Located in the heart of the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe is an accessible archipelago, despite its unspoiled nature. Today, flying is the only way to reach the islands from abroad, with regular flights and seamless connections from the rest of the world.
Practical Guide
How do I get there?
Where are you leaving from?
Depuis
l’Europe
Traveling by Plane
Europe is currently the easiest and most seamless gateway to São Tomé and Príncipe. Thanks to the archipelago’s historical ties with Portugal, air service is well-established and relatively frequent, particularly from Lisbon.
Most European travelers pass through the Portuguese capital, which serves as the main hub for flights to São Tomé. Direct flights allow travelers to reach the archipelago without a layover, offering a comfortable travel experience to a tropical destination that remains largely unspoiled.
Via Lisbon (Portugal)
Lisbon is the only European city offering direct flights to São Tomé. These flights are operated by several airlines, depending on the time of year, and are the fastest and most reliable way to reach the archipelago.
Lisbon → São Tomé
Average travel time: 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours
Direct flight, no layovers
STP Airways offers the most comfortable flight between Lisbon and São Tomé, aboard a Boeing 767-300 operated by Euro Atlantic Airways. Currently, the route is served once a week, with fares around 580 euros.
TAP Air Portugal offers two weekly flights between Lisbon and São Tomé on an Airbus A320. TAP’s flights provide connections to all of Europe as well as the rest of the world. These flights typically stop at Accra Airport in Ghana, where connections to other flights are available.
TAAG offers three weekly flights between Lisbon and São Tomé. Generally, TAAG flights stop at Luanda Airport in Angola, where other connections are available.
From other major European cities, travelers can fly to Lisbon on daily flights before continuing on to São Tomé.
Sample itineraries from Europe:
Paris → Lisbon → São Tomé
Brussels → Lisbon → São Tomé
London → Lisbon → São Tomé
Berlin → Lisbon → São Tomé
Zurich → Lisbon → São Tomé
These routes allow you to reach São Tomé and Príncipe with just one stopover, with generally comfortable layover times.
Depuis
l’Afrique
Traveling by Plane
São Tomé and Príncipe is well connected to several countries in West and Central Africa. These regional connections are particularly appealing to travelers who are already on the African continent or who wish to combine several destinations during a single trip.
Flights from Africa are often shorter than those from Europe and provide quick access to the archipelago.
Direct Flights from Africa
Several African cities offer direct flights to São Tomé:
- Accra (Ghana) → São Tomé
A regular flight connecting West Africa to the archipelago. Accra is a major regional hub, easily accessible from many African countries. - Libreville (Gabon) → São Tomé
A direct flight connecting Central Africa to São Tomé, often used by travelers from Gabon, Cameroon, or the Congo. - Luanda (Angola) → São Tomé
: A direct flight operated by Angola’s national airline, convenient for travelers coming from Southern Africa.
These routes offer relatively short flight times, generally ranging from 1 hour and 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the departure city.
Depuis
l’Amérique
Traveling by Plane
There are currently no direct flights between the Americas and São Tomé and Príncipe. Travelers coming from the Americas must therefore plan for at least one stopover, or even two, depending on the route they choose.
The most common route goes through Europe, particularly via Lisbon, which remains the simplest and most logical connection.
Most Common Routes
- New York → Lisbon → São Tomé
- Miami → Lisbon → São Tomé
- Montreal → Lisbon → São Tomé
An alternative is to travel via Africa, particularly through Accra or Luanda, but these routes are generally longer and less direct.
This longer journey is part of the travel experience: traveling to São Tomé and Príncipe from the Americas means embracing a gradual journey toward a destination that’s still off the beaten path.
Depuis
l’Asie
Traveling by Plane
From Asia, the trip to São Tomé and Príncipe usually requires two stopovers. There are no direct flights, and routes typically go through Europe or the Middle East, then on to Africa.
Despite the distance, major Asian aviation hubs make it possible to reach São Tomé through well-established flight combinations.
Common Routes
- Tokyo / Seoul / Beijing → Europe (Lisbon, Paris) → São Tomé
- India / Southeast Asia → Middle East → Africa → São Tomé
These routes are longer, but remain perfectly feasible for travelers accustomed to long-haul flights and seeking destinations off the beaten path.
Upon your arrival in São Tomé and Príncipe
There is a tourist information office at the airport where you can get information on accommodations, car rental agencies, and taxis. The airport is a 10-minute drive from the capital’s city center. Most accommodations are located in the country’s capital.
For more information, contact: promocaostp@gmail.com or via WhatsApp: 00239 9830166.
Domestic Flights
Travel between the islands is provided by domestic flights operated by STP Airways or África Connections on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The flight between the islands takes only 40 minutes. Tickets cost around 260 euros per person. The flights are operated by small aircraft with a maximum capacity of 35 passengers, and each passenger is allowed to check 15 kilograms of luggage. As you fly over the island of Príncipe, you’re sure to fall in love with its landscapes and lush greenery.
HOW TO GET TO PRINCIPE ISLAND
There are no direct flights to Príncipe Island; international airlines only land on São Tomé Island.
How to travel from São Tomé to Príncipe: Flights are operated by STP Airways, based on the needs of travel agencies.
STP Airways: Operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Departure from São Tomé to Príncipe at 9:00 a.m., arrival at 9:30 a.m. Check-in begins in São Tomé at 7:30 a.m. Ticket prices range from 260 to 270 euros.
AFRIJET: Operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Tuesdays: departs from São Tomé at 11:00 a.m., arrives at 11:30 a.m. (check-in begins at 9:30 a.m.).
Thursdays and Sundays: departs from São Tomé at 9:00 a.m., arrives on the island of Príncipe at 9:30 a.m. (check-in begins at 7:30 a.m.). Ticket prices range from 200 to 250 euros.
To plan
your trip
Planning a trip to São Tomé and Príncipe is the first step in the experience. Let us guide you as you create a trip that’s just right for you, featuring unspoiled nature, authentic encounters, and moments that feel timeless.
