Which modes of transport connect the islands in Cabo Verde's transport system?

Aircraft and ferries operated by CV Interilhas are the main modes for connections between the islands. An operating railway network and a nationwide long-distance bus network have not been documented.

How should I check a ferry connection in Cabo Verde before departure?

Check the current CV Interilhas schedule on the website or with a Polar or Navex agent. Also check the fare, weather, possible changes, and whether a separate ticket is needed for vehicles or freight.

What rules apply to taxis in Cabo Verde's transport system?

Municipalities issue taxi licenses and set fares within national maximum fares. The taximeter calculates distance and waiting time; the taxi should be clean, display its professional identification card, and take the shortest route unless instructed otherwise.

Transport in Cabo Verde

Q: What prices apply to city bus services in Praia, Cabo Verde?

With Sol Atlântico, a single ride costs 43 ECV. The general pass costs 2,900 ECV, the student pass 2,300 ECV, and the senior pass 2,100 ECV.

In Cabo Verde, transport relies mainly on roads, ships, and aircraft; there is no operating railway network. In daily life, Hiaces, Galuchos, pick-ups, buses, and taxis are the main modes, while ships and aircraft connect the islands and the outside world. Availability, schedules, prices, and accessibility vary greatly by island, city, operator, and weather.

Tip

Do not plan inter-island travel around a single standard mode of transport: aircraft usually save time, while ferries may be more suitable for certain islands, vehicles, or freight. Check each connection shortly before departure because the schedule, seat availability, fare, and weather conditions can affect the actual journey. For travel within an island, plan for local availability and prices instead of assuming a uniform nationwide service.

byMaria&Jose

Hiaces, Galuchos, and pick-ups provide daily transport between places on many islands. In selected cities, city buses (Autocarros) operate; in Praia, Sol Atlântico operates urban transport. A single ride there costs 43 Cabo Verde escudos (Escudos Cabo-verdianos), or 43 ECV. The general pass costs 2,900 ECV, the student pass 2,300 ECV, and the senior pass 2,100 ECV. Prices and schedules may vary by city and operator. Taxis are widely available. Municipalities issue the licenses, and the municipal administration sets the fare within national maximum fares. The taximeter calculates distance and waiting time. A taxi must display its professional identification card, be clean, and take the shortest route unless instructed otherwise. Drivers may not pressure passengers. Taxis usually stand at a designated taxi stand (praça) or are identified by a vehicle marking (Livre). Road traffic is governed by the Road Code (Código da Estrada). Outside built-up areas, the maximum speed is 80 km/h. Pedestrians have priority at marked crossings. The national road-traffic authority (DGTR) maintains a national register of traffic offences and, since 2025, a points system for serious and very serious offences. Municipal regulations supplement the national rules, for example on parking, sidewalks, and local traffic management. ECV develops and maintains the national road network; municipalities regulate local traffic and parking. The DGTR is responsible for licensing and market access in road transport. Vehicles are subject to requirements for roadworthiness testing. For travel between the islands, the central ferry operator (CV Interilhas) is the main provider. Schedules may change and should be checked before departure on the website or with Polar and Navex agents. Tickets are available online and from these agents; payment is made in cash in escudos or by card. Seats cannot be reserved in advance. Vehicles and freight require separate tickets. Published journey times range approximately from 40 minutes to 14 hours and 20 minutes, although weather and operating conditions may change the service. Fares for national passengers are approximately 950 to 4,060 ECV depending on the route, and fares for non-national passengers range from 1,500 to 6,070 ECV. This fare overview has applied since 1 February 2024. Aircraft are particularly important for connecting widely separated islands and for international travel. International airports are located in São Vicente, Sal, Boa Vista, and Santiago. Fogo, Maio, and São Nicolau have airfields. The airport coordination body (ASA) coordinates air traffic control and operating slots at the airports of Sal, Praia, and Boa Vista. The civil aviation authority (AAC) oversees, among other things, the transparency of airfares and general conditions of carriage. Airfares, seat availability, and flight schedules depend on the provider and current airport operations. For private travel, options include private cars, rental cars, taxis, and ferries for vehicles. Walking is generally used for short journeys and the final connection to a destination. Sidewalks, road edges, and marked crossings serve this purpose; under their regulations, municipalities must provide ramps for accessibility. Wheelchair users have priority, but actual quality and enforcement vary locally. A nationwide cycling system has not been documented. Cycling is mainly local or recreational. On Maio, bicycles can be registered with the municipal chamber (Câmara Municipal); requirements there include lighting at night and a reflective vest. Such rules differ between municipalities. According to the available research data, road traffic causes around 18.51 percent of national greenhouse-gas emissions and approximately 30 percent of imported fossil-fuel consumption. Cabo Verde is therefore promoting active and electric mobility. The target is for electric vehicles to account for at least 25 percent of the national road-vehicle fleet by 2030; 40 public charging stations have been reported on the inhabited islands. Climate policy aims for climate neutrality by 2050. For aviation, planning provides for a sustainable aviation-fuel blend of 5 percent in 2030 and 10 percent in 2035.