Renting a car in Cape Verde is the perfect way to explore and discover the island where you are staying. You have the freedom to go wherever you want. Discover the most beautiful places yourself and determine your own pace. Driving can also be spectacular. For example, you have impressive roads along the coast at Santo Antao. Or you can actually ride offroad on some islands such as Sal, Boavista and Sao Vicente. For off-road driving a 4 × 4 car (four-wheel drive) is recommended to reach almost any location. The regular roads in Cape Verde are not busy and are in excellent condition.
Below we give the most important information about renting a car on the Cape Verde islands. For exampl, our preferrad rental car company in Cape Verde, the cost of renting a car and what exactly you need to rent a car.
Car rental Cape Verde
On most of the islands you can rent a car. Booking a car is possible in advance but also last minute. However, due to car availability it is recommended to book a car before you arrive in Cape Verde. Based on our years of experience in Cape Verde, we have come to the conclusion that TUI Cars has good quality cars for a reasonable price. TUI Cars is part of the well-known TUI group, one of the largest travel organizations in the world. TUI Cars works together with car rental companies such as Hertz and Avis. And TUI Cars makes sure you get the best deal.
The most important locations where car hire in Cape Verde is possible via TUI Cars are:
Cost of renting a car in Cape Verde
The rent of a car starts from about 70 euros per day. This depends of course on the type of car, availability, the season and the island where you rent a car. In many cases a 4 × 4 car is strongly recommended. If you rent a car for a longer period, the rental price drops per day. It is usual that a deposit is paid when renting the car. A credit card is usually required to conclude the rental contract. For example, the credit card guarantees the deposit, the deductible cost and possible damage. In some cases the rental contract can also be paid with cash.
Is my driving license valid in Cape Verde?
Cape Verde do recognize most driver licenses from other countries. However, most car rentals accept also an international driving permit (IDP). Also, when you expect possible language problems, an international driving permit can be useful. Car rental companies in Cape Verde can also impose specific requirements. For example, a minimum or maximum age. Or a minimum number of years of driving experience. Always check the requirements of car rental companies beforehand.
What do I need to rent a car?
If you go to the car rental company in Cape Verde, please at least take the following:
- A valid driving license. If you expect language problems, an international driving license is a solution;
- A valid passport (copy);
- Your booking form if you have made a reservation in advance (recommended);
- Deposit – a credit card or cash depending on the conditions of the car rental company.
Inga says
Hi,
Is it some rental company in Sal airport? TUI has an office just in downtown. Do they deliver a car to the airport?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hi Inga,
We don’t no the policy of Tui Cars, however to downtown is around 10 minutes with a taxi. So in case it is not possible, it is not too far.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Inga says
Thanks for answer. So as i understand its not any car rent company in /near airport self?
Dennis Kreft says
Hello – We are a family of 6 looking for a large enough vehicle to fit us all instead of hiring 2 cars. I’ve tried a few sites and have not has much luck. We will be flying into Praia, and spending a few days before we travel to Fogo and Brava before ending our trip back in Praia. Any suggestions or are we going to end up hiring 2 smaller vehicles to fit us all?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hi Dennis,
We understand your situation, hopefully you still can manage to hire 1 car instead of 2 cars. Our advice would be to contact the car rental companies directly with the question if they can you help you out with a car that fits 6 people.
Good luck!
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Paul Raper says
I don’t seem to be able to rent a car on Boa Vista, is it because i’m 73 ?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hi Paul,
We would recommend you to contact the rental company directly, they can help you further.
Thanks,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Chris Florko says
Hello – I would like to rent a car in Sao Filipe. It does not appear there are any major rental car companies located there like TUI, Hertz, Avis. But it looks like there are a couple other options. Do you have a recommendation? Thank you
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Chris,
That is correct, there are not any car rental companies from major brands on Fogo. We do not have the experience with comparing the current rental car companies, so hope somebody can share any experience / recommendations with you.
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Ankita Vimal says
Hi,
I don’t have the physical licence card but have a valid uk driving licence certificate (online copy). Can I still rent a car?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello,
An international driving permit can help you in these situations. Otherwise, we would advice you to contact the rental car company in advance and explain your situation.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Navin says
Hi there,
I have a valid Malaysian driving license that is written in english. Am I allowed to drive in Cape Verde?
Thank you
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Navin,
Most of the times your own driver license is sufficient. However, if you make a reservation in advance we advice you to double check with the car rental company.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Chris Trinder says
I have a valid U.K. driving license and will be 70yrs of age and have had a license since I was 21. I have driven in Europe and Turkey.
Will my age be okay to hire a car in Santa Maria Sal, in January?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Chris,
Good to know it is pretty easy driving on Sal (not that many cars or busy roads). Normally there are only minimum age restrictions. To be sure, contact to car rental company. Hope you will have a nice holiday!
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org