Príncipe Airport serves the smaller of the two main islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, close to the city of Santo António.
The runway, modest in size, limits the airport to small-sized aircraft: connections are almost exclusively internal, to São Tomé Island.
How to get to Príncipe Airport
Connection to the island of São Tomé is via a domestic flight operated by STP Airways, lasting about 40 minutes with several weekly connections.
By Train
There is no railway connection to the airport.
By Bus
No public transport service is available at this small airport.
There are no ATMs, banks, or currency exchange services at the airport: bring sufficient cash with you before you arrive.
Parking near Príncipe Airport
A very small parking area is available in front of the terminal.
How to get to Santo António from PCP
The transfer to Santo António is typically by taxi.
By Train
There is no rail connection for the airport.
By Bus
There is no public transportation service at this airport.
By Taxi
Santo António is approximately 3 km away, a journey of just a few minutes at low rates to be negotiated in advance; many hotels also offer direct transfers.
Need an airport transfer?
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Car rental at Príncipe Airport
Car rental is available, though with limited options.
Hotels near Príncipe Airport
Santo António, the town
The airport is right at the edge of the town itself, a few minutes on foot or by car from the centre of Santo António.
Best for: Short layovers or a tight budget: the only option just steps from the airport and the town's services.
- The only area on the island with shops, local restaurants and services within reach without booking a shuttle
- Transfer from the airport practically nil
- No resort-level beach in town: for those you still need the resorts along the coast
- Accommodation options limited to a few family-run guesthouses
The island's resorts
Free shuttle on request from each resort: 12 minutes to Bom Bom, 21 to Belo Monte, 27 to Sundy Praia; no public service to these areas.
Best for: Those seeking private beaches and an eco-luxury atmosphere, accepting a 12-27 minute transfer organized by the resort itself.
- Private beaches and untouched nature, the reason most visitors come to Príncipe
- Free airport shuttle included at each resort, with no need to arrange a taxi
- Near-total isolation: outside the resort there are no alternative restaurants or shops
- Transfer times vary from resort to resort, to be weighed against your flight
Recommended hotels
- Bom Bom - Principe Collection Wooden bungalows in the tropical garden of the little island of Bom Bom, a few metres from the beach; free airport shuttle available 24 hours a day on request, about 12 minutes from the terminal. View availability
- Belo Monte - Principe Collection Historic plantation turned into a hotel and museum, with three restaurants serving local cuisine and its own marina; about 21 minutes from the airport and 14 from Banana Beach. View availability
- Sundy Praia - Principe Collection Resort overlooking Margarida Beach, in the rainforest about 27 minutes from the airport; among the most exclusive on the island, a few minutes from the historic Sundy plantation. View availability
Airport services
The airport is extremely basic; do not expect services beyond basic ground transfer to accommodation.
Shopping & Duty Free
There are no restaurants or duty-free shops; at most a small kiosk with water and snacks.
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is not available for passengers at this airport.
Families & Children
No family services are available, consistent with the airport's limited scale.
Terminal guide
The terminal is basic, consistent with the airport's reduced traffic.
Map of Príncipe Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do you need a different visa from São Tomé for Príncipe?
No, the two islands form a single country: the same visa on arrival (up to 15 days, extendable to 90) applies to both.
Q. Is Príncipe safe to visit?
Yes, the island is generally considered even calmer than the already safe São Tomé, helped by niche tourism and low population density.
Q. What currency is best to bring to Príncipe?
The São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN); given the lack of ATMs and currency exchange at the airport, it's best to arrive with enough cash already, ideally exchanged in São Tomé.
Q. Is Príncipe known for anything in particular?
Yes, the entire island is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, appreciated especially by those seeking untouched nature and ecotourism away from mass-tourism circuits.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights