Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Boa Vista gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from BVC to the city takes roughly 30 minutes by Taxi, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of BVC:
- Can you legally enter Cape Verde? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-minute journey each way by Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the CVE. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Transport from Rabil Airport to Downtown
The most straightforward way into Boa Vista is the Taxi, which takes about 30 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 50 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the Taxi is usually the smarter call.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Boa Vista, budget roughly $33 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $15 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $8 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Luggage Storage at BVC
Specific locker facilities at BVC aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Boa Vista itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Things to Do During Your Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Boa Vista:
Start with Praia de Estoril. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Then, if time allows, make your way to Sal Rei Town Center & Market. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside BVC, you can spend time at BVC Duty Free Shop or try Airport Cafe & Bar. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Grab a Meal
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Boa Vista: Restaurant Porton di nos Ilha and Restaurante Pescador. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Aeroporto Snack Bar or Airport Kiosk & Coffee. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Taking a Break at BVC
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at BVC, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at BVC, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Boa Vista itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Cape Verde that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Boa Vista exploring the streets or relaxing at BVC, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.