Africa > 🇸🇹 São Tomé and Príncipe
The city by city Car or no Car advice for São Tomé and Príncipe can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in São Tomé and Príncipe ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in São Tomé and Príncipe ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in São Tomé and Príncipe ?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in São Tomé and Príncipe
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| São Tomé | TMS |
🚗 Should You Rent a Car in São Tomé and Príncipe?
If you’re planning to explore beyond the capital, yes — renting a car makes good sense, but only on São Tomé itself. The main island’s roads are mostly paved around the coast, and even though they can be narrow or potholed in places, traffic is light. A rental car allows you to stop at secluded beaches, waterfalls, and plantation houses at your own pace.
However, on Príncipe, which is smaller and much less developed, renting a car isn’t really necessary. Most hotels and lodges offer jeep transfers or guided tours, and the island’s size means you can see most sights easily within a day.
🏝️ Getting Around São Tomé
The road circling São Tomé takes you past some of the country’s most stunning scenery — from the colonial streets of São Tomé City, to the beaches of Praia das Sete Ondas and Praia Inhame, to the dramatic volcanic plug Pico Cão Grande rising out of the rainforest.
Driving here can be slow but scenic. Petrol stations are limited outside the capital, so it’s wise to fill up early. Public transport exists in the form of minibuses (aluguers), but they can be irregular and are best for short hops rather than sightseeing.
✈️ Travelling Between the Islands
The only practical way to travel between São Tomé and Príncipe is by domestic flight, which takes about 35 minutes. There’s no regular passenger ferry. If you do rent a car, it must stay on São Tomé — you can’t transport it between the islands.
🌋 Nature and Photography
Both islands are a dream for photographers and nature lovers. The landscapes are incredibly varied — tropical forests, misty peaks, and quiet fishing villages — and you’ll constantly want to stop for photos. This is another strong reason to rent a car for a few days, even if you don’t keep it for your whole stay.
🧭 Summary — Should You Rent a Car in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Why you should:
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Ideal for exploring São Tomé’s coastal and volcanic scenery.
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Light traffic and quiet roads make driving enjoyable.
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Freedom to stop for photos and explore at your own pace.
Why you shouldn’t:
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Not needed on Príncipe — hotels organise transfers.
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Public minibuses cover short routes cheaply.
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Limited petrol stations and occasional rough road conditions.
🚙 Conclusion:
You should rent a car on São Tomé, but not on Príncipe. A few days’ car hire gives you the freedom to uncover the islands’ wild beauty — from cocoa plantations to volcanic peaks — without relying on timetables or tour groups. Beyond that, let the rhythm of island life take over 🌴✨.
