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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Angola's main international gateway is Luanda's Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport (LAD).

Air Hubs

  • Luanda (LAD): Main international airport. A new airport (Dr. António Agostinho Neto) is under construction.
  • TAAG Angola Airlines: National carrier with international routes (Lisbon, Johannesburg, São Paulo) and extensive domestic network.
  • International Airlines: TAP Air Portugal, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Kenya Airways.

Flight Availability & Airport Services

Direct flights from a growing number of international cities. Booking well in advance is a good idea.

Traveler Information

  • Seasonal Prices: Higher during dry season (June-September) and major holidays. Flexibility with dates helps find better fares.
  • LAD Facilities: Currency exchange, ATMs (variable reliability), duty-free, some restaurants/cafes, car rental desks. Basic compared to major international hubs.
  • Transfers: Taxis outside terminal (negotiate fare). Pre-arranged hotel transfers are a secure option. Ride-sharing apps (Heetch/Africell Taxi) in Luanda.

Flight Deals

Find affordable flights via Dollar Flight Club for budget-conscious travel.

Price Comparison

Compare flight prices across various airlines using Skyscanner for the best deals.

Construction Update

The new Dr. António Agostinho Neto Airport's operational status may vary; check before travel.

Airport Tips

Arrival Recommendations

  • Have your hotel address and phone number ready for your taxi driver or pre-arranged transport.
  • Keep printed copies of all relevant documents (visa, accommodation) for immigration.
  • Consider exchanging a small amount of local currency upon arrival for immediate needs.
  • After immigration, proceed to collect your luggage. Customs checks are in place.

Departure Recommendations

  • Arrive at LAD at least 2-3 hours before international flights; check-in and security may take time.
  • Allow extra time during peak travel periods or if you have excess luggage.
  • Facilities post-security are limited; consider eating before or bringing snacks.
  • Departure taxes for international flights usually fall within your airfare.

Alternative Airports Domestic Focus

Catumbela Airport CBT

Serves Benguela, mainly for domestic flights, but may have regional African connections.

Mukanka Airport SDD

Serves Lubango, handles domestic flights for regional access.

Cabinda Airport CAB

Serves Cabinda, mainly for domestic flights, connecting the exclave.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings & Trains

Land travel in Angola offers options for regional journeys and exploring the interior.

Connecting Angola

  • Border Crossings: Santa Clara (Namibia) is common. Borders with DRC/Botswana/Zambia are less developed.
  • Train Services: Northern (Luanda-Malanje), Central (Lobito-Luena), Southern (Namibe-Menongue) lines offer scenic routes.
  • Procedures: Expect slow, bureaucratic processes at land borders. Have all visa documents.

Long-Distance Buses & Self-Driving

Bus travel provides a common intercity transport for locals. Self-driving offers flexibility.

Road Journeys

  • Bus Options: Companies like Macon and Huambo connect major cities. Buses may be crowded; journeys are long.
  • Self-Driving: International Driving Permit (IDP) required. 4x4 vehicles often a good idea for poor roads.
  • Fuel & Navigation: Fuel stations available in major towns; plan stops in remote areas. GPS may be unreliable.

Road Conditions & Safety

Angola's roads present varied conditions and hazards.

Navigating Roads

  • Road Quality: Varies greatly. Major routes paved but may have potholes. Secondary roads often unpaved.
  • Hazards: Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, livestock, and poorly maintained vehicles.
  • Security: Incidents of banditry or carjacking may occur on isolated roads, especially at night. Avoid night driving outside city centers.

Car Rental Logistics

Renting a car offers flexibility but carries responsibilities.

Rental Insights

  • Availability: Car rental services at Luanda airport and major cities. International companies and local operators available.
  • Requirements: Valid national driver's license, IDP, credit card for deposit. Age typically 21 or 25.
  • Driving Laws: Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Adhere to speed limits. Avoid driving at night.

Rental Cautions

  • Motorcycle/Scooter: Less common for tourists, hazardous due to traffic and road surfaces. Not generally recommended.
  • Fuel Availability: May be an issue in remote areas. Plan your fuel stops carefully.
  • Parking: Challenging and insecure in urban centers. Use supervised parking where possible.
  • Navigation: GPS data may be unreliable or outdated. Road signs may be infrequent.
  • Driving: Defensive driving is useful due to varied habits and hazards.
  • Check DiscoverCars.com for rental options.

Sea/River Arrivals

Port Information

Sea and river transportation options have limited availability for international tourist arrivals.

Sea Access

  • Luanda Port: A major cargo port. Cruise ship calls are infrequent.
  • Domestic Ferries: Local ferry services connect Luanda to Mussulo Island.
  • Immigration: Standard immigration procedures apply, similar to air travel (passport, visa, Yellow Fever certificate).

River Transportation

River transport has limited use for general tourist travel.

Waterway Details

  • Limited Options: Exists mainly in the northern Congo River basin.
  • Tourist Use: Not typically for intercity travel by visitors. May be part of specific, specialized tours.
  • Connections: From Luanda port, taxis connect to accommodation or other city parts.

Smooth Immigration

Having all necessary documents ready for port immigration simplifies entry.

Limited Waterways

Most river transport is not designed for general tourist intercity travel.

Specialized Tours

River journeys are typically part of specific, organized tour packages.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

Departure taxes for international flights are usually included in your airfare. Confirm this with your airline or travel agent.

Timing & Check-in

  • Luanda Airport (LAD): Arrive at least 2-3 hours before international flights.
  • Check-in and security lines may take time. Allow extra time during peak travel periods.
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive at least 1-2 hours before departure.

Airport Facilities

Plan your entry and exit strategies thoroughly to manage logistics.

Departure Comforts

  • Luanda Airport: Facilities post-security may have limitations. Expect basic shops, a cafe, and seating areas.
  • Do not expect extensive dining or shopping options.
  • Domestic Airports/Stations: Facilities are generally basic. It is a good idea to eat before arriving or bring your own snacks.

Comparison Table: Getting Around Angola

Mode Use Cases Pros
Flights (Domestic) Long distances between major cities Fastest way to cover long distances
Intercity Bus Travel between major cities/provinces More affordable than flying
Self-Drive Flexibility, exploring remote areas Maximum flexibility and independence

More Transport Options

  • TrainAffordable, unique perspective
  • Taxi (Urban)Readily available in cities
  • Ride-Sharing AppsPotential fixed pricing, convenient
  • WalkingFree, allows close view

Cost Ranges USD, approx.

  • Flights (one-way)$150 - $300+
  • Intercity Bus (per trip)$20 - $80+
  • Train (per trip)$10 - $50+
  • Self-Drive (rental/day)$80 - $150+

Urban Transit Costs USD

  • Taxi (short ride)$5 - $15
  • Candongueiro (per trip)$1 - $2

Cons of Various Modes

  • FlightsMost expensive, limited destinations
  • Intercity BusSlow, less comfortable, variable reliability
  • Self-DriveHigh cost, poor roads, safety concerns

Additional Cons

TrainSlow, infrequent, limited network
Taxi (Urban)Fares need negotiation, quality varies
Ride-Sharing AppLimited availability, network reliance
WalkingLimited infrastructure, safety concerns
CandongueiroCrowded, comfort low, safety concerns
Motorcycle RentalHazardous roads, limited availability

Choose Your Path

  • Plan your logistics carefully to match your budget and travel style.
  • For remote areas, self-drive or organized tours are often more practical.
  • In cities, taxis or ride-sharing offer more safety than crowded minibuses for tourists.
  • Always prioritize safety, especially when choosing local transport options.