Brazzaville Maya-Maya Layover Guide (BZV)

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

Brazzaville Airport (BZV) is an international airport located in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo. It lies about 4 km (2.5 miles) from downtown Brazzaville. The airport officially opened in 1940. Brazzaville is one of Central Africa’s major urban centers and serves as an important political and cultural hub. The city is known for its French colonial architecture, vibrant music scene, and scenic views of the Congo River.

Can you leave Brazzaville Airport (BZV) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Transit passengers at Maya-Maya Airport (BZV) with same-day confirmed onward flights may remain in the international transit zone without a visa. To exit the airport and enter Brazzaville city, travellers must apply for and obtain a Republic of Congo visa (e-visa or visa-on-arrival) unless they qualify for official visa exemption. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Basilique Sainte-Anne Marvel at the vibrant stained-glass windows and colonial architecture of this hilltop basilica overlooking Brazzaville, a serene spiritual retreat offering panoramic city views and peaceful tranquil gardens for quiet reflection. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min.)
• Monument de Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Visit the striking white marble monument honoring explorer Pierre de Brazza, situated on a tree-lined plateau offering historical exhibits, informative plaques, and sweeping Congo River vistas perfect for photography enthusiasts. (Time required: 45 min. / Airport to here: Taxi 25 min.)
• Historic Plateau District Explore the historic Plateau district with its colonial-era architecture, charming cafés, bustling leafy boulevards, vibrant street art, stately government buildings, and scenic overlooks offering glimpses into Brazzaville’s relaxed cultural energy. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min or bus line 2, 35 min.)
• Marché de Talangaï Dive into local culture at Talangaï market, where stalls overflow with colorful textiles, fresh produce, handcrafted souvenirs, aromatic spices, and vendors eager to share stories of Congolese traditions and crafts. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Shared taxi 30 min or bus line 3, 45 min.)
• Promenade du Bord de l’Eau Stroll along the scenic riverfront promenade lined with palm trees and benches, offering cool breezes, sunset vistas over the Congo River, vibrant local snack vendors, and occasional live music performances. (Time required: 45 min. / Airport to here: Taxi 25 min or bus line 7, 50 min.)
• Musée National du Congo Discover Congolese art, archaeology, and ethnography at the National Museum, featuring traditional masks, sculptures, historical artifacts, and rotating exhibitions that celebrate local heritage through interactive educational multimedia and immersive presentations. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 30 min.)
• Marché Foutry Experience vibrant local life at Foutry market, where vendors sell fresh fish, spices, fabrics, street food, and handcrafted souvenirs amid colorful stalls and the daily lively chatter of neighborhood residents. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 30 min or bus line 1, 45 min.)
• Bacongo Beach Relax at the informal Bacongo riverbank beach, enjoying warm sun, gentle breezes, folk music drifting from nearby bars, and local vendors offering cold drinks and snacks beside calm, serene waters. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min.)

Things to Do in Brazzaville Airport (BZV)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
At Maya-Maya Airport, the Salon Ébène Business Lounge operates 24/7 airside after security. Covering 426 m², it welcomes Priority Pass members, business or first-class travelers, and walk-in guests for 12,000 XAF. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, snacks, refreshments, newspapers, magazines, TV screens, air conditioning and a smoke-free environment. Champagne is available at extra cost. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There’s no on-site hotel at the terminal, but several options lie within a 10-minute drive. The Radisson Blu M’Bamou Palace is about 6 km away, offering luxury rooms, pool and shuttle service. Mid-range and budget hotels—such as Hotel Ocean and Hotel SARA—cluster near the riverbank and city center, all reachable by taxi. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Maya-Maya provides standard seating in departure and arrival halls but no dedicated sleep pods or nap rooms. Passengers often rest on benches or stretch out on floor mats. Lighting remains constant overnight, and noise levels can be high. Travelers seeking comfort should reserve lounge access or book a nearby hotel for uninterrupted rest.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free airport Wi-Fi is available in public areas and in the Salon Ébène lounge, typically requiring a simple registration and valid for 30–60 minutes per session. Speeds can be moderate during peak hours. For longer online work or streaming, purchasing a local SIM or using a USB 3G/4G dongle is recommended.

SIM/eSIM Card: Airtel and MTN kiosks on the arrivals ground floor sell prepaid SIM cards and 3G/4G USB keys. Registration requires a passport photocopy; data bundles start at around 5,000 XAF for 1 GB. eSIM offerings are limited—travelers should install an international eSIM before departure or opt for physical cards upon arrival. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official yellow taxis queue outside the arrivals hall. Meter use is rare; fares to downtown Brazzaville typically run 5,000–10,000 XAF (8–16 USD) depending on traffic. Shared taxis (clandos) can lower costs to about 2,000 XAF but may wait to fill. Always agree on the fare or ensure the driver turns on a meter.

Train: There is no rail link directly serving Maya-Maya Airport. The nearest station is Brazzaville-ville on the Congo–Ocean Railway line, about 4 km from the terminal, offering passenger services toward Pointe-Noire. Timetables and ticketing info are available online. (more info)

Bus: No dedicated airport express bus exists. Local minibuses (“gbaka”) run routes between central districts and the terminal area, charging around 800 XAF per trip. Services are informal, have no fixed schedules, and can be crowded. Travelers should confirm routes with drivers before boarding. (more info)

Shuttle: Select hotels—including Radisson Blu and Hotel Ocean—offer free airport shuttle service for guests. Shuttles must be reserved in advance and coordinate departure times with flight arrivals. Pickup usually occurs curbside at the arrivals exit; return schedules vary by hotel and should be confirmed at check-in.

Car rentals: Several international agencies (Avis, Europcar, Hertz) and local firms maintain desks in the arrivals hall. Requirements include a valid driver’s license, passport and deposit. Daily rates start around 40,000 XAF (65 USD) for economy cars. Roadside assistance and insurance packages are available at extra cost. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Open-air parking lots flank the terminal with short-term and long-term sections. Rates are approximately 500 XAF per hour or 3,000 XAF per day. Payment can be made in cash or by card at the pay booths. Security patrols operate 24/7, but travelers should lock vehicles and avoid leaving valuables inside.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There is no self-service locker facility. Travelers can leave bags at the airport’s Lost & Found office on the ground floor for a small fee (around 2,000 XAF per item per day). The office is open 07:00–19:00; after-hours storage must be arranged in advance with airport staff. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Brazzaville Airport (BZV) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks