Our Livingstone transportation guide provides you with information about transport options to and around Livingstone. Further information about the many exciting things to see and do in Livingstone can be found in our Livingstone destination guide and Livingstone tours page. For transportation options across Zambia see our Zambia Transportation Guide.

Livingstone Transportation Guide

Getting to Livingstone

By Air

Harry Mwanga Nkumbula Airport located on Airport Road is only 5 km northwest from the centre of town. Due to the revamping of the airport by 'Sun International Hotel Developments', it now has pleasing waiting rooms, car rental services, a bank, a post office, internet facilities, shops selling souvenirs for those who want to purchase something at the eleventh hour and a snack bar as well as a bar selling drinks. However, please note that once you have crossed 'Passport Control' and reach the Departure Lounge, the only bar available there has no catering facilities.

There is also no counter for buying newspapers or books. However, there is a small private lounge open to all, which offers unlimited drinks for a price of US $15. A departure tax of US $8 per person is levied for domestic flights and US $25 per person for international flights. Airport tax is in most cases incorporated in your ticket.

For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.

Visit our partner Air Valid for Airline Reviews and Information about Zambia.

Flights to Livingstone

By Bus

The main bus terminal in LIvingstone for local routes is near the town market, opposite Barclay's Bank and exactly behind Mosi-oa-Tunya Road. The terminal lies at the intersection of Senanga Road and Akapelwa Street. Some buses also depart from the post office area mostly for Lusaka, where a number of buses congregate early in the morning. If you want to head west towards Sesheke or Kazangula you will need to board the minibuses which depart from the Mingongo Bus Station located on Nakatindi Road. The first bus leaves around 6:30 am and the last one around 11 am, depending upon the demand.

Another peculiarity of these buses is that the music being played is usually at deafening decibel levels! Tickets are purchased on the bus itself and cost around US $12 or 40,000 ZMK on a bigger bus for a one way fare to Lusaka. If you are travelling in Livingstone with a backpack, beware of touts who will invariably approach you. Although the fares on these buses are usually a bit cheaper than on luxury buses, due to the fact that they depart only when they are full, it is generally not worth the hassle and the extra time spent unless you are looking for a completely native experience.

There are several private buses in Livingstone which depart for Lusaka according to a schedule. To board one of these, you will have to book a ticket at the place of departure several hours in advance, preferably one day in advance. Each of these private buses departs from a different location so make sure you reach the correct bus stop. Depending upon the bus operator, the trip takes around six to seven hours and the fare for a one way ticket is US $18 or 85,000 ZMK.

By Train

The railway station is located east of the Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, approximately one kilometre south of the town centre on the way to Victoria Falls. The station is clearly marked with road signs and the telephone number for reservations is 03 321001, extension 336.

The 'Zambezi Express' departs from Livingstone at 6 pm on Wednesdays and Sundays and reaches Lusaka at 8 am the next morning. However, train timings are unreliable. Tickets can be booked only at the railway station on the day of departure itself. Confirmation of the booking is only done on payment, and you must be there in person. The fare for economy class is approximately US $9-00 (35.000 ZMK), for standard class.

There is a train that leaves for the Copper Belt from Livingstone twice a week, at 8 pm on Mondays and Fridays, reaches Lusaka at 10 am and terminates in Kitwe on the third day morning around 6am (So it takes 3days to be in Copperbelt). Fares for standard class US $8.00 (30,000ZMK) and for sleeper compartments US $12.00 (42,100ZMK). There are also train services from Lusaka up to the Copper Belt or down towards Johannesburg.

If you want to go south towards Bulawayo or Johannesburg, the best way to reach there is to cross the border at Victoria Falls either on foot or by taxi and then take the overnight train to Bulawayo. There used to be train services running between Livingstone and Victoria Falls but they do not operate anymore.

Getting Around Livingstone

By Taxi

Just like the area around the waterfalls, Livingstone is also a small enough town to get around on foot. But if you want to travel between the two or to the airport or you are in a hurry, then you can take one of the light blue taxis which are in abundance here, though a bit rundown! These taxis gather at the main taxi stand near 'Shoprite Checkers' or on Mosi-oa-Tunya Road near the main exchange bureau.

All taxi drivers are supposed to carry a rate chart, though you may be lucky to find one. A taxi from Livingstone to the falls or the airport will cost you around US $5-US $7 (20,000ZMK-25,000ZMK) per head depending upon the number of passengers in the taxi. The fare from the airport into town is around US $7 (25,000ZMK), from the airport to the falls or the border around US $12 (40,000ZMK) and from the airport to the riverside lodges out of town around US $18 (60,000ZMK).

Taxis in Livingstone are not allowed within the game park area. There can be stiff competition between the taxi drivers, so make sure you bargain for the best price and decide on the fare in advance. The city council has recently approved a controversial minibus license to provide more economical public transport in Livingstone in the hope of reducing the number of taxis plying on the roads.

Tour Operators

You can hire a taxi for the entire day to sightsee around town, the waterfalls and the game park area but it is better to hire the licensed tour operators in Livingstone who are more knowledgeable and can give you more information about the areas.

By Bus

The one way fare for a minibus from the market in the centre of town to the Victoria Falls is around US $ 1 (3,500ZMK). Expect to be packed inside the bus like sardines!

By Car

All the main restaurants, hotels and lodges in and around town have reserved parking areas. In town, if you park your car on the street, you will come across many people who are willing to take care of your car and even give it a wash. There is no definite system for this but if you are willing to trust someone, then giving a tip of around 30-60 cents (1,000-2,000ZMK) is acceptable, depending upon the length of time you were away, in spite of the person refusing the offer.

There are also several petrol stations on the main Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, which are open 24 hours. The Vuma Complex in the south of town, beyond the Tunya lodge, as well as Engen Service Station at Falls Park Shoppng Centre are the fuel stations where you can find unleaded fuel.

Car Rental

You can rent a car in Livingstone with or without a driver if you want to explore the area at your own pace and you do not have a vehicle. Similarly, if you wish to go on a safari by driving a vehicle yourself, you can rent one with a four wheel drive and a complete kit.

By Bicycle or On Moped

You can rent a bicycle with or without a guide, at a shop near 'Mo-Money' on Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, from Cliff Sitwal, who is popularly known as the 'Zambezi Cowboy'. A guided tour for half a day will cost you around US $10-US$20 per person depending upon the distance covered. You can choose from a variety of tours like rides along the riverside, market tours, village tours and tours which include bird watching.