How to Get to Matadi. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel Access

Main Airports

Matadi itself has a domestic airport, but international travelers usually arrive via Kinshasa.

Air Hubs

Matadi-Tshimpi Airport (FZAM): Serves Matadi, mainly handling sporadic domestic flights.
N'djili International Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa: The main international gateway to the Democratic The nation of Congo.
International travelers typically fly into Kinshasa and then travel to Matadi by road.

Connecting Flights

Airlines provide connections from major global hubs to Kinshasa. Domestic flights to Matadi are less frequent.

Airlines and Routes

To Kinshasa (FIH): International airlines like Brussels Airlines, Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, The National flag carrier airline from turkey, Kenya Airways connect with large hubs.
Domestic Flights to Matadi (FZAM): Flights from Kinshasa to Matadi are sporadic and rather than always reliable.
Little local carriers such as Congo Airways or chartered flights occasionally operate this route.

N'djili Airport Services

Provisions at Kinshasa's international airport are basic by international standards, including limited duty-free and food vendors.

Matadi-Tshimpi Airport

This local the airport provides very basic facilities, typically just a small terminal building.

Kinshasa Transfers

From N'djili, take cabs (negotiate fares), pre-arranged hotel transfers, or hired cars with drivers.

Journeying to Matadi

Road Travel from Kinshasa

The most common method to reach Matadi from Kinshasa.
Shared taxis ("taxi-brousses") or personal cars can be hired for the 3-4 hour drive.
The N1 highway links the cities. The condition of the roads can vary.

Alternative Transport Options

Train: The Matadi-Kinshasa Railway exists, but passenger services are infrequent, slow, and generally not recommended for tourists.
Air: Limited domestic flights from Kinshasa to Matadi are available.

Flight Insights

Direct International Flights

Direct international flights connect Kinshasa (FIH) with major hubs across Europe and Africa. Matadi does not have direct international flights.

Seasonal Flight Price Fluctuations

Flights to Kinshasa (FIH) can fluctuate based on demand, holidays, and governmental events. Matadi travel hinges on domestic connections from Kinshasa.

Flight Booking Tools

Consider using tools like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for finding fares.

Overland Journeys

Shared Taxi & Bus Travel

Land travel is the main method for reaching Matadi from Kinshasa and for regional movement.

Bus Options and Companies

"Bus" services typically consist of shared vans or minibuses ("taxi-brousses" or "foula-foula").
The Kinshasa to Matadi route is well-traveled. Vehicles depart from primary modes of transport hubs in Kinshasa.
Numerous independent operators run these services. Look for vehicles in reasonable condition.

Driving Considerations

Self-driving is generally not recommended for tourists in the DRC due to road conditions, local driving practices, and security concerns.

Self-Driving & Vehicle Needs

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is good for anyone driving, in addition to your national driver's license.
A 4x4 vehicle is a good idea for venturing off main paved routes.
For hiring a car, consider DiscoverCars.com for possibilities if a driver is included.

Roadway Conditions & Security

Road quality changes significantly. Main roads can be paved but often have potholes. Secondary roads are regularly unpaved and difficult.

Road and Safety Details

N1 Highway (Kinshasa to Matadi): Generally one of the better-maintained roads, but potholes, broken sections, and heavy truck traffic are common.
Night driving is strongly discouraged due to poor visibility, broken-down vehicles, and security risks. Roadside checkpoints are common.

Border Entry Points

The Democratic Republic of Congo shares borders with nine countries. Border crossings near Matadi mainly relate to Angola.

Angola Border Crossing

The most relevant border crossing near Matadi would be with Angola (e.g., Lufu-Luvo crossing).
Direct cross-border travel for tourism is not common or straightforward.
Strict visa requirements apply for entry into Angola.

Railway Travel Alert

The Matadi-Kinshasa Railway holds historical significance.
Currently, passenger services are sporadic, slow, and basic.
It is not a reliable or comfortable option for tourists due to unreliability plus simple conditions.

The railway principally provides for cargo transport.
Passenger services are infrequent.
Generally not recommended for tourist travel.

Riverine Connections

Port Overview

Matadi's position on the Congo River makes it a significant port, mainly for cargo.

Main Functions

Matadi functions as the DRC's main deep-water seaport on the Congo River.
It handles significant cargo traffic, functioning as a trade hub.
No regular international passenger ferry services or cruise ship arrivals for tourism operate here.

Local River Boats

Local river transportation exists but mostly caters to local commerce and transport to more compact villages.

River Transport Options

Local river transportation, like pirogues (dugout canoes) or larger local boats.
These services are usually extremely simple, unregulated, and potentially unsafe for tourists.
They mainly serve local needs rather than tourist expeditions.

Port Immigration

Immigration procedures for crew on cargo vessels are handled by port authorities. These do not apply to typical tourist entry.

Land Transport Links

The Port of Matadi integrates well with the city's system of roads, allowing for easy transfer of cargo and local passengers.

River Commerce

River transport along the Congo is mainly for local commerce, linking smaller communities along the waterway.

Smooth Departures

Departure Costs

Departure taxes from Kinshasa (FIH) are typically included in airline ticket fares. Confirm this with your airline upon booking.

Exit Fees & Taxes

No specific exit fees are usually levied at land borders or local airports for foreign tourists.
Be aware that unofficial "fees" might be requested at some points.
Always seek clarification on all fees requested.

Departure Timing

Prepare for your departure from Matadi and Kinshasa with attention to local procedures.

Timing Recommendations

For International Flights from Kinshasa (FIH): Arrive at least 3-4 hours before departure.
This allows for potential queues for check-in, immigration, and security, and accounts for general airport inefficiencies.
For Domestic Leaving from Matadi (FZAM): Arrive at least 1-2 hours before the scheduled flight time, though services are less formal.

Terminal Amenities

Airport and station facilities vary between Kinshasa and Matadi.

Airport	Facilities	Services
N'djili International (FIH)	Minimal waiting facilities, limited food stalls, toilets.	Immigration, customs, limited duty-free, car rental desks (often with driver).
Matadi-Tshimpi (FZAM)	Very minimal facilities.	Small terminal building, basic operations.
Matadi-Kinshasa Railway	Basic stations.	Infrequent, slow passenger services (not recommended for tourists).

N'djili Airport Specifics

Check-in:Can be slow
Immigration:Queues can be long
Security:Thorough checks
Overall Efficiency:Variable

Matadi-Tshimpi Specifics

Check-in:Less formal
Security:Minimal
Overall Efficiency:Depends on flight
Waiting Areas:Limited comfort

Road Travel Kinshasa-Matadi

Duration:3-4 hours (variable)
The State of the roads:N1 is paved, but potholes

River Transport Local

Usage:Local commerce/villages
Safety:Basic, unregulated
Tourist Suitability:Generally not recommended

Other Departure Notes

Airline confirmation:Always reconfirm flight times.

Local Transport:Set up a ride from the airport in advance.

Documents:Keep all travel documents accessible.

Currency:Convert leftover CDF if needed.

Baggage:Adhere to airline weight limits.

Security checks:Be prepared for thorough processes.

Final Departure Insight

Allow ample time for your journey to the airport, considering potential traffic and checkpoints.
Stay calm and cooperative with officials during all departure procedures.
Ensure all immigration and customs formalities are complete before proceeding to your gate.
Maintain vigilance over your belongings until you are safely on board your flight.
Have a safe onward journey!

How to Get to Matadi