How to Get from Harare Airport to the City Centre

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, also known as Harare Airport (HRE), is the main airport in Zimbawbwe and the gateway to Zimbawbwe’s capital, Harare. Harare Airport is 13.6 km (8.5 miles) from Harare city centre. The main routes into Harare airport are from the UK, Dubai and other African countries.

There is no public transport from Harare Airport to the city, so that means you have two main options from Harare Airport to the city: a taxi or private transfer and a hotel shuttle bus. A local airport taxi will amount to €23 (ZWD 9,033) on average, for up to 4 people and will take up to 30 minutes to reach the city centre, depending on traffic conditions and where exactly in Harare you’re heading to. A hotel shuttle bus costs €15-21 (ZWD 5,900-8,260) per person instead, and will take up to 30 minutes too.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Harare at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€23	22min	24/7
Hotel Shuttle Bus	€30	30min	24/7

Zimbabwe Harare Airport to hotel transfer by taxi

The most direct and convenient way to travel from Harare Airport to the city centre is by an airport taxi or private transfer. The journey typically takes 22-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Taxi fare from Harare Airport to the city centre

Expect to pay around €23 (ZWD 9,033) for up to 4 passengers for a ride to the city centre. It’s advisable to haggle a fare before departing, as not all drivers use taximeters.

To guarantee a competitive set-rate fare, you can pre-book your trip with Welcome and pre-pay a fixed fare so that you avoid surprises.

Cost

€23 (ZWD 9,033)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Taxi fares may vary unless a ride is booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis at Harare Airport are available 24/7.

Where do I get a taxi at Harare Airport?

You can easily find Harare Airport taxi ranks outside the Arrivals Terminal. Once at the taxi rank, you will have to queue for a taxi. Bear in mind, that cab stands can get extremely busy because public transport is not available from the airport.

Taxis are of all sizes – from small sedan-sized cars to large minivans and are marked with distinctive signs and company names and/or numbers. Double-check whether you are getting in a licensed taxi and do not accept lifts from people outside the taxi rank.

Convenience

Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport and offer door-to-door service, making them a convenient option, especially if you’re travelling with heavy luggage or children. However, the taxi lines may be long, and there is a problem with unlicensed taxis in Harare.

Your best bet is to book a private transfer where the driver will meet you at the airport’s Arrivals and you can start your journey downtown as soon as you land.

Timetables

City of Harare information

Harare Airport information

Editor’s Note

Be aware that non-official unlicensed taxi drivers may approach you inside the airport; however, official providers are only found at the taxi ranks.

Useful Tips

Always confirm the fare with taxi drivers before starting your journey.

Most taxis accept cash payments; few may accept credit/debit cards.

Be cautious of unofficial or unlicensed taxi operators.

Wheelchair accessible taxis are not usually available at the taxi rank.

How to get from Harare Airport to Harare by hotel shuttle bus

Many hotels provide shuttle services to and from Harare Airport for their guests. It’s best to check with your hotel whether this service is available before you travel. This is a safe door-to-door option, with a travel time of up to 30 minutes from Harare Airport to the city. Shuttles vary; some are private for just you and your travel companions, and others will pick up other hotel guests, leading to long wait times – this depends entirely on your hotel’s offering, if any.

Cost of a hotel shuttle from Harare Airport to the centre

Costs vary significantly, but the average price of a Zimbabwe Harare Airport to hotel shuttle bus is between €15 (ZWD 5,900) and €21 (ZWD 8,260) for a solo traveller. In some cases, the charge is per journey rather than per person. The fare will be paid in advance or upon your arrival at the hotel.

Cost

€15-€21 (ZWD 5,900-8,260)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Hotel shuttles have to be pre-booked.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Each hotel shuttle service has different operating hours. Most will operate 24/7 while others may only operate in the daytime.

Where do I get a hotel shuttle from?

Shared or private hotel shuttles need to be booked directly with your hotel. The driver will either wait for you in the airport terminal or give you a meeting place outside. Here are some of the local hotels offering shuttle services:

Meikles Hotel
Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre
Premier Guest Lodge
Holiday Inn Harare
Cresta Jameson Hotel
Cresta Lodge Hotel
Cresta Oasis Hotel
N1 Hotel Rotten Row Harare

Convenience

If booked in advance, hotel shuttle buses are very convenient. The driver will meet you at the airport and take you straight to your accommodation. However, those shuttles may be private or shared, depending on your accommodation; sometimes you may have to share the ride with other hotel guests. This can add time to the transfer if the other passengers are late or have lots of luggage.

Timetables

Meikles hotel shuttle

Hotels in Harare with shuttle services

Editor’s Note

Always call or message ahead of time to book your shuttle in advance and ensure you know the exact cost. Make sure to double-check whether the shuttle cost is per person or per shuttle.

Useful Tips

Tipping is not expected but is common for good service. The average is a tip of 8-20%.

Only front-seat passengers need to wear a seatbelt but if you have one - use it.

Double check with your chosen hotel where you will meet the shuttle driver.

Frequently asked questions

How can I get from Harare Airport to the city?

There are two main options to get from Harare Airport to the city: taxi or private transfer and shared shuttle bus – when that is provided by your chosen hotel. A local airport taxi will cost about €23 (ZWD 9,033) and will take about 22 minutes to reach the city centre, in light traffic conditions. A shuttle bus, on the other hand, will take more or less the same time and will set you back €15-21 (ZWD 5,900-8,260) per person.

How far is Harare city centre from Harare Airport?

Harare Airport is 13.6 km (8.5 miles) away from Harare city centre. The journey will take 22-30 minutes by taxi or private transfer, depending on traffic conditions.

What’s the cost of a taxi from Harare Airport to the city?

A local airport taxi costs on average €23 (ZWD 9,033) for up to 4 people and takes 22-30 minutes to get downtown. Make sure you agree on a fare with your driver before starting your journey, and keep in mind that fares can vary significantly, depending on the driver. For complete peace of mind, booking in advance is recommended.

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Zimbabwe Harare Airport to hotel transfer by taxi

Taxi fare from Harare Airport to the city centre

Cost

€23 (ZWD 9,033)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis at Harare Airport are available 24/7.

Where do I get a taxi at Harare Airport?

Convenience

Timetables

City of Harare information

Harare Airport information

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Harare Airport to Harare by hotel shuttle bus

Cost of a hotel shuttle from Harare Airport to the centre

Cost

€15-€21 (ZWD 5,900-8,260)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Each hotel shuttle service has different operating hours. Most will operate 24/7 while others may only operate in the daytime.

Where do I get a hotel shuttle from?

Convenience

Timetables

Meikles hotel shuttle

Hotels in Harare with shuttle services

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Frequently asked questions

How can I get from Harare Airport to the city?

How far is Harare city centre from Harare Airport?

What’s the cost of a taxi from Harare Airport to the city?

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