Airport
Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI)
Nelson Mandela International Airport is the main gateway to Praia, Santiago Island and the wider Cape Verde archipelago. Compare transfer options to the city centre, Cidade Velha, Tarrafal, Assomada and other destinations across the island, and plan your onward journey with ease.
Passengers
Luggage
About Nelson Mandela International Airport
Nelson Mandela International Airport is the main international airport serving Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, and the island of Santiago. Opened on 6 October 2005, it replaced the older Francisco Mendes International Airport and was later named in honour of former South African president Nelson Mandela.
Located about 3 km northeast of central Praia, the airport connects Cape Verde with domestic inter-island routes and international destinations. Its single terminal building handles arrivals and departures, with check-in, security and passport control arranged across the main passenger areas.
The airport is reached by taxi, private transfers, rental cars and local road links, making the short journey to Praia city centre and nearby areas such as Cidade Velha, Tarrafal and Assomada relatively straightforward.
With duty-free shopping, cafés, restaurants, banking services, free Wi-Fi and charging points, the airport offers practical facilities for travellers beginning or ending their journey in Cape Verde.
Terminal Overview
Terminals
Nelson Mandela International Airport operates passenger services through a single terminal building with a lower arrivals level and an upper departures level. The terminal handles both domestic inter-island flights and international flights.
Ground Transportation Services to and from Nelson Mandela International Airport
Transfers
Book private transfers from Nelson Mandela International Airport to hotels, the Praia city centre, business locations and other destinations across Santiago Island.
Hourly Chauffeur
Arrange a professional chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel from the airport, business meetings, events or sightseeing around Praia and Santiago Island.
Car Rental
Rent a car from Nelson Mandela International Airport for independent travel around Praia and onward journeys to Cidade Velha, Tarrafal and other parts of the island.
Bus & Group Transfers
Organise minibuses or charter buses for groups travelling between Nelson Mandela International Airport, hotels, event venues and destinations across Santiago Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
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