How to Get from Kinshasa Airport to Kinshasa City Centre

Kinshasa taxis are easy to spot by their yellow or bright blue colour. They are available 24/7 from the Kinshasa Airport taxi rank, but it’s worth noting that there may be long queues for a taxi during busy travel times. A taxi from Kinshasa Airport to the city centre is the quickest and most convenient option. However, you should be aware that there is an ongoing issue in Kinshasa with unofficial taxi kidnappings and carjacking. You should download the Hoja app to check the authenticity of the taxi using a QR code before you agree to ride, or simply book in advance for a reliable and safe personalised ride.

A N’djili International Airport taxi to Kinshasa city centre will cost €27-€44 (CDF 78,581-128,058) depending on your fare-haggling skills and the taxi driver you use. The total cost of the journey will also depend on the exact destination in the city centre, but taxis should charge a base fee of €1.37 (CDF 3,937) and then €1.37 (CDF 3,937) per km.

There are many taxis at Kinshasa Airport, and a taxi or private transfer is the most convenient option to travel from Kinshasa Airport to Kinshasa city centre. However, you have to be careful about the taxi cost. Drivers will often try to give you a high fare, so it’s important to agree on a price before you start your journey. Many Kinshasa taxis do not have air conditioning, which can lead to an uncomfortable journey, especially if you’re not used to the heat. It’s also important to be aware that it’s common for local taxi drivers to pick up other passengers on the street if they have space and the passenger is travelling in the same direction. This can lead to journey delays.

To avoid all these potential issues and uncomfortable moments, you can opt for a Welcome Pickups private transfer for a reliable door-to-door service.

Many luxury hotels in Kinshasa offer an airport transport service to get you safely from the airport to the hotel. These are often shared minibus transfers, which either operate on a schedule or are there to meet you at your preferred time if you’ve let the hotel know beforehand. Keep in mind that minibus transfers depend on the hotel; some are private, and some are shared with other hotel guests who land at a similar time.

The time taken to reach the city centre when using a shuttle bus is around 55 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and how close to the airport your chosen hotel is.

The cost of a shuttle from Kinshasa Airport depends on your chosen hotel. Some luxury hotels provide free airport shuttle services, whereas others charge a hefty fee. Moreover, some hotels charge a fee per journey, whereas others charge per person. Once you’ve found a hotel with a shuttle service, it’s best to check with the hotel directly what the associated costs are. The average price of an airport shuttle is €55 (CDF 159,605) per vehicle. Sedan-sized vehicles usually seat up to three passengers, depending on your chosen hotel, but some hotels offer a shared minibus transfer.

Choosing an airport shuttle is a very convenient option. The shuttle is booked in advance, and the driver will know exactly where they are going. You also benefit from a fixed fare, but make sure you confirm this in advance if your hotel offers a shuttle service.