Travelling from São Tomé to Principe
To travel from São Tomé to Príncipe, you have 2 options:
- Air Travel: This is the quickest and most direct way to get from São Tomé to Príncipe. STP Airways and Africa's Connection STP are two local airlines that provide flights between the islands. The flights typically take around 30 to 40 minutes. This route offers 18 flights per week , making it the most frequent air connection in Sao Tome.
- Sea Travel: For those who prefer or require a less expensive option and aren't constrained by time, there are boat services available. The journeys by sea can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours, depending on the service chosen, the size of the vessel, and weather conditions. This option is more prone to delays and cancellations due to weather, and it's important to be aware that sea conditions can be rough
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Air travel from São Tomé to Principe
If you're planning to travel from São Tomé to Príncipe and are looking for a quick and efficient means of transportation, booking a flight is your best option. You can make reservations through the official websites of local airlines, such as STP Airways. As of 2024, the cost of a one-way flight is 134 euros for the 30-minute flight.
When booking online through the airline's website, you'll be prompted to select your travel dates and provide passenger information. It's advisable to book your flight in advance, as seats can fill up . Also, keep an eye out for any travel advisories, weather and other conditions that might affect flights.
Sea travel from São Tomé to Principe
Summary from online newspaper from March 2023
Four years after the sinking of the ship Amfitriti, the maritime connection between the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe has resumed. Residents of Príncipe have expressed satisfaction with the restoration of the inter-island maritime link but caution that it's important to learn from past mistakes, particularly regarding safety in maritime navigation.
The new vessel, "Olivia C," purchased in Greece by the São Toméan businessman João Cardoso, can carry 300 passengers but only transported fuel on its maiden voyage. The first trip took place on Wednesday, with the ship traveling from the port of Ana Chaves in São Tomé to the port of Santo António in Príncipe. The President of the Regional Government of Príncipe Island, Filipe Nascimento, accompanied the inaugural sail and reminisced about the Anfitriti's tragic accident that occurred four years ago in April, noting the search for a sustainable solution for the connection between the two islands since then.
A round trip on the new boat is expected to cost $130, which is about 3,000 dobras, compared to the current airfare of $270, estimated at 6,500 dobras. A local resident, who requested anonymity, has appealed for government support, especially for those living in Príncipe, due to the many challenges they face.
Over the past two decades, more than a half-dozen ships have sunk in the connections between the islands due to overloading. One Príncipe resident underscored the need to learn from the Anfitriti incident, highlighting the imperative of not repeating the same mistakes in the future.
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Travel Advice & individual Tours in São Tomé and Príncipe
Günther Zeber - Sao Tome & Principe Guide
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