to Rolas) | about 75 km | 2–2½ hrs |
Getting around Príncipe
Príncipe has a handful of roads, most of them dirt beyond Santo António. Lodges collect guests from the airport and run their own vehicles and boats; independent travellers can hire a car with driver or a motorbike taxi in town. Many of the best beaches and the whole south of the island are reached on foot or by boat.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a ferry between São Tomé and Príncipe?
There is no passenger ferry of the kind visitors would expect. Cargo vessels carry passengers, but the flight is the practical and recommended option.
Do I need an international driving permit?
Hire companies generally accept a national licence, but carrying an international permit is sensible. Confirm with the company when you book.
Can I visit by cruise ship?
A small number of expedition cruises call at São Tomé and Príncipe each year, usually landing passengers by tender.
