Capital city in Água Grande, Sao Tome and Principe
Getting around São Tomé
How to get around São Tomé
Shared minivans and moto-taxis cover the main roads; for plantations and parks, hire a driver or 4x4. Distances are short but roads are rough.
Ways to get around São Tomé
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Shared minivan (candonga) | About 5–20 STN | Along the main coastal roads; crowded |
| Taxi | About 60–150 STN for 5 km | No meters; agree fare first |
| Car or 4x4 with driver | Priced per day | Best for plantations, Obo park and beaches |
Taxis in São Tomé
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No ride apps; agree fares with taxi drivers or hire a driver for the day through your guesthouse.
Arriving in São Tomé
São Tomé International (TMS)
About 5 km from the city; taxi roughly 100–250 STN, 10–15 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences are rarely checked, but an IDP is advised; roads on the north side are mostly paved, elsewhere rough.
- Onward travel in Sao Tome and Principe: Shared taxis (candongueiros), hired cars with a driver and hired guides cover Sao Tome; Principe is reached by a short flight or occasional boat.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in São Tomé?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No ride apps; agree fares with taxi drivers or hire a driver for the day through your guesthouse.
What's the best way to get around São Tomé?
Shared minivans and moto-taxis cover the main roads; for plantations and parks, hire a driver or 4x4. Distances are short but roads are rough.
How do I get from the airport to São Tomé?
About 5 km from the city; taxi roughly 100–250 STN, 10–15 min.
Is São Tomé walkable?
Walkable center.
More about São Tomé
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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 Spotted something out of date?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.