A trip to Madagascar is on every explorer’s bucket list and can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience but proper planning is important for an uneventful trip. One of the first things you need to take care of is transportation from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo centre, which is where you’ve probably booked your accommodation.
The most convenient option for comfortable and direct transportation is an airport taxi. You can either take one from the airport rank or book a reliable private airport taxiin advance for a smoother experience. The trip from Antananarivo Airport to the centre takes about 35 minutes in average traffic and you can expect to pay €10 (MGA 50,000) for up to 4 passengers.
Alternatively, you can travel from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo centre by bus. The ticket cost is much lower than taking a taxi, at around €1 (MGA 4,900) per traveller and the trip takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. You should keep in mind that even though it’s a budget-friendly option, local buses are essentially minivans, which can be uncomfortable and crowded; if you’re up for an adventure and you’re looking to mingle with the locals, you can give it a try!
2 options to go from Antananarivo Airport to city center
If you're carrying more than one piece of luggage, taking the bus isn't a good idea; during peak hours it can get very crowded, making it difficult to store your luggage someplace safe.
Experiencing the local culture may be interesting in some cases but public transportation in Madagascar can be quite challenging and stressful. Even if you're trying to keep the budget as low as possible, the cost of an airport taxi is worth it if you value comfort and privacy.
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How to get from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo Centre by taxi
A great option to get directly from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo Centre and your accommodation is by taking an airport taxi. Service is available around the clock and the drive takes about 35 minutes in average traffic. If you want to save time after landing and enjoy professional service, you can pre-book a reliable Antananarivo airport taxi with Welcome Pickups.
What's the cost of a taxi from Antananarivo Airport to the centre?
Local taxis operate with a fixed fare for rides from Ivato Airport based on pre-defined zones set by the government. A taxi for up to 4 passengers from Antananarivo Airport to the centre will cost €10 (MGA 50,000).
Where do I take a taxi from?
You can find a taxi at Ivato Airport 24/7; the rank is located right in front of the International Arrivals Terminal after you exit the Arrivals Hall. If you have trouble locating it, simply follow the relevant signs guiding you there or ask the airport personnel for assistance.
Convenience
A taxi from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo centre is the best option to reach your accommodation directly and enjoy a private ride without getting on crowded buses. The fare is low given the total travel time, making it a good value-for-money option, especially for larger groups or travellers with multiple pieces of luggage. Pre-booking your airport transfer will save you even more time and ensure an even better experience upon arrival.
Useful Tips
English isn’t widely spoken by Antananarivo taxi drivers; write down any important information in Malagasy or French.
Card payment is rarely an option, so be sure to carry cash in a variety of notes.
Tipping your taxi driver isn’t required in Antananarivo but you can round up the fare if you received good service.
How to get from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo Centre by bus
A budget-friendly option to get from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo Centre is by taking a local bus. Several operators provide bus service from the airport, like Cooperative Fifiabe and Cotisse and the trip takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The bus makes several stops in the city so you can ask the driver which one is closest to your final destination.
What's the bus ticket cost from Antananarivo Airport to the centre?
The ticket price may vary among the different operators but you can expect to pay around €1 (MGA 4,900) per traveller.
Cost
€1
Trip Duration
1 Hr. 10 Min.
Frequency and waiting times may vary depending on the bus operator and their timetables may be subject to change.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Each operator has their own schedule but buses are usually available from 07:00 until 18:00 daily.
Where do I take the bus from?
The Airport bus stop is located only a 3-minute walk from the Terminal. After exiting the Arrivals Hall, continue through the parking lot to reach N52 where you’ll see the bus stop.
Convenience
Taking the bus from Antananarivo Airport to the centre is a good low-cost option if you’re travelling on a very tight budget and you want to experience Antananarivo like a local. In terms of convenience, however, it’s not ideal; timetables aren’t always followed, buses can get rather crowded and take a long time to reach the city. An airport taxi or a private transfer will provide a much smoother experience allowing you to start your holiday on the right foot.
Useful Tips
Petty theft is common in Antananarivo so beware of pickpockets and keep an eye on your luggage at all times.
If most seats on the bus are empty, the driver may delay departure to pick up more passengers.
Purchasing a ticket on the bus isn't always possible so it's best to stop at the ticket offices inside the airport.
Frequently asked questions
How far is it from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo, Madagascar?
