Layover in Praia (RAI)
Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.
About Praia
Praia — literally "Beach" in Portuguese — is Cape Verde's capital and busiest city. While it's maybe not comparable to a western metropolis, with a population of only about 159,050 (2017), one in four Cape Verdeans call the city home and the city is an important thoroughfare for international visitors to the archipelagic country.
From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.
How much time can you use?
After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.
| Layover | Domestic arrival | International arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | About 1h 49m in the city | Head straight to your gate |
| 6 hours | About 3h 49m in the city | About 2h 14m in the city |
| 8 hours | About 5h 49m in the city | About 4h 14m in the city |
| 12 hours | About 9h 49m in the city | About 8h 14m in the city |
Getting into Praia
About 18m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center, roughly 4 km (2 mi). This is an estimate based on distance; the planner checks real transit times for your exact flight.
Questions
Can I leave the airport on a layover in Praia?
On a domestic connection, you need roughly 4 hours or more to get into Praia and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 6 hours or more.
How do I get from RAI to central Praia?
Allow about 18m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center; the center is about 4 km (2 mi) from the airport.
How early should I head back to RAI?
Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.
Build a plan for your exact flight
Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.