Getting There & Getting About

International Airports

• Maputo (MPM): 3 km from the city.
• Beira (BEW): 13 km from the city.

• Full list of airports in Mozambique with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

There are internal flights linking Maputo with a number of cities; however, flights are frequently cancelled or delayed and baggage is often tampered with or lost altogether. Air-taxi services are also available, and are the safest means of transport outside the main cities.

There are a number of rail links, including one that runs from Maputo to Goba and Ressano Garcia, before heading northwards on the line to Zimbabwe. However, there are no dining or air-conditioned cars and few sleepers, and all train services are subject to disruption.

Car hire is available from international and national agencies in Maputo and Beira - only hard currency is accepted. There are an estimated 29,810km of roads, and some major roads (for example, Maputo to Beira and Beira to Tete) are tarred. However, the presence of landmines makes travel by road outside the capital dangerous and hijackings are also a risk. Many vehicles travel without headlights, making driving after dark hazardous. There are a number of controls on the roads to check papers, especially in the north and near the border with Zimbabwe.

There are regular bus services across the country, although in more rural areas, journeys can only be undertaken by chapas (converted passenger trucks). Bus services tend to be cheap and fairly reliable.

Buses are also available for travel within the towns, and the system in Maputo has recently been improved, with the introduction of new vehicles and a more extensive service. Metered taxis are available in large towns; drivers will expect a tip.