How to Get to Antananarivo. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airport & International Flights

Ivato International Airport (TNR) acts as the main international gateway, located 16 km northwest of the city.

Airlines & Routes

Direct flights from Paris (France's National airline), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines).
Connections also from Nairobi (Kenya Airways) and Mauritius (Air Mauritius).
Travelers from North America, Asia, Australia usually connect via Europe/Middle East/Africa.

Domestic Flights & Booking

Tsaradia, a subsidiary of Air Madagascar, is the main domestic carrier. Domestic flights connect Antananarivo to major regions.

Travel within Madagascar

Popular routes: Nosy Be, Toliara, Mahajanga, Antsiranana, Sainte Marie.
Booking domestic flights well in advance is recommended due to limited availability.
Flight prices increase during peak dry season (July-September) and holidays.

Flight Deals

Find flight deals at Dollar Flight Club.

Flight Search

Search for flights on Skyscanner.

Car Rentals

Book car rentals with drivers at DiscoverCars.com.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

At Ivato Airport TNR

Basic duty-free shops, currency exchange counters, limited ATMs.
Several cafes and restaurants for sustenance and drinks. Wi-Fi may be limited.
Local SIM cards (Orange, Telma, Airtel) obtainable on arrival in the terminal.
Check-in processes sometimes run slow, plan for enough time.

Getting to/from the City

Taxis are the most common transfer method. Negotiate fare before boarding (50,000-80,000 MGA to city center).
Lots of accommodations have pre-arranged airport shuttles (often for a charge). Arrange in advance.
No direct public bus service from Ivato Airport to city center.
Look for official cabs outside the terminal.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

As of early 2024, generally no separate exit fees at Ivato The airport. Fees usually incorporate into flight ticket price. Confirm with airline.

Timing for Departure

International flights: arrive 3 hours in advance. Domestic flights: 2 hours prior. Check-in and security processes sometimes run slow.

Airport Facilities Departing

Ivato The airport has basic amenities post-security (cozy coffee shops, duty-free). Complete large shopping/eating pre-security.

Land & Sea Travel

Land Transportation: Taxi-brousse

Taxi-brousse (bush taxi) serves as the main mode of inter-city land transport throughout Madagascar. These shared minibuses connect Antananarivo to all major towns.

Using Taxi-brousse

Very cheap, offers authentic local travel.
Often crowded, uncomfortable, and slow. Unreliable schedules, breakdowns occur.
Antananarivo features various taxi-brousse stations (gares routières), each serving different directions.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Self-driving receives no suggestion for most tourists. Road conditions are often poor, and navigation difficult.

Driving in Madagascar

An International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside national driver's license is needed.
Road conditions vary, main roads often in disrepair with potholes. Secondary roads unpaved.
Night driving is extremely dangerous due to poor how well you can see and security risks.

Renting a Car with Driver

Renting a 4x4 with a local driver is strongly advisable for most travelers. A driver’s local knowledge is invaluable.

Benefits & Costs

The driver navigates challenging roads and understands local customs.
Rent a 4x4 with driver: 50-100 USD (220,000-440,000 MGA) per day.
This approach makes for a more relaxing and safer travel experience.

Sea & River Travel

Antananarivo is an inland city, so direct sea or river arrivals are not applicable to the capital itself.

Indirect Connections

Major port cities (e.g., Toamasina) receive cargo and some cruise ships.
From ports, overland transport (taxi-brousse or private car) to Antananarivo.
Journey from Toamasina to Antananarivo: 8-12 hours.

Road Safety Warnings

Roads can be different greatly; many roads are dirt roads or have severe potholes.
Avoid night driving due to poor visibility, unlit vehicles, and security risks.
Banditry can occur on particular routes, notably after sunset.

Signposting is minimal outside major cities, making navigation harder.
Traffic in the town laws are often disregarded; be a defensive driver if self-driving.
Always prioritize daylight travel for safety.

Getting Around

Public Transport: Taxi-Be

Antananarivo''s public transport network centers around shared minibuses, known as "taxi-be." These cover extensive fixed routes throughout the city.

Navigating Taxi-Be

No metro or tram; taxi-be are the main public transport.
No easily accessible route maps; routes are indicated by numbers or destination names.
Fares are very cheap (500-800 MGA per trip), paid directly to the conductor.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis offer a flexible and more comfortable way to travel within Antananarivo compared to taxi-be.

Hailing & Fares

Taxis are abundant, typically older cream-colored cars with a "TAXI" sign.
Fares are NOT metered. ALWAYS haggle the price with the driver before starting the journey.
Ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt are not widely available or operational.

Walking Routes

The Upper Town (Haute-Ville) provides excellent walking with historical buildings and views.

Cycling Safety

Minimal bicycle infrastructure. Cycling in Antananarivo traffic flow is hazardous instead of recommended.

Accessibility Notes

Antananarivo has challenges for mobility-impaired travelers due to hilly terrain and uneven pavements.

Travel Tips

Taxi-Be Tips

While very cheap, taxi-be can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Ask locals for directions or route numbers.

Ride Comfortably

Avoid during rush hours (morning/late afternoon) due to extreme crowding.
Be mindful of pickpockets on crowded buses. Keep valuables secure.
For tourists, private taxis often present a more useful and safer option.

Taxi & Safety Tips

Taxis are generally safe during the day. At night, more prudence is needed.

Secure Journeys

Ensure the hired car appears legitimate and displays a "TAXI" sign.
If traveling alone at night, think about pre-booking-arranging a taxi through your hotel.
Motorcycle taxis are not widely available or recommended due to safety risks.

Walking & Self-Guided Tours

Upper Town Exploration

Haute-Ville is great for walking. Explore historic structures, royal palaces, plus expansive vistas. Expect stone-paved streets and narrow alleys.

Market Vigilance

Analakely Marketplace has a sensory experience. It is very crowded and calls for vigilance due to pickpocket risk. Keep valuables secure.

Guided Tours

Local tour agencies offer walking tours of the Upper Town and markets. These are very much recommended for context from history and enhanced safety.

Navigation Insight

Antananarivo is very hilly. Prepare for steep climbs and descents. Pavements can be uneven or non-existent in many areas. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for walking.

How to Get to Antananarivo