Travel to Malawi
Flying to Malawi
Most international visitors arrive in Malawi by air via Lilongwe International Airport (LLW), also known as Kamuzu International Airport, located approximately 26km (16 miles) north of the capital, Lilongwe. The airport serves as the country's principal international gateway and handles most long-haul and regional flights.
Chileka International Airport (BLZ), near Blantyre, is Malawi's second international airport and serves the country's main commercial centre. While smaller than Lilongwe, it provides important regional connections and can be a convenient entry point for travellers heading to southern Malawi, Mount Mulanje or Majete Wildlife Reserve.
Malawi is connected to regional hubs including Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lusaka and Dar es Salaam. Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Airlink and Malawi Airlines are among the carriers serving the country. Most visitors travelling from Europe, North America, Asia or Australasia reach Malawi via one of these regional hubs.
Airport facilities are relatively modest but include currency exchange services, ATMs, cafés, car hire facilities and mobile phone SIM card vendors. Many hotels and tour operators arrange airport transfers in advance, and taxis are available outside the terminals.
Flight times
From London to Lilongwe: 14 to 16 hours (with a layover).
Travelling to Malawi by Rail
Malawi is linked to Mozambique by rail, primarily for freight transport, though passenger services have operated intermittently on some routes. Rail services can be subject to suspension, timetable changes and operational disruptions, so travellers should verify current schedules in advance.
Driving to Malawi
Malawi shares land borders with Tanzania to the north and northeast, Zambia to the west, and Mozambique to the east, south and southwest. The busiest border crossings include Mchinji on the Zambia border, Songwe on the Tanzania border and several crossings with Mozambique, including Mwanza, Dedza and Mulanje. Road links between Malawi and neighbouring countries are generally good on the principal international routes, particularly those connecting Lilongwe, Blantyre and the major border posts.
International coach services operate between Malawi and neighbouring countries, with regular connections to cities such as Lusaka, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg and Maputo. Journey times can be long, and border formalities may add significant delays, particularly during busy travel periods.
Private vehicles entering Malawi require valid registration documents, proof of insurance and any necessary temporary importation permits. International Driving Permits are recommended for foreign drivers, and vehicle documentation should be carried at all times.
Border procedures can be time-consuming, and travellers should allow sufficient time for immigration, customs and vehicle inspections. Requirements may vary depending on nationality and the border crossing used.
Getting to Malawi by boat
Although Malawi borders Lake Malawi, there are no regular international passenger ferry services connecting Malawi with neighbouring countries.