Airport Guides, Reviews & Travel Tips

Amilcar Cabral Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Amilcar Cabral Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

There is one long row of benches, some of them are without armrests and perfect to lie on and get a sleep. – Piotras

SID Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Amilcar Cabral Airport.

What to Expect

Amilcar Cabral Airport (code: SID) has a single, two-story terminal that serves a few year-round destinations plus a number of seasonal flights and charters. Facilities are said to be outdated but well-maintained. Amenities include two restaurants, a snack bar, some shops, and free WiFi. For added comfort while you wait, economy class passengers can pay to enter the airport lounge.

Sleeping in Amilcar Cabral Airport

Reviews are limited, but a reviewer from back in 2013 shared that there was a long row of benches that were comfortable for sleeping. For privacy and comfort, nearby hotels offer shuttle service. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Amilcar Cabral Airport Guide.

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Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are several guest houses and small hotels in nearby Espargos (approx. 7 minutes by car) and one hotel along the road to Santa Maria.

  • Murdeira Village Resort – No airport shuttle.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program.

  • Safeport Business Aviation Lounge – Location: Safeport Executive Terminal, Airside. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.

Food & Drinks

There are two restaurants and a snack bar in the international departures area. Availability overnight is unclear, and 24-hour options cannot be confirmed.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A reader reported a luggage storage facility, but no further details are available. (December 2019)

Mobile Charging

We had no information about mobile charging availability at the time of this update. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Showers

Showers can be found in the Safeport Business Aviation Lounge. [ see Airport Lounges above ]

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available at Amilcar Cabral Airport.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Note: Locations, hours, and rates may change. Information is provided for general reference only.

  • Banking Services – BCA and Caixa Económica operate full-service banking facilities.
  • Currency Exchange – COTa Cambios offers currency exchange services.
  • Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free and a small selection of retail and souvenir shops are available.
  • Medical Services – An airport clinic provides urgent and emergency care.
Airlines
Amilcar Cabral Airport is served by the following airlines: ASL Airlines • Binter Canarias • Blue Panorama Airlines • Brussels Airlines • Cabo Verde Airlines • Corendon • Enter Air • Luxair • Neos • Novair • Royal Air Maroc • Smartlynx • TAP Air Portugal • Transavia • TUI Fly. Note: some of these airlines only operate seasonal flights.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Car Rentals

At the time of this update, we are unable to confirm which car rental agencies are available on-site at Amilcar Cabral Airport.

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Shared Public Transportation

Travel as the locals do! “Alugueres” are shared-ride minibuses that travel on a well-organized route system for a fixed price. From Alugueres on Sal Island, travel between Santa Maria, Espargos, and Palmeira.

Taxis

Metered taxis are available for hire in the ground transportation area during airport hours of operation.

Last updated: 2026-03-25

This guide is for planning purposes only. Details, including rates and hours, may change without notice. Information comes from airports and service providers, their websites, and traveller submissions. We do not represent these providers. To share corrections or updates: write a review or update the airport guide.

Airport at a Glance