Capital city in Santiago, Cabo Verde
Getting around Praia
How to get around Praia
Taxis and aluguers (shared minibuses) are the main options; the Plateau and Palmarejo are walkable by day. Cidade Velha is a short bus or taxi ride.
Ways to get around Praia
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Aluguer (shared minibus) | About 40–60 CVE | Main routes link Plateau, Palmarejo and Cidade Velha |
| Taxi | About 300–600 CVE in town | Fixed zone fares; ask before getting in |
| Ride app | About 300–500 CVE | Heetch is listed for Praia; availability can vary |
Ride-hailing apps in Praia
A 5 km ride costs about CVE300–600 ($3.1–6.1).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Heetch | Ride app in Cape Verde; check coverage in the app |
- Taxis are plentiful on the Plateau and at the airport. Agree the fare first; use an app or your hotel for night rides.
Arriving in Praia
Nelson Mandela International (RAI)
About 5 km from the Plateau. Taxi 600–1,000 CVE, 10–15 min; some hotels offer pickup. Flights to Europe, the US and other islands.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Not recommended: hilly, fast traffic and little scooter rental. Taxis are cheap.
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences are generally accepted for short stays; carry an IDP as backup. Mountain roads are steep and often cobbled.
- Onward travel in Cabo Verde: Domestic flights (Binter, CVA) and ferries link the islands; ferry schedules are unreliable. On islands, aluguer minibuses and taxis are the norm; hire a driver for Santo Antão.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Praia?
No. Use Heetch instead.
What's the best way to get around Praia?
Taxis and aluguers (shared minibuses) are the main options; the Plateau and Palmarejo are walkable by day. Cidade Velha is a short bus or taxi ride.
How do I get from the airport to Praia?
About 5 km from the Plateau. Taxi 600–1,000 CVE, 10–15 min; some hotels offer pickup. Flights to Europe, the US and other islands.
Is Praia walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Praia
Going to Praia solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Praia meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.