If you're planning a trip, one of the first questions will be How to get to Sao Tome and PrincipeThe archipelago is located in the Gulf of Guinea and there are currently no nonstop flights from Spain.
The simplest option for most Spanish travelers is Fly to São Tomé and Príncipe with a connection in LisbonFrom the Portuguese capital there are air connections to São Tomé, and the São Tomé International Airport (TMS), located on the main island, is the international gateway to the country.
If you then want to visit Príncipe Island, you will have to take a second domestic flight from São Tomé.
In this guide we explain the main routes, how to fly from Spain, what you should know about the country's airports and how to arrange the connection between the two islands.
How to get to São Tomé and Príncipe from Spain?
The most common route for traveling from Spain is:
Spain → Lisbon → São Tomé
There are currently no nonstop flights from Madrid, Barcelona, or other Spanish airports to São Tomé and Príncipe. For most travelers, Lisbon is the easiest connection to continue to São Tomé International Airport (TMS).
If you're departing from Madrid or Barcelona, it's usually advisable to check first if you can book your entire itinerary to São Tomé on a single ticket. When the different flights are part of the same booking, the connection is better protected against potential delays or schedule changes.
It's also possible to book the Spain–Lisbon leg and the Lisbon–São Tomé flight separately. This can be an attractive option if you find better times or prices, but in that case, we recommend leaving ample time between flights. If the times don't work well, it might even be wiser to spend a night in Lisbon.
| Origin | Usual route | scales | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid | Madrid → Lisbon → São Tomé | 1 | The most logical option is usually to connect in Lisbon. |
| Barcelona | Barcelona → Lisbon → São Tomé | 1 | It is advisable to compare the complete route to TMS. |
| Other Spanish cities | Spain → Lisbon → São Tomé | 1 or more | The combination will depend on the available connections to Lisbon. |
| Lisbon | Lisbon → São Tomé | 0 on nonstop flights | TAP Air Portugal and STP Airways operate this route according to the schedule for each date. |
Flights to São Tomé and Príncipe from Madrid
One of the most common searches is how to find flights from Madrid to São Tomé and Príncipe.
There is currently no direct flight between Madrid and São Tomé. The most common alternative is to fly from Madrid (MAD) to Lisbon (LIS) and then continue on to São Tomé (TMS).
TAP Air Portugal offers flights between Madrid and São Tomé with a connection in Lisbon. You can also compare connections to Lisbon separately from flights departing from the Portuguese capital.
The total travel time will largely depend on the length of the layover. Therefore, rather than focusing solely on the price, it's advisable to check How long will you have to wait in Lisbon?, if you need to change terminals and if the different flights are part of the same booking.
When two alternatives have similar prices, it is usually worth choosing the one that offers a reasonable connection and avoids unnecessarily long layovers.
Flights from Barcelona and other Spanish cities
From Barcelona, the logic is similar. One of the simplest options is to connect to Lisbon and continue from there to São Tomé.
You can also book your trip from other Spanish airports. Depending on your travel dates, you might want to compare departures from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, or the Canary Islands.
The important thing when performing a search is to use the destination São Tomé (TMS) and compare the entire trip, instead of just the first leg to Lisbon.
Flights from Lisbon to São Tomé
Lisbon is the main European gateway to São Tomé and Príncipe.
TAP Air Portugal and STP Airways operate connections between Lisbon (LIS) and São Tomé (TMS), although frequencies and days of operation may vary depending on the time of year.
A non-stop flight between Lisbon and São Tomé usually takes approximately between six and a half and seven hoursHowever, certain services or dates may include an intermediate stop, so it's always advisable to check the specific itinerary before booking.
If you haven't yet decided on your travel dates, we recommend consulting our guide on the best time to travel to São Tomé and PríncipeThe weather, rainfall, and the activities you want to do can influence your choice of dates.
Airports of São Tomé and Príncipe
The archipelago has two airports that are especially important for travelers: the international airport of the island of São Tomé and the Príncipe airport.
| Airport | Dress | Isla | Principal function |
|---|---|---|---|
| São Tomé International Airport | TMS | Saint tome | Main international gateway for entry and departure of flights to Príncipe. |
| Príncipe Airport | CFP | Príncipe | It primarily connects Príncipe with the island of São Tomé. |
São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
The country's main airport is the São Tomé International Airport, also known as Nuno Xavier International Airport. Its IATA code is TMS.
It is located on the island of Santo Tomé, a few kilometers from the city of São Tomé, and is the airport where the main international flights arrive.
It's a small airport, so the experience is very different from that of a large European airport. The disembarkation, immigration, and baggage claim processes can require some patience, especially when several passengers are arriving at the same time.
Therefore, if it's your first time in the country, we recommend arranging your pick-up in advance, especially if you arrive in the afternoon or evening, or if your accommodation is outside the capital.
Príncipe Airport (PCP)
To get to Príncipe Island you will have to take a flight from São Tomé to the Príncipe Airport (PCP).
The flight between the two islands takes approximately 40 minutesFrequencies, schedules and companies may vary, so it is advisable to check the schedule for your dates and book in advance.
The planes used for these connections are small and have limited capacity. It's also advisable to carefully check the baggage allowance, as it may differ from that of your international flight.
How to get from São Tomé airport to the city?
The airport is very close to the capital and the drive to the center of São Tomé is relatively short.
The main options are to use a taxi, pre-book a transfer, or pick up a rental vehicle.
Whether you're arriving after a long trip or it's your first visit to the country, booking one of our Transfers in São Tomé and Príncipe It allows you to have your transportation arranged before you land. We can pick you up at the airport and take you directly to your hotel or accommodation.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to explore the island on your own, you can check out our options for Car rental in Sao Tome and Principe and start your journey with your own vehicle from the beginning of your stay.
How to get to Príncipe Island?
When organizing the trip, it is important to differentiate between the two main islands of the country.
International flights normally arrive at São ToméTo visit Príncipe Island, you must then take a domestic flight from São Tomé International Airport (TMS) to Príncipe Airport (PCP).
The flight lasts around 40 minutesSTP Airways and other regional carriers may participate in these connections depending on the current schedule.
Schedules can change, and planes have considerably less capacity than international flights. Therefore, if Príncipe is an essential part of your itinerary, we recommend Book in advance and avoid overly tight connections.
We wouldn't, for example, schedule an international flight landing in São Tomé with very little time to spare before departure for Príncipe. A change to the first flight could affect the entire plan.
If you want to visit both islands and prefer not to worry about coordinating flights, accommodations, and transportation, we can help you organize a trip. trip to São Tomé and Príncipe adapted to the available days.
Connections from Africa: alternatives to Lisbon
Lisbon is the easiest route for most travelers departing from Spain, but São Tomé also has regional air connections with Africa.
These routes can be especially interesting if you are already traveling around the continent, if you want to combine São Tomé and Príncipe with another African country, or if you find a connection that better fits your itinerary.
| Ruta | Companies that can operate the connection | Approximate duration of the direct flight | When might it be of interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon → São Tomé | TAP Air Portugal / STP Airways | From about 6 hours 30 minutes | Main alternative for travelers from Spain and the rest of Europe. |
| Luanda → São Tomé | TAAG Angola Airlines | Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes | Useful for itineraries that include Angola or connections through Luanda. |
| Libreville → São Tomé | Regional operators such as Afrijet or Asky, depending on the schedule | Around 1 hours | Especially interesting for trips to Central Africa. |
| Accra → São Tomé | TAP Air Portugal, according to schedule | Around 2 hours | It can fit into certain itineraries through West Africa. |
Routes, frequencies, and days of operation may change from season to season. If you are traveling exclusively from Spain to visit São Tomé and Príncipe, you will typically The connection via Lisbon will be simpler than introducing additional stopovers in Africa..
Tips for finding flights to São Tomé and Príncipe
The number of connections to the archipelago is much lower than in other tourist destinations, so prices and availability can change considerably depending on the dates.
- Compare several departure and return dates. Having some flexibility can make a significant difference in both the price and the overall duration of the trip.
- Find the full route to TMS. Don't just compare Spain–Lisbon and Lisbon–São Tomé separately.
- Check what the rate includes. Checked baggage can significantly change the final cost.
- Value a unique reservation. Although two separate tickets may seem cheaper, a single booking usually offers more protection against connection delays.
- Activate price alerts. If you still have time before your trip, they can help you detect relevant changes in fares.
- Prince Reserve with margin. If you are going to visit both islands, don't leave the domestic connection until the last minute.
There's no magic day of the week when flights are always cheaper, and repeatedly searching for a route doesn't necessarily mean an airline will raise the price. It's more useful to compare dates, fare conditions, and the total duration of the trip.
Documentation and entry requirements
Before purchasing flights, check the entry requirements that correspond to your nationality and the duration of your trip.
Spanish citizens can currently travel to São Tomé and Príncipe for short tourist stays without a visa under certain conditions. However, these rules may change, and different requirements may apply to other nationalities.
To check the requirements according to your passport you can use the Passport Index visa checker.
When it is necessary to apply for an entry permit or a visa, you can consult the page of the Migration and Border Service of São Tomé and Príncipe.
You should also check the health requirements for your itinerary. A layover or previous stay in certain countries may change the requirements related to, for example, yellow fever.
To prepare for these aspects and others such as money, connectivity, health, or luggage, you can find more information in our Tips for traveling to São Tomé and Príncipe.
What to do if your flight changes, is delayed, or is cancelled?
Connections to São Tomé, and especially flights between São Tomé and Príncipe, may be subject to schedule changes. Therefore, we recommend avoiding itineraries planned with minimal margins.
If you booked all your flights under a single reservation, contact the airline to find out about available alternatives. If you booked separate flights, the second airline is not necessarily obligated to cover a missed connection caused by a delay on the first flight.
This is another reason to allow plenty of leeway when organizing your trip and, where possible, avoid concentrating too many important connections on the same day.
What to do upon landing in Santo Tomé?
Once the flights are sorted, the next decision is how you want to explore the island.
If you're going directly to your accommodation, you can pre-book your airport transfer. If you prefer more freedom, a rental car will allow you to explore different regions at your own pace.
You can also combine free days with Tours and excursions in Sao Tome and Principeespecially for routes where you want a local guide or to learn more about the country's history, nature, and culture.
Distances on the map may seem small, but travel times increase on certain roads, especially when traveling south or inland.
If you're still planning your itinerary, our guide on What to see and do in São Tomé and Príncipe It will help you decide which areas you want to include.
Frequently asked questions about how to get to and flights to São Tomé and Príncipe
Are there direct flights from Spain to São Tomé and Príncipe?
There are currently no nonstop flights from Spain. The most common route is to fly from Spain to Lisbon and then continue on to São Tomé.
Are there flights from Madrid to São Tomé and Príncipe?
Yes, you can find flights from Madrid to São Tomé, but they require at least one connection. The most common alternative is to stop over in Lisbon.
Which airport is located in São Tomé and Príncipe?
The main international airport is the São Tomé International AirportLocated on the island of São Tomé. Its IATA code is TMS.
How long is the flight from Lisbon to Santo Tomé?
A nonstop flight usually lasts approximately between six and a half and seven hoursAlways check the specific itinerary because some services may include an intermediate stop.
Can I fly directly to Príncipe from Europe?
The usual way to get to Príncipe is to enter first through São Tomé and then take a flight to Príncipe Airport (PCP).
How long is the flight between São Tomé and Príncipe?
The flight between the two islands takes approximately 40 minutes.
Is it advisable to book the flight to Príncipe in advance?
Yes. The aircraft used on this route have limited capacity and schedules are subject to change. If Príncipe is an essential part of your trip, we recommend booking this connection well in advance.
Are there direct flights from Latin America?
There are currently no direct flights from Latin America to São Tomé and Príncipe. One alternative is to connect through Europe and continue via Lisbon; depending on the country of origin, itineraries via African airports may also be available.
How to get to Sao Tome and Principe from the Canary Islands?
One of the simplest options is usually to travel from the Canary Islands to Lisbon and then continue on to São Tomé. Specific connections depend on the departure airport and dates, so it's best to look up the complete itinerary to TMS.
Is it necessary to book a transfer from the airport?
It's not mandatory, but it can be especially convenient if it's your first visit, you're arriving at night, or your accommodation is outside the city of São Tomé. Booking it in advance allows you to arrange your transportation before you arrive.
Organize your arrival in São Tomé and Príncipe
Getting to São Tomé and Príncipe is easier than it might seem when you look at the archipelago on a map. For most travelers departing from Spain, the key is... Organize the connection in Lisbon correctly and continue from there to São Tomé.
Once you land, you can start exploring the island on your own, book your transfer to your accommodation, or arrange a good part of your trip before leaving Spain.
At Privilege Tours we are in Santo Tomé and we can help you with airport transfers, car rental, excursions and the complete organization of your stay.
If you prefer to travel with all the logistics arranged, check out our organized trips to Sao Tome and PrincipeWe can adapt the itinerary to your dates, the days available, and whether you want to visit only Santo Tomé or combine the trip with Príncipe.
And if you have any questions about flights, connections to Príncipe, or how to fit in the different services, you can Contact Privilege Tours and tell us the dates you are considering.
