Getting There & Away: Lusaka

Air Travel

Kenneth Kaunda International Airport LUN

LUN serves as the main international airport for Lusaka and all of Zambia. Located about 27 km (17 miles) northeast of the city center, it features a modern terminal opened in 2021.

Airlines & Routes

Regional Airlines: Proflight Zambia, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Airlink, RwandAir.
Intercontinental Airlines: Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways.
Direct flights mainly connect to African hubs (Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Kigali) or Middle Eastern hubs (Dubai, Doha).

Airport Facilities & Transfers

LUN's new terminal offers facilities for traveler comfort. Transfer options connect you to the city.

Arrival & Services

ATMs and Currency Exchange: Available in the arrivals hall after immigration.
Duty-Free Shops & Cafes: Options for shopping and dining in the departure area.
Wi-Fi: Usually free throughout the terminal. SIM card vendors are also available.

Taxis

Readily available outside the terminal. Agree on fare before starting your journey. Expect to pay around ZMW 250-400 (USD 10-20).

Ride-Sharing

Bolt and Uber increasingly popular, offering predictable and sometimes cheaper fares. Book via app upon arrival.

Hotel Shuttles

Many hotels offer pre-arranged airport transfers. Inquire when booking for a convenient and secure option.

Flight Planning & Costs

Direct Flight Options

No direct flights from North America or Europe.
All journeys from these continents require at least one stop.
Common layover cities include Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Dubai, or Doha.
Plan your itinerary with these connections in mind.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Flight prices generally increase during Zambia's dry season (May-August) due to higher tourist demand.
Fares also increase around major holidays like Christmas or Easter.
Booking 3 to 6 months in advance is often recommended for better prices.
Flexibility with travel dates can contribute to savings.

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Visa Services

Obtain necessary visas for entry into Zambia. IVisa | VisaHQ

Land Transportation

Border Crossings & Trains

Lusaka's central location positions it as a hub for land travel connecting to neighboring countries. Familiarity with border procedures is helpful.

Cross-Border Travel

Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls & Chirundu crossings are popular. KAZA Uni-Visa often used.
TAZARA: Connects Lusaka (via Kapiri Mposhi) to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A very long journey.
Border procedures may be slow; patience is advised.

Long-Distance Buses

Buses are the most common and affordable mode of inter-city travel within Zambia.

Bus Travel Essentials

Major Terminal: The Intercity Bus Terminus in Lusaka serves as the main hub.
Reputable Companies: Mazhandu Family Bus Services, Power Tools Bus Services, Harmony Bus Services offer more comfortable coaches.
Booking: Book tickets in advance for popular routes or during public holidays.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car offers flexibility but calls for specific considerations.

Driving Rules & Conditions

Requirements: Valid national driver's license, International Driving Permit (IDP), passport, credit card for deposit.
Road Conditions: Major roads are generally paved, but potholes may appear. Secondary and rural roads are often unpaved and rough.
Driving Side: Zambia drives on the left. Seatbelts are mandatory.

Driving Safety & Rentals

Safety measures for self-driving in Zambia.

Safety Measures

Night Driving: Strongly discouraged outside urban areas due to lack of lighting, animals, and unlit vehicles.
Driving Habits: Other motorists may exhibit erratic driving. Defensive driving is advised.
Car Rental: International companies like Avis, Europcar, Hertz operate. 4x4 vehicles are useful for rural areas.

Border Crossing Requirements

Ensure all required visas and documentation for both Zambia and the country you are entering or exiting are complete.
Border procedures can be slow; patience helps. Lines may be long.
Police Checkpoints: Frequent on major roads. Vehicle documents should be in order and accessible.

Fuel: Stations are available on major routes, but it is wise to keep your tank full for long distances.
Traffic: Lusaka's traffic can be heavy and congested, especially during peak hours.
Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals: Not common for tourists in Lusaka. Cycling not widely recommended due to conditions.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Procedures

A departure tax is usually included in your air ticket fare for international flights from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN). You should not need to pay an additional cash fee at the airport.

Timing & Steps

Arrival: For international flights, arrive at least 2 to 3 hours before scheduled departure.
Check-in & Security: Allow ample time for these procedures, as queues may occur.
Immigration: After security, pass through immigration control for your exit stamp.

Airport & Bus Terminal Facilities

Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) offers various facilities for departing travelers, while the Intercity Bus Terminus provides more basic amenities.

Departure Experience

LUN: Check-in counters, baggage drop, security, immigration, duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges.
Wi-Fi: Usually available at LUN.
Intercity Bus Terminus: Basic waiting areas, small shops, and food vendors for bus travelers.

Traffic Time

Account for potential traffic congestion in Lusaka, especially during peak hours, when planning your journey to the airport.

Pre-verify Tax

Verify with your airline or travel agent that the departure tax is included in your ticket fare before departure.

Departure Clarity

Allow extra time to avoid missing your flight. The new terminal seeks to simplify the experience.

Sea/River Arrivals Note

Lusaka is an inland capital city and does not have direct sea or river access for international passenger arrivals or departures. All international passenger traffic to Lusaka arrives by air or land.

Getting There & Away