Ndola Copperbelt, Zambia Travel Guide
Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (NLA) serves Ndola. It facilitates domestic flights with Proflight Zambia, connecting to Lusaka. Foreign carriers like Ethiopian Airlines (from Addis Ababa) and Kenya Airways (from Nairobi) also serve NLA. Air Tanzania provides services from Dar es Salaam.
NLA is an up-to-date airport with immigration, customs, duty-free, car hire counters, ATMs, currency exchange, and a café. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. Many hotels Skyscanner or Dollar Flight Club may offer pre-arranged airport transfers.
Proflight Zambia connects Ndola with Lusaka and other regional destinations.
Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Air Tanzania link Ndola to major African hubs.
Higher fares during cool-dry season (June-August) and public holidays.
Explore affordable flight options with Dollar Flight Club.
Use Skyscanner to compare routes and prices.
Find competitive car rental rates at DiscoverCars.com.
Bus travel provides a common and affordable means of getting around between Ndola and other Zambian cities like Lusaka and Kitwe. Reputable companies include Mazhandu Family Bus Services and Power Tools Bus Services, operating from the Ndola Intercity Bus Terminus. Ndola is not directly on an international border, but it functions as a transit point to nearby crossings with DR Congo (Kasumbalesa, Mokambo) and Zimbabwe (Chirundu/Kariba).
Renting a car and self-driving offers flexibility. An International Driving Permit (IDP) with your home country'a driver's license is needed. A 4x4 vehicle is a sensible idea for travel outside major urban areas, especially during the wet season, as road quality changes greatly. Main roads are usually paved, but roads in the countryside can be unpaved and challenging.
In Zambia, driving occurs on the left side of the road. Everyone must wear a seatbelt. Drunk driving is strictly illegal. Speed limits are generally A speed limit of 50 km/h in towns and 100 kilometers per hour on highways.
Passenger rail facilities in Zambia are limited and rather than generally recommended for tourists due to infrequency, slow speeds, and comfort levels. Zambia Railways operates a line through Ndola, mainly for freight and local passengers. Ndola is a landlocked city and not on major navigable water; sea or river arrivals are not applicable for direct travel.
For international departures from Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (NLA), arrive at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled flight. This timeframe allows ample time for check-in, security screening, and immigration procedures. For domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours before departure is usually sufficient.
NLA offers check-in counters, security screening, a departure lounge, a duty-free shop, and a café. These facilities contribute to comfort while waiting for your flight. The Passenger Service Charge (PSC), or airport tax, is typically included in your air ticket price for international departures. Confirmation with your airline is a good practice.
Departure lounges and amenities at NLA provide comfort for travelers.
Passenger Service Charge is typically included in your international flight ticket.
The Ndola Intercity Bus Terminus has basic facilities; keep belongings secure.
For long-distance bus travel from the Ndola Intercity Bus Terminus, arrive at least 30-AN hour before departure to find the bus you are taking, store luggage, and reserve your seat. It can be a lively and bustling environment.
