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Cape Verde flagTransportation & Infrastructure Guide

Public transit, airports, and getting around in Cape Verde

Cape Verde, an archipelago of ten islands with a population of 556,000, features a transportation landscape shaped by its geography, relying heavily on maritime ferries, air links, and island-specific road networks totaling 1,350 km. Key strengths include high road density, 10 airports (6 major), and modernizing ports like Praia and Palmeira supporting tourism and trade. Challenges encompass poor road maintenance, high service costs, and limited inter-island public transport, with mobility depending on flights, ferries, and private vehicles driving on the right.
Public Transport
Below Average
Road Infrastructure
Below Average
Public Transport
3.2/10

Basic public transport limited to local buses on major islands like Santiago; no metro, trains, or integrated networks. Inter-island connectivity via ferries and domestic flights, with infrequent services and high costs.

Road Infrastructure
4.2/10

Relatively dense 1,350 km road network across nine islands, ~75% paved, but at least half in poor condition due to maintenance issues. No extensive highways; recent upgrades on Santiago and Santo Antão improved connectivity.

Internet Speed
4.8/10

Moderate broadband speeds with good ICT indicators including submarine cable access, but high prices and urban-rural gaps persist. Fiber expanding in cities.

Avg: 42.1+ Mbps • Limited to urban areas like Praia; growing via investments, rural reliant on mobile/ADSL

Airport Connectivity
6.8/10

10 airports including 6 major ones serve all islands, providing good domestic coverage and international links from Praia (RAI) and Sal (SID) to Europe/Africa. No major global hub.

Hubs: Nelson Mandela Int'l (RAI, Praia), Amílcar Cabral Int'l (SID, Sal), Cesária Évora Int'l (VXE, São Vicente)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass
N/A (no metro)
Bus Trip
N/A (limited local buses, ~500-1000 CVE/ride)
Taxi
N/A (~200 CVE start + 100 CVE/km)
High-speed Train
N/A (no trains)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Limited to major cities like Praia and Sal; deployment by CVT and Unitel expanding 2024-2026
4G Coverage: Extensive coverage on populated islands, ~90% population access, limited remote areas

Reliable mobile networks from CVT and Unitel with good urban speeds; 4G dominant, 5G emerging. High costs but improving via submarine cable.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

Foreign licenses valid for 90 days with IDP; EU/foreign licenses require conversion to local after 6 months for residents. Drive on right side.

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