Getting Around Sao Tome and Principe
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use shared taxis for Sao Tome city and beaches. Rural: Rent a car for plantation roads and interiors. Inter-Island: Ferries or domestic flights to Príncipe. For convenience, book airport transfers from São Tomé to your destination.
Train Travel
Sao Tome-Príncipe Ferry
Reliable ferry service connecting the two main islands with scheduled weekly departures.
Cost: São Tomé to Príncipe €20-30, journey 1-2 hours depending on weather.
Tickets: Buy at the port or through local agents, book in advance during peak season.
Peak Times: Avoid weekends and holidays for calmer seas and available seats.
Island Hopper Passes
Combo tickets for ferry and domestic flight options, starting at €50 for round-trip access.
Best For: Multi-island itineraries over a week, savings for combined transport.
Where to Buy: Airport counters, port offices, or local tour operators with easy booking.
Domestic Flights
Short flights via STP Airways link São Tomé to Príncipe, 30-45 minutes duration.
Booking: Reserve early for best rates, discounts up to 20% for advance purchase.
Main Airports: São Tomé International (TMS) and Príncipe (PCP) with direct connections.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for exploring remote beaches and cocoa plantations. Compare rental prices from €30-50/day at São Tomé Airport and hotels.
Requirements: Valid international license, credit card, minimum age 21 with experience.
Insurance: Full coverage essential due to rough roads, verify inclusions with provider.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 60 km/h rural, no major highways.
Tolls: None on island roads, but some bridges may have small fees.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, pedestrians in villages.
Parking: Free in most areas, secure spots at hotels €2-5/night in cities.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations limited outside capital at €1.10-1.30/liter for petrol, €1.00-1.20 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation on winding roads.
Traffic: Light overall, but watch for potholes, animals, and rain-slicked paths.
Urban Transport
Shared Taxis (Toca-Tocas)
Informal minivan network covering towns and beaches, single ride €1-3, daily pass €5-8.
Validation: Pay driver upon boarding, negotiate for longer trips outside routes.
Apps: Limited, use local advice or hotel concierge for reliable pickups.
Bike Rentals
Eco-friendly rentals in Sao Tome and eco-lodges, €5-10/day with helmets and maps.
Routes: Scenic coastal paths and plantation trails, flat terrain on main island.
Tours: Guided bike excursions available for birdwatching and beach hopping.
Buses & Local Services
Government buses and private shuttles operate between towns and ports.
Tickets: €1-2 per ride, buy onboard or at stops with cash only.
Inter-Urban: Routes to beaches like Praia Lagarto, €3-5 for longer distances.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near ports or airports for easy access, central São Tomé for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (June-Sep) and festivals like Carnival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-dependent island plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, meals inclusion, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G on São Tomé, 3G/2G on Príncipe with improving coverage in tourist areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
CST and Unitel offer prepaid SIMs from €5-15 with island-wide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 3GB for €10, 5GB for €15, unlimited for €25/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, guesthouses, and some cafes, limited in remote areas.
Public Hotspots: Airports and main squares offer free access in São Tomé.
Speed: 5-50 Mbps in urban spots, suitable for maps and messaging.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Gulf of Guinea Time (GGT), UTC+0 year-round, no daylight saving.
- Airport Transfers: São Tomé Airport 5km from city center, taxi €10-20 (10 min), or book private transfer for €15-25.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports (€3-5/day) and hotels in major towns.
- Accessibility: Limited due to uneven roads, some eco-lodges offer ground-floor rooms.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on ferries with restrictions (small free, large €5), check accommodation policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on buses for €2, free on ferries off-peak.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Sao Tome and Principe
São Tomé International Airport (TMS) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
São Tomé International (TMS): Primary hub, 5km from city with taxi connections.
Príncipe Airport (PCP): Small airstrip for domestic flights, 3km from Santo Antonio.
Other: Limited regional access via Angola or Portugal flights.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (June-Sep) to save 30-50% on limited fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tuesday-Thursday) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly via Lisbon or Luanda for connections to São Tomé.
Budget Airlines
TAAG Angola, TAP Portugal, and STP Airways serve international routes.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and inter-island links when comparing costs.
Check-in: Online 24 hours before, airport fees apply for walk-ups.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in São Tomé capital, fees €2-4, use bank machines to minimize charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard at hotels/resorts, cash preferred elsewhere.
- Contactless Payment: Limited, growing in tourist areas with Apple Pay options.
- Cash: Essential for markets, taxis, and rural spots, carry €50-100 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but 5-10% appreciated at restaurants and guides.
- Currency Exchange: Euros widely accepted, use Wise for best rates, avoid airport kiosks.