Island, Cabo Verde
Getting around Sal
How to get around Sal
Santa Maria is walkable. Taxis connect to the airport, Espargos and sights; aluguers (shared minibuses) run between towns. Quads and rental cars suit the island loop.
Ways to get around Sal
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Fixed zone fares; airport to Santa Maria about 1,500–2,000 CVE | Agree the price before getting in; no meters |
| Aluguer (shared minibus) | About 100–200 CVE | Espargos–Santa Maria route; leaves when full |
| Rental car or quad | About 4,000–9,000 CVE a day | For salt pans, Pedra de Lume and Shark Bay |
Taxis in Sal
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No reliable ride app on Sal. Use taxis from the stands in Santa Maria and ask your accommodation to call one for longer trips.
Arriving in Sal
Amílcar Cabral International (SID)
About 18 km from Santa Maria. Taxi 1,500–2,000 CVE, 20 min; some hotels run shuttles. Direct flights from Europe, plus inter-island flights.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Quads and scooters are rented in Santa Maria; bring your licence and a helmet. Wind and sand make roads tricky.
- 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 Sal?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No reliable ride app on Sal. Use taxis from the stands in Santa Maria and ask your accommodation to call one for longer trips.
What's the best way to get around Sal?
Santa Maria is walkable. Taxis connect to the airport, Espargos and sights; aluguers (shared minibuses) run between towns. Quads and rental cars suit the island loop.
How do I get from the airport to Sal?
About 18 km from Santa Maria. Taxi 1,500–2,000 CVE, 20 min; some hotels run shuttles. Direct flights from Europe, plus inter-island flights.
Is Sal walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Sal
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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 Spotted something out of date?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.