On Foot

Lilongwe is very spread out, so don't expect to walk from one spot to another as they may be scattered far and wide – this is a city where you will quickly become reliant on taxis, which are generally cheap and plentiful.

By Bus

Public buses are the most convenient way to get around Lilongwe and other key urban centers like Blantyre, Zomba, Kasungu and Mzuzu. The bus stop is at the northern end of Independence Drive. International Bus lines connect Lilongwe with Lusaka, Dar es Salaam, Harare and Johannesburg.

By Minibuses

Minibuses can also be found in Lilongwe. They mostly operate between the Blantyre and Lilongwe.

Minibusses (or as locals say "Matatus") are typically small Toyota Hi-Ace vans that are cheap, but they are also very crowded and you will be sitting close to your fellow passengers. Not only are they a tight squeeze but they often stop for long periods to wait for more passengers.

By Taxi

Taxis don’t have signage, so it makes them difficult to spot. But if you stand by the side of the road, someone will stop and ask where you’re going. Whether they’re an actual taxi or a private car doesn’t matter. If they’re offering a ride, they’re a taxis!

Negotiate the price before getting in the car.

Alternatively, ask for a hotel or restaurant to call you a cab.

Long Distance Taxi: If you run out of time, it’s easy enough to organize taxis, city to city. Just ask at your accommodation, and they’ll find someone to drive you.

It goes without saying that the fancier your accommodation, the more expensive your taxi will be. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that a costly hotel will provide a better car.

For an idea of prices, a long-distance taxi from Sunbird Ku Chawe in the Zomba nature reserve (6 miles up the mountain from Zomba town) to Liwonde (approximately 31 miles) costs around 30,000 MWK.

By Bicycle Taxi

A bicycle taxi is a standard bike that has been modified. It has a padded seat over the back wheel and spokes for your feet.

Motorbike Taxis are very common. Motorbike taxis and their riders tend to hang out together in the shade anywhere there will be many people. So you’re likely to see them close to shopping malls.

By Tuk-Tuk

Tuk-tuks are a cheap way to get around Lilongwe. They are much easier to spot than a taxi and an excellent way to get around.

By Air Transport

Kamuzu International Airport (LLW), located 16 miles north of the city center has regular flights to Addis Ababa, Johannesburg and Nairobi. There are also domestic services to Blantyre on Air Malawi and Swiftair. There are flights both to the capital Lusaka, Zambia and safari destination Mfuwe through the two main Air Charter companies; Nyassa Air Taxi and Executive Air Charters.