São Tomé International Airport is the leading airport of São Tomé and Príncipe, located at the gates of the capital, on the island of the same name.
International connections take place mainly to Portugal and some West and Central African countries, as well as internal flights to Príncipe Island.
How to get to São Tomé International Airport
Connection to the island of Príncipe 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
There is no dedicated public bus service: taxi is the standard option to reach the city.
To reach Príncipe island a second internal flight is necessary: there is no practical land or sea connection between the two islands.
Parking near São Tomé International Airport
A surface parking lot is available in front of the terminal.
How to get to São Tomé from TMS
The transfer to São Tomé city center is typically by taxi.
By Train
There is no rail connection for the airport.
By Bus
There is no dedicated public bus: taxi remains the main option to the city.
By Taxi
São Tomé city is approximately 5 km away, a journey of 10–15 minutes; the typical fare is 50,000–80,000 dobra (approximately 2–3.50 USD), to be negotiated in advance.
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Car rental at São Tomé International Airport
Various car rental agencies operate just outside the terminal.
Hotels near São Tomé International Airport
São Tomé and the 12 de Julho seafront
About 2-4 km from the airport, 10-15 minutes by taxi; no real alternative closer to the terminal.
Best for: Anyone arriving on the island: the airport and the main hotels are practically on the same stretch of coast.
- 12 de Julho seafront, the market and the historic centre reachable on foot or within minutes from the hotels
- Airport transfer among the shortest on this list
- Outside the big resorts the choice of restaurants and tourist services remains limited
- The island's other attractions (roças, the southern beaches) still require trips of an hour or more
Recommended hotels
- Pestana Sao Tome On Avenida Marginal 12 de Julho in the Vila Maria district, on the sea and 1 km from the centre of São Tomé; a chain property with restaurant and tropical garden. View availability
- Miramar São Tomé 65 rooms on Ana Chaves Bay, 2 minutes on foot from the beach and on the same Avenida 12 de Julho; pool with tropical gardens, 10 minutes from the airport and 15 on foot from the centre. View availability
- Omali São Tomé Boutique hotel next to Praia Lagarto, a few minutes from both the city centre and the airport (about 1.5 km); among the best-reviewed on the island. View availability
Airport services
The airport offers basic essential services.
Shopping & Duty Free
A duty-free area is available in the departure lounge, with souvenirs and cosmetics.
Lounges & relaxation
Information about a possible small lounge is inconsistent; limited space for business passengers might be available.
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi covers the terminal area.
Families & Children
Family-friendly services are minimal, consistent with the airport's size.
Terminal guide
The single terminal handles both international flights and domestic connections to Príncipe.
Map of São Tomé International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do you need a visa for São Tomé and Príncipe?
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the United States and Canada can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport, valid for up to 15 days and extendable to 90.
Q. Is São Tomé safe for tourists?
The risk level is moderate according to the United States, temporarily raised in April 2026 due to political and social instability before returning to the previous level.
Q. What currency is used in São Tomé?
The São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN), pegged to the euro since 2010 at a fixed rate of 24.5 STN per euro.
Q. What language is spoken in São Tomé?
Portuguese is the official language.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights