How do you get to Windhoek?
Getting There1.4/10Among the 5% hardest cities to reach
- Main airport
- Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)
Updated September 2026 · Sources cited: thingstodoinwindhoek.com, travelwithhello.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- Use ATMs at Windhoek Hosea Kutako airport rather than currency exchange desks—rates are better and fees are lower when choosing to be charged in Namibian dollars
- Avoid exchanging money at airports or hotels; banks and ATMs offer fairer rates
- Do not rely on finding a taxi at airport arrivals; arrange your ride (taxi or shuttle) before landing to avoid being pressured by unlicensed drivers offering poor rates
- City centre is walkable and safe during daylight hours; after dark, take a taxi (fares are modest)
- Most regional attractions require a car rental or pre-booked guided tour; shared public transport only covers city and township routes
- South African Rand (ZAR) is pegged 1:1 to Namibian Dollar (NAD) and is accepted everywhere in Namibia—an alternative to exchange at home if familiar with South African banking
- Minibus taxis have no formal schedules; allow flexible timing if using shared transport
- Train services to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are offered but infrequent; driving is typically faster and more reliable for accessing coastal attractions
Rail
- Transnamib
- Limited passenger train service operated by national railway company
- Notes
- Services infrequent and relatively slow compared to driving; trains are more of a local curiosity than a tourist workhorse
Routes From Windhoek
- Windhoek to Swakopmund/Walvis Bay (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays, departing 19:15)
- Windhoek to Keetmanshoop (south)
Ferry
- Status
- Not applicable—Windhoek is landlocked, no ferry services from city
Airport
- Name
- Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)
- Airlines
- Fly Namibia, South African Airways, Airlink, TAAG Angola, Ethiopian Airlines; Eurowings Discover offers routes to Frankfurt and Victoria Falls; limited European connections via Lufthansa partners
- Expansion
- Third terminal under construction, expected completion by 2030 to increase capacity and modernize facilities
Facilities
- Lounges
- Limited lounge facilities available for business/premium travelers
- Luggage
- Free trolleys available; no luggage storage or wrapping services on-site
- Parking
- Short and long-term parking available
- Car Rental
- Available on-site
- Dining Retail
- Retailers, restaurants, lounges with Namibian cuisines and souvenirs
- Currency Exchange
- Bureau de change operates in arrivals hall, though ATMs are available with better rates
Distance From City Center
- Km
- 45
- Description
- Located approximately 45 km east of Windhoek city center
Regional Buses
- Intercape
- Inter-city bus operator connecting Windhoek to regional towns and neighboring countries from central bus terminals
- Town Hoppers
- Shuttle bus service from Swakopmund to Windhoek, operates daily
- Notes
- Services are geared toward locals; timetables can be flexible; public transport does not reach most destinations beyond urban core
Windhoek To Swakopmund
- Typical Cost
- NAD 325
- Description
- Popular coastal route
Airport To City
- Shuttle
- Pre-book shuttle services in advance
- Car Rental
- Rental cars available on-site for day trips to attractions outside central Windhoek
Taxi Prebooked
- Notes
- Taxis soliciting at arrivals often have poor rates—walk past to designated transfer area or your pre-booked ride
- Description
- Pre-book in advance; do not rely on finding one at arrivals
Day Trips Access
- Sossusvlei
- South; desert dune destination, requires multi-day trip; scenic flights available via chartered Cessna
- Swakopmund
- Coastal town ~360 km west; most visitors use bus or car; day-trip tours with quad biking available
- Khomas Highlands
- Scenic escapes just 30 km north; accessible by car rental
- Katutura Township
- Within/adjacent to Windhoek; guided cultural tours depart from city center
- Etosha National Park
- North; requires day trip by car or guided tour (120–500+ km drive depending on route)
- Daan Viljoen Game Park
- Nearby wildlife viewing opportunity, accessible by vehicle
- General Note
- Most day trips beyond 30–50 km require car rental; public transport does not reach scenic/national park destinations; guided tours widely available
Ground Transport City
- Uber
- Operates in Windhoek
- Walking
- City centre (Independence Avenue and surroundings) walkable during daylight; recommended after dark to use taxi instead
Radio Taxis
- Notes
- More expensive than shared taxis but offer comfort and flexibility; safer option for unfamiliar routes
- Description
- Private hire taxis available by pre-booking by telephone
Minibus Taxis
- Pickup Hub
- Gustav Voigts Centre intersection of Independence Avenue (unofficial transportation hub); also at northern side of Wernhill Park shopping mall
- Typical Cost
- NAD 12
- Notes
- Operate on fixed routes without formal schedules; announce destination to driver; routes limited, primarily serve townships and main commercial areas; shared taxis considered safe but can be crowded and confusing for visitors
- Description
- Primary mode of shared public transport in Windhoek
AI-generated estimateData refreshed September 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Windhoek
Data last updated September 2026 · Verify anything important.