Getting to Air Travel & Routes: Lilongwe

Airports & Airlines

Major Airports

Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) serves Lilongwe and the central region. Chileka International Airport (BLZ) serves Blantyre.

Airport Details

LLW is 26 km north of Lilongwe city center, handling most international arrivals.
BLZ serves the southern region; requires onward transport to Lilongwe.
LLW provides basic but adequate facilities for travelers.

Airlines & Routes

Several airlines connect Lilongwe to regional and international hubs. No direct long-haul flights from major global hubs.

Connecting Through Hubs

Ethiopian Airlines (LLW to Addis Ababa).
Kenya Airways (LLW to Nairobi).
South African Airways/Airlink (LLW to Johannesburg).

Seasonal Pricing

Flight prices peak during dry season (June-August) and holidays. Lower during wet season (Nov-March).

Booking Tip

Flexibility with dates helps savings.

Airport Services

ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free, limited food/beverage. SIM card kiosks available.

Airport Transfers & Resources

Options from LLW

Taxis: Readily available, negotiate fare before journey (MWK 15,000 - 25,000 to city).
Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels offer pre-arranged pick-up services for a fee.
Private Transfers: Pre-book through tour operators for comfort and reliability.
Minibuses: Not recommended directly from airport with luggage.

Affiliate Resources for Flights & Car Rentals

Dollar Flight Club: Flight deals.
Skyscanner: Flight comparisons.
DiscoverCars.com: Car rental comparisons.
AirHelp: Flight compensation.

Land Transportation & Border Crossings

Border Posts

Mchinji/Chipata (to Zambia), Dedza/Ulongwe (to Mozambique), Songwe (to Tanzania). Expect passport and customs checks.

Long-Distance Buses

Minibuses (Matolas) are common but depart when full. Coaches (AXA, Kwezy Buses) offer more scheduled services between major cities.

Train Services

Passenger train services are very limited and not a viable option for tourist travel. Mainly for freight.

Self-Driving in Malawi

Requirements for Self-Driving

Self-driving offers flexibility but has specific requirements.

What You Will Need

International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid national license.
A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended, especially for national parks or remote areas.
Rental companies include local operators and sometimes Avis/Budget.

Road Conditions & Safety Tips

Driving can be challenging. Be aware of road conditions and local hazards.

Navigating Malawi's Roads

Major roads are mostly paved but can have potholes. Secondary roads are often unpaved.
Avoid driving at night due to poor visibility, unlit vehicles, pedestrians, and livestock.
Fill up whenever possible, especially before remote areas where stations are scarce.

Lake Malawi Ferry Services

While Lilongwe is inland, Lake Malawi plays a role in national transportation and can be part of a larger travel itinerary.

MV Ilala Ferry

The MV Ilala is a historic passenger and cargo ferry on Lake Malawi.
Connects various ports from Monkey Bay in the south to Chilumba in the north.
Operates on a flexible schedule, subject to delays.

Onward Connections from Lake Ports

Lilongwe itself has no cruise ports. River transportation for tourists is limited.

From Lake to City

From Lake Malawi ferry ports (e.g., Monkey Bay), minibuses or pre-arranged taxis are available.
Arrange onward transport in advance, especially for smaller ports or late arrivals.
River transportation is mainly for local use or specific short tours, not a main mode for Lilongwe arrivals.

Driving Safety in Malawi

Drive on the left side of the road.
Be vigilant for pedestrians, cyclists, and livestock on roads.
Keep car doors locked while driving and valuables out of sight when parked.

Carry basic tools, a spare tire, and extra water for breakdowns.
Mobile phone signal can be intermittent in remote areas.
Drunk driving is illegal and strictly enforced.

Departure from Lilongwe

Departure Procedures

International airport departure taxes are usually included in air ticket price from LLW. Verify with your airline.

Smooth Departure

Arrive at LLW at least 2-3 hours before international flight departure.
Standard airport security checks apply (electronics, liquids).
Clear customs before proceeding to your gate.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

LLW offers basic facilities for departing travelers.

Available Services

Small shops selling local souvenirs and limited duty-free items.
Limited food and beverage options (snacks and drinks).
Basic waiting areas. Do not expect extensive lounges or high-end retail.

Reconfirm Your Flight Details

Check 24-48 Hours Prior

Reconfirm your flight details with your airline.

Stay Informed

This helps you stay informed about any schedule changes.

Final Airport Tip

Allow extra travel time from your accommodation to the airport, especially during peak hours. Traffic in Lilongwe can be unpredictable.

Getting to Lilongwe Air Travel & Routes