Lusaka Kenneth Kaunda Layover Guide (LUN)

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

Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) is an international airport located in Chongwe District, 27 km (17 miles) northeast of Lusaka’s city centre. The airport first opened in 1967 as Lusaka International Airport. Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia. It serves as a key hub for domestic, international travel, commerce and leisure activities.

Can you leave Lusaka Airport (LUN) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can leave Lusaka Airport during a layover provided you allow at least three hours and hold a valid visa or qualify for visa on arrival. Most nationalities must acquire a transit or single-entry visa (obtainable online or on arrival) before exiting the airport via the e-Visa portal in advance. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

A Taste of Zambia

A guided day food tour in Lusaka exploring traditional street foods, local markets and Zambian culinary heritage. Perfect for a layover, it includes hotel pickup, tasting sessions at multiple venues and insights into regional specialties like nshima and relish. Includes tasting of beverages such as Zambian tea and local beer. » book this tour

Lusaka: Transfer to Livingstone with Tours and Lunch

An overland, full-day transfer from Lusaka Airport to Livingstone including guided stops at Choma Museum, Kalundu Mound and local villages. Enjoy a traditional Zambian lunch, insightful commentary on history and culture, plus comfortable, air-conditioned transport. Ideal for travellers seeking both transfer and sightseeing during a layover. » book this tour

Lusaka to Livingstone: Private Transfer (Victoria Falls)

A private, six-hour transfer from Lusaka Airport to Livingstone Airport in a luxury vehicle. Includes airport pickup, complimentary water and Wi-Fi, as well as optional stops at craft markets or scenic viewpoints. Efficient and personalized, this service ensures a stress-free connection for passengers with tight layovers. » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • Munda Wanga Environmental Park A conservation sanctuary hosting botanical gardens, wildlife enclosures, aviary and rehabilitation centre. Ideal for families and nature lovers exploring Zambia’s biodiversity. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi 25 min)
  • Lusaka National Museum Home to Zambia’s cultural and archaeological exhibits, including traditional crafts, photographs and rotating art displays. Offers insight into national history and heritage within a modern building. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min)
  • Kabwata Cultural Village A vibrant arts centre showcasing local artisans’ workshops and traditional crafts. Shop hand-carved sculptures, textiles and jewelry while witnessing live demonstrations of pottery and weaving techniques. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min)
  • Sunday Crafts Market Held every Sunday, visitors browse stalls selling handmade baskets, woodwork, beadwork and local delicacies. Experience Lusaka’s community spirit and support fair-trade artisans at Arcades Shopping Mall. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min)
  • Freedom Statue & Independence Monument Iconic monument commemorating Zambia’s independence featuring a bronze statue of a breaking chain. Surrounding gardens offer a peaceful setting for reflection and photography. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Taxi 18 min)
  • Lusaka City Market Bustling open-air market offering fresh produce, spices, textiles and souvenirs. Immerse in local daily life, sample street food and bargain with vendors for handcrafted items at the city’s heart. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 22 min)
  • Leopards Hill Memorial Gardens Memorial park dedicated to Zambian heroes featuring landscaped gardens, sculptures and commemorative plaques. Ideal for leisurely strolls and quiet contemplation amid art and nature. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 30 min)
  • Latitude 15 Rooftop Bar Enjoy panoramic city views with a cocktail at Latitude 15’s rooftop bar. Relax in an elegant setting with live music, international dishes and friendly service overlooking Lusaka. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min)

Things to Do in Lusaka Airport (LUN)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Three premium lounges serve LUN daily: IAPCO Club, Pearl Lounge Zambia and airline-specific Baobab (South African Airways) and Simba (Kenya Airways). All offer air-conditioned seating, complimentary wi-fi, refreshments, newspapers, TV, shower facilities and business workstations. Access via membership programs or pay-per-use passes with stays typically limited to three hours. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
No on-airport hotels exist at LUN. However, Lusaka city center (15–20-minute taxi) offers accommodation ranging from budget guesthouses (~US $30/night) to luxury brands (Radisson Blu, Protea, Taj Pamodzi). Most hotels provide airport shuttles, 24-hour front desk, Wi-fi and breakfast services, spa facilities and concierge. Advance booking recommended during peak seasons. » Find and book airport hotel/sleeping pod in our Lusaka Airport (LUN) hotels/sleeping pods page.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
LUN has no dedicated sleep pods or rest cabins. Travelers may recline on padded seating near gates or use quiet lounge corners for naps. Airport carpets and bench seating offer alternatives, but early arrivals find limited space. Carry a travel pillow, eye mask and earplugs for added comfort in transit delays.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals at LUN. Simply connect to “LUN_Free_WiFi” network with no login required for unlimited browsing, streaming and downloads. Numerous charging stations and USB outlets are located near seating areas. 24/7 availability ensures you stay connected whether awaiting departure or doing last-minute work.

SIM/eSIM Card: Visitors can purchase MTN SIM cards at the MTN Connect kiosk in arrivals (08:00–21:00 daily) for 5 ZMW, with data bundles from 25–150 ZMW. Airtel SIMs are also available via airport stores. Alternatively, activate an eSIM (Airalo, Nomad) online pre-arrival for instant 4G/5G connectivity upon landing, with no registration required. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Lusaka Airport (LUN) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis with orange bands operate 24/7 from arrivals at LUN. A ride to Lusaka city center takes 15–20 minutes over 23 km and costs from K250 (~US $25), metered per distance. Payment via cash in kwacha or mobile money. Confirm the fare with the driver before departure to ride safely and comfortably.

Train: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport has no on-site rail link or train service. Zambia Railways operates the national network regionally, with the nearest passenger station 27 km away in Lusaka city center. Travelers must transfer by road to board trains at Lusaka station, where ticket offices open daily (06:00–18:00) for passenger services. (more info)

Bus: A public bus operated by Zambia Railways Transport runs between LUN and Chelston Bus Station. Buses depart every 30–60 minutes from outside the terminal. Tickets can be purchased onboard for K50 (~US $2). Journey time is 45–60 minutes, stopping at major Lusaka hubs. Buses may not follow strict schedules. (more info)

Shuttle: Most Lusaka hotels and resorts (Radisson Blu, Protea, Taj Pamodzi) provide complimentary airport shuttle services. Shuttles run on demand or by reservation, timed to major flight arrivals between 06:00–22:00. Shared vans may include brief stops at partnering properties. Advance booking with hotel concierge ensures availability and pickup at arrivals hall.

Car rentals: Car rental desks for Avis and Europcar are located in the arrivals hall at LUN. Drivers must be 21+ with a valid license and credit card. Compact cars start from US $30/day; SUVs and 4×4s cost more. Book online in advance for discounts. Insurance & collision waivers available. 24/7 roadside assistance. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: LUN offers adjacent short-term and long-term parking lots with both shaded and open spaces. A free drop-off zone permits quick luggage loading. Parking fees apply hourly (K5/hour) or daily (K50/day), payable at automated barriers via cash or card. The facility is monitored 24/7 by CCTV and security patrols.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no official luggage lockers at LUN. Travelers can use third-party storage services in Lusaka—Nannybag and Eelway partner with hotels and shops to offer secure, insured baggage storage near the arrivals area. Rates start at about US $2/day per bag. Reservations via app ensure 24/7 access and peace of mind. » Find out where to book and left your luggage in our Lusaka Airport (LUN) left luggage and storage page or directly book here (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Lusaka Airport (LUN) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks