Santo Tomé and Príncipe, an African archipelago in the Gulf of Guinea, is a destination that combines virgin jungles, deserted beaches and a unique culture. However, its remote location and the lack of direct flights from Europe require careful planning.

Here we explain how to get to Santo Tomé and Príncipe efficiently, optimising your time and budget.

International flights: options from Spain and Portugal

From Madrid: stopover in Lisbon

If your point of departure is Madrid, the most common route to fly to São Tomé and Príncipe involves a stopover in Lisbon. Airlines such as TAP Air Portugal connect Madrid (MAD) with Lisbon (LIS), and from there, both TAP Air Portugal and STP Airways operate on different days to São Tomé International Airport.

• Total duration: between 12 and 18 hours, depending on the waiting time in Lisbon.

There are no direct flights from Spain, and the most efficient connection is via Lisbon.

Please note: STP Airways is a somewhat chaotic airline, and check-in is also chaotic, so we recommend travelling with plenty of time and patience, as baggage collection in Sao Tome usually takes longer than expected.

From Lisbon: the direct connection

For travellers from Portugal, flights from Lisbon to São Tomé and Príncipe are the fastest option. STP Airways and TAP Air Portugal offer regular flights that vary depending on the time of year. Here is our guide to the best time of year to visit São Tomé and Príncipe.

Direct flight duration: 6 hours and 35 minutes.

• Tip: if you are looking for cheap flights to São Tomé and Príncipe, book at least 3 months in advance.

Key airports: gateways to the archipelago

São Tomé International Airport (TMS)

The main airport in São Tomé and Príncipe is Nuno Xavier International Airport (TMS). It is small but functional and has a small bar and a souvenir shop.

Location: 5 km from the capital, São Tomé. A colonial building with high ceilings and slow fans.

Services:

• Free WiFi at the airport.
• Shop with local products and handicrafts.
• ATMs: there is only one (BSTIP), and it sometimes runs out of cash. Bring euros to exchange for dobras (€1 ≈ 24.5 STD).
• Transport to the centre: Privilege Tours offers private transfers that will make your arrival on the island much more comfortable and quicker.

Príncipe Airport (PCP)

To get to Príncipe Island, you will need to take a domestic flight from TMS. These flights, operated by STP Airways or the airline, take 40 minutes and cost between £120 and £150 one way.

Connections from Africa and Europe: alternatives to Portugal

Don’t want to go via Lisbon? Here are your options (with their pros and cons):

Route Airline Duration Average price Comments

Practical tip: if you are flying from Spain, avoid TAAG Angola Airlines. Although their prices are tempting, the stopovers in Luanda are marathon-like and the service is unpredictable.

Internal connections: travelling between islands

Flights São Tomé – Príncipe

• Frequency: 2 flights daily, subject to weather conditions.
• Recommendation: book in advance to secure seats, especially in high season, as the plane is very small.

Note: if your flight to Príncipe is cancelled (it happens!), improvise with a trip to the southern part of São Tomé to Praia Jalé. This is the wildest beach in São Tomé.

Tips for finding cheap flights to São Tomé and Príncipe

1. Use flexible search engines: Skyscanner or Google Flights allow you to compare dates and airlines. Look for options to fly to São Tomé and Príncipe in low season (October-March).
2. Search in incognito mode: airlines raise prices if they detect repeated searches. Use Chrome in private mode.
3. Tuesday and Wednesday: the cheapest days to book, according to Skyscanner.
4. Strategic stopovers: if you’re travelling from Madrid, a 6-8 hour stopover in Lisbon can reduce the cost of your ticket.
5. Price alerts: set up notifications for routes such as flights from Lisbon to São Tomé and Príncipe and act quickly when fares drop.

Documentation and entry requirements

• Passport: valid for at least 6 months.
• Vaccinations: only yellow fever if you are coming from endemic countries. Check with the International Vaccination Centre before travelling.
• Visa: most citizens are allowed a 15-day stay without a visa. A very useful resource is https://www.passportindex.org/es/travel-visa-checker/, where you can check the requirements for your passport.

If necessary, you can apply for a visa through the official immigration service websitehttp://www.smf.st/evisa/index.php , and if you have any questions, please contact the Privilege Tours team.

Transport from the airport: safe options

• Car rental: Privilege Tours offers 4×4 vehicles from £50/day, ideal for exploring rural roads. You will receive the car upon arrival.
• Private transfers: a driver will wait for you at the airport with a sign with your name on it (book in advance).

What to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled?

• European airlines (TAP Air Portugal): offer refunds or rescheduling of flights.
• African airlines (STP Airways, TAAG Angola): compensation varies and is not usually easy to obtain.

Essential apps for survival

• Maps.me: offline maps of trails and hidden beaches.
• XE Currency: dobras to euros converter.
• Weather Santo Tomé: tropical rain alerts.
• Google Translate: download Portuguese offline. The local Creole is a challenge.

Frequently asked

Are there direct flights from Latin America?

No. All flights require stopovers in Europe (Lisbon) or Africa (Luanda, Libreville).

Is the airport in São Tomé and Príncipe safe?

Yes, but keep an eye on your luggage, as you would at any airport. Avoid displaying valuables in public areas.

How to get to São Tomé and Príncipe from the Canary Islands?

Fly to Lisbon (Iberia/Vueling) and connect with STP Airways.

What plugs are used?

Type C and F (as in Europe). You don’t need an adapter.

Plan ahead and enjoy the journey

Getting to São Tomé and Príncipe may seem challenging, but with the right connections and a good strategy, the journey becomes part of the adventure. Prioritise flights from Lisbon to save time, book transfers or car hire with Privilege Tours for added convenience, and get ready to discover a destination where nature and culture intertwine in a unique way.

Ready to explore? At Privilege Tours, we help you with everything from airport transfers to customised itineraries around the islands. Start your journey!

Too complicated? We can help

If all this seems too complicated, you can contact us for assistance. We can help you plan your arrival, and we even offer organised trips to São Tomé and Príncipe so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Contact us with no obligation.

We also leave you with our guide on what to do in São Tomé and Príncipe.