The distance from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo centre is about 17.5 km north; driving there with a car or taxi should take about 35 minutes in average traffic.
How do I get from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo centre?
The best option to get from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo centre is with an airport taxi. You can take one from the airport taxi rank or pre-book a private airport taxi. The ride takes about 35 minutes in average traffic and you can expect to pay €10 (MGA 50,000) for up to 4 passengers. A cheaper but less reliable option is to get from Antananarivo Airport to the centre by bus. There is a bus stop near the airport where bus companies like Cooperative Fifiabe and Cotisse operate routes from the airport to the city; the trip takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes and costs about €1 (MGA 4,900) per traveller.
What’s the cost of a taxi from Antananarivo Airport to the centre?
Local authorities have set a fixed fare for taxi rides from Antananarivo Airport based on pre-defined zones. A taxi for up to 4 passengers from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo centre will cost €10 (MGA 50,000).
Maria Papakonstantinou
Maria is a seasoned travel writer and avid traveler with a knack for research and itinerary planning. Specializing in airport transport and destination guides, she blends personal experience with local insights to help make every journey seamless.
A great option to get directly from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo Centre and your accommodation is by taking an airport taxi. Service is available around the clock and the drive takes about 35 minutes in average traffic. If you want to save time after landing and enjoy professional service, you can pre-book a reliable Antananarivo airport taxi with Welcome Pickups.
What's the cost of a taxi from Antananarivo Airport to the centre?
Local taxis operate with a fixed fare for rides from Ivato Airport based on pre-defined zones set by the government. A taxi for up to 4 passengers from Antananarivo Airport to the centre will cost €10 (MGA 50,000).
Where do I take a taxi from?
You can find a taxi at Ivato Airport 24/7; the rank is located right in front of the International Arrivals Terminal after you exit the Arrivals Hall. If you have trouble locating it, simply follow the relevant signs guiding you there or ask the airport personnel for assistance.
Convenience
A taxi from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo centre is the best option to reach your accommodation directly and enjoy a private ride without getting on crowded buses. The fare is low given the total travel time, making it a good value-for-money option, especially for larger groups or travellers with multiple pieces of luggage. Pre-booking your airport transfer will save you even more time and ensure an even better experience upon arrival.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreA budget-friendly option to get from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo Centre is by taking a local bus. Several operators provide bus service from the airport, like Cooperative Fifiabe and Cotisse and the trip takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The bus makes several stops in the city so you can ask the driver which one is closest to your final destination.
What's the bus ticket cost from Antananarivo Airport to the centre?
The ticket price may vary among the different operators but you can expect to pay around €1 (MGA 4,900) per traveller.
Each operator has their own schedule but buses are usually available from 07:00 until 18:00 daily.
Where do I take the bus from?
The Airport bus stop is located only a 3-minute walk from the Terminal. After exiting the Arrivals Hall, continue through the parking lot to reach N52 where you’ll see the bus stop.
Convenience
Taking the bus from Antananarivo Airport to the centre is a good low-cost option if you’re travelling on a very tight budget and you want to experience Antananarivo like a local. In terms of convenience, however, it’s not ideal; timetables aren’t always followed, buses can get rather crowded and take a long time to reach the city. An airport taxi or a private transfer will provide a much smoother experience allowing you to start your holiday on the right foot.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How far is it from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo, Madagascar?
The distance from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo centre is about 17.5 km north; driving there with a car or taxi should take about 35 minutes in average traffic.
How do I get from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo centre?
The best option to get from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo centre is with an airport taxi. You can take one from the airport taxi rank or pre-book a private airport taxi. The ride takes about 35 minutes in average traffic and you can expect to pay €10 (MGA 50,000) for up to 4 passengers. A cheaper but less reliable option is to get from Antananarivo Airport to the centre by bus. There is a bus stop near the airport where bus companies like Cooperative Fifiabe and Cotisse operate routes from the airport to the city; the trip takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes and costs about €1 (MGA 4,900) per traveller.
What’s the cost of a taxi from Antananarivo Airport to the centre?
Local authorities have set a fixed fare for taxi rides from Antananarivo Airport based on pre-defined zones. A taxi for up to 4 passengers from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo centre will cost €10 (MGA 50,000).
Maria Papakonstantinou
Maria is a seasoned travel writer and avid traveler with a knack for research and itinerary planning. Specializing in airport transport and destination guides, she blends personal experience with local insights to help make every journey seamless.
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