Transportation in Praia

Praia's transport scene is built around shared minibuses (aluguers) and taxis. Aluguers are the everyday workhorse, cheap, frequent, and painted with their destination on the windscreen. But they only leave when the terminal when full, so build in extra time. Taxis are a moderate splurge and the only door-to-door option after dark. Most drivers speak basic Portuguese or Krioulo, so have your hotel name ready. There's no rail or metro, and inter-city buses use a separate terminal outside the centre. First-time visitors should download the "Taxi Praia" app before landing, it gives fixed fares and avoids haggling. In town, aluguers run along the main coastal avenue. Flag one going your direction and tap the roof when you want off. Don't wait at the Plateau for an aluguer to fill up, walk downhill to the Sucupira market stop where turnover is faster. After 9 p.m. aluguers thin out. Switch to taxis or ride-shares. From Nelson Mandela International, the official taxi rank outside arrivals is the only reliable ride. Agree the metered fare before loading bags. There's no scheduled public service, so if you're on a tight budget, share a cab with other passengers heading to Plateau or Achada Santo António, drivers usually allow it.