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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Air Travel

Airport & Connections

Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH) in Moroni is the main international gateway. No direct flights connect Comoros to major global hubs outside Africa.

Connecting Flights

  • Ethiopian Airlines connects via Addis Ababa (Dollar Flight Club, Skyscanner for deals).
  • Kenya Airways connects via Nairobi.
  • Air Tanzania connects via Dar es Salaam, and Air Madagascar via Antananarivo.

Local Carriers & Mayotte

Local airlines provide inter-island flights between Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Anjouan.

Inter-Island Air Travel

  • AB Aviation, Comores Aviation, and Int'Air Iles operate domestically.
  • Ewa Air connects from Mayotte (French overseas department).
  • Flights between islands offer a convenient way to travel within the archipelago.

Airport Transfers

Taxis are the main transport from Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport to Moroni (20-30 mins). Negotiate fare before journey.

Airport Facilities

Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport is small with basic facilities: small shops, cafes, currency exchange. Carry some cash upon arrival.

Seasonal Flights

Flight prices are higher during European summer (June-August) and Christmas/New Year holidays. Consider shoulder seasons for better prices.

Travel Options & Tips

Flight Search Resources

  • Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.
  • Skyscanner for comparing flight prices.
  • Plan for at least one layover through African cities.
  • Check airline websites for specific routes and schedules.

Departure Preparations

  • Arrive 2-3 hours before your international flight for check-in.
  • Departure taxes are typically included in your airfare; confirm this detail.
  • Be prepared for potentially long queues during peak travel times.
  • Facilities for departing travelers are basic; plan for pre-flight needs.

Sea & Land Transport

Inter-island Ferries

Regular ferry services connect Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Anjouan. This is a budget-friendly option to flights. Schedules change without notice, and delays are common.

Land Transport

Comoros is an island nation without international land borders. No train services exist. Public transportation uses shared minibuses (taxi-brousse/matatu) for local travel.

Driving & Rentals

Car rental from local agencies in Moroni. A valid national driving license and International Driving Permit (IDP) are needed. Prices are around €40-€70/day. Roads vary, rural roads are unpaved. Driving at night is not recommended.

Domestic Transportation

Domestic Road Travel

Public transportation within the islands mainly consists of shared minibuses, known as "taxi-brousse" or "matatu."

Taxi-Brousse System

  • Shared vans or minibuses follow fixed routes.
  • They depart when full; wait times vary.
  • Fares are paid directly to the driver or conductor; they are very affordable.

Self-Driving Details

Car rental is available from a few local agencies, mainly in Moroni. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed.

Driving Considerations

  • Rental prices typically run from €40-€70 per day.
  • Road conditions vary; main roads have potholes, rural roads are rough.
  • Driving at night is not recommended due to poor lighting and obstacles.

Taxi & Ride-Sharing

For more direct or comfortable travel, private taxis are available. Ride-sharing apps are absent.

Taxi Identification & Fares

  • Regular taxis are available in Moroni and other main towns; they are unmetered.
  • Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
  • Payment is always in cash, using Comorian Francs.

Driving & Safety

Driving laws exist, and safety needs attention due to varying road conditions.

Laws & Conditions

  • Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelt use is mandatory.
  • Speed limits are generally low due to road conditions and pedestrian activity.
  • Main roads are paved but may have potholes and unmarked obstacles.

Sea Travel & Ferry Tips

  • Regular ferry services connect Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Anjouan.
  • Major ports are Moroni, Mutsamudu, and Fomboni.
  • Schedules change without notice, and delays are common.
  • Passport and visa checks occur upon arrival at major ports.
  • Taxis and shared minibuses are available at ports for onward travel.
  • Small boats, often called 'pangas', carry passengers between coastal villages.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

Departure taxes for international flights are typically included in your airfare. Always confirm with your airline or tour operator whether any additional fees might be needed at the airport.

Departure Checklist

  • Arrive at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport at least 2-3 hours before your international flight.
  • Check-in processes can be manual and slower than expected.
  • Allow ample time for security checks.

Airport Facilities

Facilities at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport are basic. You will not find extensive shopping or dining options.

Amenities Overview

  • A few small shops and cafes are available.
  • A small duty-free shop is present.
  • Plan accordingly for any pre-flight needs.

Getting Around

Walking & Cycling

Moroni's medina (old town) is best explored on foot. Its narrow, winding alleys are not accessible by vehicle.

Pedestrian Areas & Safety

  • Coastal villages and smaller towns are pleasant for walking.
  • Comoros has limited to no dedicated bicycle infrastructure like bike lanes.
  • Cycling on main roads can be hazardous due to traffic and poor conditions.

Specialized Transportation

Some unique local transport options exist, mainly water-based.

Unique Modes & Accessibility

  • Tour buses and hop-on-hop-off services are not available.
  • Small boats, 'pangas', are used for short transfers between coastal villages.
  • Accessibility services and infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges are very limited.

Departure Procedures

Airport Arrival

Arrive at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport at least 2-3 hours before your international flight.

Check-in Process

Be prepared for potentially long queues and a slower, more manual check-in process.

Airport Facilities

Facilities are basic, with limited shopping or dining options. Plan for pre-flight needs.

Departure Tips

Allow generous time for airport procedures. Confirm all details with your airline before heading to the airport.

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