Transportation in São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe runs on shared taxis and minivans, the painted minivans are the real city circulators, charging a fraction of what a private taxi asks, but you'll be squeezing in with produce sacks and school kids. Private taxis are everywhere and comfortable, yet they're the splurge option. Always agree the fare before you get in because meters are rare. If you're island-hopping between São Tomé and Príncipe, the domestic propeller flight is the only practical link. Book early because seats are limited and schedules shift with the weather. From the airport, skip the lone tout who meets baggage claim, walk to the official taxi rank just outside the terminal doors. The ride to downtown is short but can be pricey for newcomers. If you're traveling light and patient, wait for a shared minivan that passes the main road junction 200 m beyond the exit, it costs next to nothing and drops you in the city center.