Antananarivo Ivato Layover Guide (TNR)

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

Antananarivo Airport (TNR) is an international airport located in Ivato, about 16 km (10 miles) from downtown Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. The airport officially opened in 1967 and serves as the main gateway to the country. Antananarivo is Madagascar’s largest city, known for its unique blend of French colonial architecture and Malagasy culture. The city offers a vibrant atmosphere, local markets, and scenic views of surrounding hills and rice paddies.

Can you leave Antananarivo Airport (TNR) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can leave Antananarivo’s Ivato Airport during layovers, but you must clear immigration. All visitors except Burundi nationals require a visa, obtainable on arrival or via e-Visa for stays up to 90 days. Ensure you meet health/vaccine rules before arrival. Visa-on-arrival processing is quick, often within minutes. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Rova of Antananarivo (Queen’s Palace) Perched atop Antananarivo’s highest hill, the Rova complex offers panoramic city vistas, preserved royal tombs, and historical exhibits illustrating Madagascar’s monarchy, architecture, and cultural heritage in a serene, elevated setting. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (≈20 minutes))
• Ambohimanga Royal Hill Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ambohimanga hill fortress preserves royal residences, sacred tombs, traditional palaces, and verdant grounds symbolic of Malagasy cultural identity and deeply significant monarchy traditions. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (≈1 hour))
• Analakely Market Vibrant open-air market bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, spices, handcrafted souvenirs, colorful textiles, and street food stalls offering traditional Malagasy snacks, creating an authentic, sensory-rich unique urban shopping experience. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (≈25 minutes))
• Avenue de l’Indépendance Historic pedestrian boulevard lined with colonial-era buildings, boutique shops, cafes, and public art installations, offering a leisurely stroll through Antananarivo’s vibrant commercial heart and glimpses into its cosmopolitan charming ambiance. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (≈30 minutes))
• Lake Anosy Man-made heart-shaped lake surrounded by jacaranda-lined promenades, monuments, and local vendors, providing tranquil waterside views, scenic photo opportunities at sunset, year-round blooming flora, and a peaceful retreat amid bustling surroundings. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (≈25 minutes))
• Tsimbazaza Zoo & Botanical Gardens Comprehensive zoological and botanical park showcasing endemic Malagasy wildlife, including lemurs, reptiles, and exotic bird species, alongside lush gardens, informative exhibits, and research and conservation initiatives educating visitors about biodiversity. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (≈20 minutes))
• Lemur Park Private reserve nestled in lush greenery featuring habituated lemur colonies, guided nature trails, and interactive educational presentations offering intimate encounters with various lemur species in a serene family-run conservation setting. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (≈40 minutes))
• Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie Charming museum housing diverse collections of Malagasy art, archaeological artifacts, and ethnographic displays, highlighting traditional crafts, historical relics, and contemporary works illuminating Madagascar’s artistic evolution, with interactive workshops and exhibitions. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (≈30 minutes))

Things to Do in Antananarivo Airport (TNR)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Ivato Airport offers a VIP lounge accessible by business class passengers or via pay-per-use access. It includes comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, newspapers, and flight information screens. Additional seating areas with charging points are located near gates. Passengers can unwind before departure or during layovers in a quiet, serene environment. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels near Ivato Airport provide convenient overnight options. Budget-friendly properties offer shuttle transfers, on-site restaurants, and fitness facilities. Rooms feature air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service. Advance booking ensures availability. Guests can rest comfortably before early flights or after long journeys within easy reach of terminal amenities. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Inside the terminal, designated rest zones feature reclining seats and low lighting. Quiet corners near gates offer benches and privacy screens. Complimentary charging stations are available throughout. Though no dedicated sleeping pods exist, travelers can recline or use luggage as pillows. Staff can provide blankets on request for added comfort.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Ivato Airport. Passengers connect to the “Ivato_Free_WiFi” network after accepting terms via a browser portal. Speeds are basic but sufficient for messaging and web browsing. Charging stations near seating areas assist usage. For faster or unlimited mobile data, consider purchasing a local SIM upon arrival.

SIM/eSIM Card: Upon arrival, official vendors near the baggage claim sell local SIM cards from providers like Telma. Plans include data, voice, and SMS packages. Registration requires showing a passport copy. Pricing is affordable and top-ups are widely available at kiosks or convenience stores. eSIM options may require online activation before travel. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Antananarivo Airport (TNR) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxi desks are located just outside arrivals, offering metered and flat-rate services. Licensed drivers display yellow license plates. Airport-to-city one-way transfers take about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares start at approximately 60,000 MGA. Payment in cash is preferred; credit cards may not be accepted. Confirm the price beforehand.

Train: Currently, there is no passenger train service connecting Ivato Airport to Antananarivo or surrounding areas. All ground transportation relies on existing road networks. Travelers must use taxis, buses, or private shuttles. For up-to-date details on Madagascar’s regional domestic rail network and services, please refer to the official railway operator’s website. (more info)

Bus: Public bus services do not directly serve Ivato Airport. Instead, private coach operators connect the airport to Antananarivo and other regions. Tickets are purchased at counters in the arrivals area. Buses depart multiple times daily, with schedules posted on operator websites. Travel times vary depending on route and traffic conditions. (more info)

Shuttle: Convenient reliable airport shuttle bus Flybus operates between Ivato Airport and Analakely in downtown Antananarivo. Scheduled departures align with flight arrivals, running approximately every hour from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Tickets cost around 15,000 MGA one way. Boarding is at the arrivals bus stop; seating is first-come, first-served.

Car rentals: Major licensed international car rental agencies operate from Ivato Airport, including Hertz and Avis. Counters are located in the arrivals hall. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs. Reservations can be made online or at the desk. Drivers must present a valid driving permit and passport. Insurance options are available. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking lots are adjacent to the passenger terminal at Ivato Airport. Rates are charged per hour or per day, with secure areas and patrols. Payment is made at automated machines accepting cash and cards. Disabled parking spaces are available near the entrance. Overflow parking may be distant.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Short-term luggage storage services operate at a counter near Ivato Airport’s arrivals hall. Passengers can leave suitcases and bags for hourly or daily fees. Lockers are not available; instead, valuables can be held at the security office. Service hours align with terminal opening times. Collection requires presenting a claim ticket. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Antananarivo Airport (TNR) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks