Discover Malawi, the Warm Heart of Africa, where pristine Lake Malawi meets dramatic highlands and world-class wildlife. This peaceful landlocked nation offers vibrant cichlid fish, elephant encounters, and genuine hospitality that creates unforgettable adventures.
- Public
- Minibuses (matolas) cover city routes cheaply but are crowded and not recommended for tourists with luggage; AXA Coaches provide comfortable intercity service
- Taxi
- No meters — negotiate fares upfront. No ride-hailing apps. Use hotel-recommended drivers for reliability and safety
- Rental
- Best option for independent exploration; 4WD recommended for parks and remote areas; international companies at airports
- Walking
- City centers are walkable during daylight but distances are large; avoid walking at night in Lilongwe Old Town and Blantyre
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Hotel shuttle - arranged through accommodation
- Shuttle
- Private taxi - $20-30 to city center
- Bus
- Registered airport taxis - $25-35
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Minibuses (matolas) operate on fixed routes within cities. Fares 50-200 MWK ($0.03-0.12). Crowded and not recommended for tourists with luggage. Better for short trips once familiar with routes.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, bicycle_taxi, rental_car
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- No meters - negotiate fare before departure. Base fare 2,000-3,000 MWK ($1.15-1.72). Short city trips 2,000-5,000 MWK ($1.15-2.86). Airport transfers 30,000-50,000 MWK ($17-29). Use hotel-recommended drivers.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Main intercity transport. AXA Coaches and Mwanandimai offer semi-luxury service on major routes. Lilongwe-Blantyre 4-5 hours ($8-12). Lilongwe-Mzuzu 6-7 hours ($10-15). Book in advance for better seats. Minibuses cheaper but less comfortable and safe.
Flights
Malawian Airlines and Ulendo Airlink serve major routes. Lilongwe-Blantyre 45 mins ($80-150). Limited schedules but useful for reaching remote areas like Likoma Island and safari parks.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Kamuzu International Airport
From centre: 25 km north of Lilongwe city center
Options: Hotel shuttle - arranged through accommodation; Private taxi - $20-30 to city center; Registered airport taxis - $25-35; Car rental - available from Avis, Europcar, and local companies
Chileka International Airport
From centre: 15 km north of Blantyre city center
Options: Hotel shuttle - pre-arranged; Private taxi - $15-25 to city center; Airport taxis - $20-30; Car rental - available at terminal
Mzuzu Airport
From centre: 12 km from Mzuzu town
Options: Taxi - $10-15 to town; Hotel pickup - arrange in advance; Limited scheduled flights
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
No ride-hailing apps available
Uber, Bolt, and similar apps do not operate in Malawi — use hotel-recommended drivers or negotiate with taxis directly
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Negotiate all taxi fares before departure — always agree on a price upfront as there are no meters
AXA Coaches offer the most comfortable and reliable intercity bus service on major routes — book the day before
A 4WD vehicle is essential for visiting Majete, Vwaza Marsh, and many lake-access roads during rainy season
Ulendo Airlink operates domestic flights connecting Lilongwe, Blantyre, Liwonde, and Likoma Island
Fill up with fuel before long drives — petrol stations are scarce in rural areas and card machines frequently fail
The Ilala ferry connects lakeshore towns weekly but schedules are unreliable — build flexibility into plans
WhatsApp is commonly used to book private drivers and arrange transfers — get hotel recommendations for trusted drivers