Windhoek Hosea Kutako Layover Guide (WDH)

What are you looking for in WDH?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Windhoek Airport (WDH) is an international airport located in Hosea Kutako, about 45 km (28 miles) east of downtown Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. The airport officially opened in 1965. Windhoek is the largest city in Namibia and serves as its economic, political, and cultural hub. The city is known for its blend of German colonial architecture and African culture, as well as its proximity to stunning desert landscapes and wildlife experiences.

Can you leave Windhoek Airport (WDH) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you may exit Windhoek Airport’s international transit zone and explore Namibia during a layover. However, all non-Namibian nationals require a visitor visa; eligible travelers can obtain a visa on arrival (valid up to 90 days), while others must apply for an e-Visa prior to travel. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Christuskirche Neo-Romanesque Lutheran church built in 1907, fashioned from pink sandstone, features stained glass windows, serene interior and small garden courtyard. Interpretive panels. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 35 min or Intercape shuttle to city centre, then 5-min walk.)
• Independence Memorial Museum Commemorates Namibia’s independence struggle with exhibits showcasing period uniforms, weapons, historic photographs, and multimedia displays. Modern café and gift shop onsite. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 40 min or shuttle bus to Post Street Mall then 5-min walk.)
• National Art Gallery of Namibia Features contemporary Namibian art spanning painting, sculpture, and mixed-media. Temporary exhibitions highlight emerging artists, while an outdoor sculpture garden offers tranquil retreat. Guided tours provide cultural context on artistic trends. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 35 min or shuttle to Zoo Park then 3-min walk.)
• Namibia Craft Centre Historic buildings near Rhino Park, the Namibia Craft Centre features handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and textiles. Demonstrations offer hands-on weaving. Café and shop support fair-trade initiatives, making it ideal for souvenirs. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 40 min or shuttle to Post Street Mall then 10-min walk.)
• Daan Viljoen Game Reserve Scenic wildlife reserve 20 km west of Windhoek, Daan Viljoen offers walking and cycling trails through acacia woodland, where you can spot kudu, warthog, and bird species. Picnic spots available. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Rental car or taxi approx. 45 min.)
• City Sightseeing Windhoek Flexible guided hop-on/hop-off city bus tour covering 15 landmarks including Christuskirche, Parliament, and Zoo Park. Buses run hourly with multi-language audio commentary. Perfect for a quick overview and photo stops. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Shuttle to centre then board at Zoo Park bus stop.)
• Katutura Township Tour Half-day immersive guided tour through Katutura Township exploring vibrant markets, local homesteads, township art, and cultural centres. Engage with residents, sample authentic traditional street food, and learn about community initiatives. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or ride-hail approx. 40 min.)
• Joe’s Beerhouse Iconic Windhoek restaurant and bar offering hearty authentic Namibian cuisine in rustic safari-themed surroundings. Famous for game dishes, steaks, local beers. Lively atmosphere with live music on weekends, outdoor seating. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 35 min or shuttle to Post Street Mall then 5-min walk.)

Things to Do in Windhoek Airport (WDH)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The Paragon Premium Lounge at Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport offers 24/7 access airside after passport control. Comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, hot and cold beverages, newspapers, and free Wi-Fi create a serene oasis. Maximum three-hour stay, children under three admitted free. Priority Pass and pay-per-entry options available for travelers. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels near Hosea Kutako Airport provide restful accommodation. Arebbusch Travel Lodge, Safari Court Hotel, and Protea Hotel by Marriott are within a ten-minute drive, offering comfortable rooms, onsite restaurants, swimming pools, fitness facilities, and airport shuttle services. Advance booking recommended, especially during peak travel seasons to secure preferred room. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Hosea Kutako Airport offers limited designated rest zones beyond the departure hall. Travelers can relax on padded benches or café seating near gates, though dedicated sleeping pods are not available. Bring noise-canceling earplugs and an eye mask for comfort. Airport lounges remain the best option for undisturbed rest between flights.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available at Hosea Kutako’s duty-free shopping and dining areas. Connection typically covers central terminal zones and café lounges airside. Access requires brief on-screen registration using email or social media login. Speeds support browsing, email, and messaging. For heavier use, consider purchasing paid mobile data plans at kiosks.

SIM/eSIM Card: Local MTC and TN Mobile kiosks at Hosea Kutako arrivals terminal sell prepaid SIM cards compatible with 4G networks. Registration requires passport identification. Rates start around N$50 for basic data bundles. eSIM services are supported by major local carriers; download codes directly to compatible smartphones after purchase for immediate connectivity. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered taxis queue outside the arrivals hall at Hosea Kutako International Airport. Fares to Windhoek city centre typically range between N$400 and N$500. Journey time is approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Drivers accept cash and mobile payments. Official airport taxis are marked and regulated for passenger safety by licensed drivers.

Train: Hosea Kutako International Airport is not connected to Namibia’s rail network. Passengers cannot travel by train to or from the airport. For rail connections, Windhoek’s central railway station is accessible from city centre locations via taxi or bus. Frequent scheduled Intercity services depart daily from there. more info

Bus: Several shuttle and bus operators serve Hosea Kutako International Airport. Public buses to Windhoek city depart irregularly; schedules vary. Intercity coaches link to major cities like Johannesburg and Lusaka from the airport bus terminal. Tickets cost approximately N$150 for local routes. Trip durations depend on destination distances. more info

Shuttle: Scheduled shared shuttles connect Hosea Kutako Airport with Windhoek hotels and city centre. Tok Tokkie and Windhoek Shuttle operate departures roughly every two to three hours before outbound flights and one hour after arrivals. Fares start around N$250 per person; prebooking recommended. Luggage assistance and meet-and-greet included. Vehicles are air-conditioned.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies including Avis, Europcar, Budget, and Hertz have desks at Hosea Kutako arrivals hall. Vehicles range from economy to SUVs, with options for one-way rentals across Namibia. Drivers must present a valid international or local driver’s license and credit card deposit. Airport surcharges apply. Unlimited mileage options. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Hosea Kutako International Airport offers short-term and long-term parking adjacent to the terminal. Rates start at N$15 per hour for short stays, and N$50 per day for long-term. Payment via cash, card, or mobile app. Designated pick-up and drop-off zones are conveniently located near arrivals and departures. Under CCTV supervision.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Hosea Kutako International Airport does not offer onsite baggage storage or locker facilities. Travelers requiring secure luggage storage must visit services in Windhoek city centre or arrange hotel safekeeping. Ahead of travel, verify with your accommodation or private providers for short-term storage options outside the airport. Alternatively, travel light nationally. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Windhoek Airport (WDH) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks