Travelling from Joao Paulo II Airport (PDL) to Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI): what you need to know
The average length of a direct flight from Joao Paulo II Airport to Nelson Mandela International Airport is 3 hours 45 minutes.
Praia's timezone is UTC-1, which is the same as Ponta Delgada.
Flights from PDL to RAI start from 08:10 — the first with Azores Airlines. The last service of the day is at 21:55 with Azores Airlines. In total, you can choose from five weekly Joao Paulo II Airport to Nelson Mandela International Airport flights.
Get to the airport on time so you don't miss your PDL to RAI flight. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to avoid any last-minute rush.
During popular months such as August, it's best to get to the airport earlier than normal. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're travelling during a high season in general.
Azores Airlines is your ticket to exploring Praia (and maybe even some other great corners of Cape Verde!). Browse the direct flights from Joao Paulo II Airport to Nelson Mandela International Airport offered by this airline.
The airline with the highest passenger demand on this route is Azores Airlines.
The carrier with the most consistent on-time arrival rate for PDL to RAI flights is Azores Airlines.
How to find the cheapest flights from Joao Paulo II Airport (PDL) to Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI)
$555 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Joao Paulo II Airport to Nelson Mandela International Airport flight. A return flight starts at $947. These prices may change based on demand and availability.
To pick up cheap tickets from PDL to RAI, book your journey one month ahead of your departure.
December is the cheapest month for flights from Joao Paulo II Airport to Nelson Mandela International Airport. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
Picking up cheap flights from PDL to RAI is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as fares go down.
Lock in the perfect flight for you by using the filters. To see the 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Joao Paulo II Airport to Nelson Mandela International Airport, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter by airline, arrival and departure times, and number of stops.
Handy information about Joao Paulo II Airport (PDL)
68.76% of flights departing from Joao Paulo II Airport reach their destination on schedule.
Joao Paulo II Airport is about 5 kilometres from central Ponta Delgada. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic.
The trip when using public transport usually takes 35 minutes.
Taking an early flight from Joao Paulo II Airport to Nelson Mandela International Airport? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these hotels near PDL:
Arriving at Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI)
If you're getting in on a late Joao Paulo II Airport to Nelson Mandela International Airport flight, nothing tops the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be resting not long after at one of these accommodation options near RAI:
Travel at your own pace with a Nelson Mandela International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Fernando Rent a Car, Route 238 or Alucar and discover more of Praia and beyond.
To lock in the lowest price, reserve your ride from Nelson Mandela International Airport around two weeks before you set off.
Getting from Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) to central Praia
Nelson Mandela International Airport is roughly 5 kilometres from the centre of Praia. The drive time takes around 5 minutes.
When to fly to Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI)
The quietest month for a flight from Joao Paulo II Airport to Nelson Mandela International Airport is April, while June is the most popular. Pick the best time to go to Praia based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book your flight from Joao Paulo II Airport to Nelson Mandela International Airport for October if you want to go to Praia during its warmest month. Expect temperatures of between 24ºC (75ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from PDL to RAI in March if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between 19ºC (66ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF) on average.
Explore more of Cape Verde
You've visited Praia, now it's time to explore other parts of Cape Verde. Travel around 274 kilometres north-west to Mindelo to check off its leading sights. From Praça PMI-PE to Praça Dom Luís and Fort with cannons, there's plenty to keep you busy.
If you're looking to explore another side of Cape Verde, consider Santa Maria, roughly 193 kilometres north of Praia. Reserva Natural de Costa da Fragata, Black Beach and Ponta de Vera Cruz Lighthouse are highlights.