Harare Layover Guide (HRE)

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

Harare Airport (HRE) is an international airport located in Harare, Zimbabwe. It’s located about 15 km (9.3 miles) south of downtown Harare. The airport first opened officially in 1956. Harare is the capital and largest city of Zimbabwe and is considered one of the country’s economic and cultural centres. It’s also known for its vibrant jacaranda blossoms, thriving arts scene, and lush evergreen parks offering year-round greenery throughout the city.

Can you leave Harare Airport (HRE) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can leave Harare Airport during a layover if you clear immigration. Most travellers need a visa—either e-Visa, visa on arrival (for eligible nationals), or a pre-approved visa—unless you are from a visa-exempt country. Apply online or on arrival before exiting the airport. Check requirements for your nationality in advance. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Harare: Half Day Outdoor Adventure

Discover Harare’s highlights on this 3–5 hour half-day adventure. Visit historic downtown streets, vibrant markets, and architectural landmarks before heading to Lion Park for a safari option. Enjoy local crafts at the souvenirs market and sample traditional African cuisine at a restaurant, all with roundtrip airport or hotel transfers included. » book this tour

HARARE CITY TOUR ADVENTURES

Embark on a private professional 5-hour guided tour exploring the Balancing Rocks park in Chiremba Epworth, followed by a drive through Mbare Markets and downtown Harare. Pay tribute at National Heroes Acre, taste organic Zimbabwean dishes at a tradition restaurant, and browse handmade souvenirs with seamless hotel picks and drop-offs. » book this tour

Chinhoyi Caves : Zimbabwe Explorers !!

Journey from Harare on a 7-hour private excursion to Chinhoyi Caves. Learn about the ancient limestone formations and explore the vibrant Sleeping Pool and Dark Cave chambers. Includes hotel or airport pickup, roundtrip transport, entry fees, and refreshments, with optional stops for photos and local stories along the scenic route. » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • National Gallery of Zimbabwe Showcases modern and traditional African art in rotating exhibitions and permanent collections; gift shop available at the entrance. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: 20 min by taxi)
  • Mbare Musika Market Bustling open-air market offering fresh produce, local handicrafts, textiles and street food; vibrant atmosphere perfect for cultural immersion. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 30 min by taxi or shuttle)
  • Harare Gardens Historic Victorian-style public park with fountains, walking paths, and shaded benches; ideal for a peaceful stroll or quick picnic. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: 25 min by taxi)
  • Mukuvisi Woodlands Protected reserve showcasing indigenous wildlife, birdwatching trails, and traditional village displays; guided walks available. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: 35 min by taxi)
  • Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences Explore archaeological artifacts dating back millennia, ethnographic displays and prehistoric relics; educational and insightful. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 20 min by taxi)
  • Chapungu Sculpture Park Outdoor gallery featuring majestic stone sculptures by local artists set among landscaped gardens; café and gallery shop on site (official site). (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: 30 min by taxi)
  • Sam Levy’s Village Upscale outdoor shopping and dining complex with boutiques, cafés and cinemas; perfect for souvenir hunting and a quick meal. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: 25 min by taxi)
  • Domboshava Granite Kopjes Scenic granite formations rising above bushveld offering panoramic city views and rock-art sites; moderate hike required. (Time required: 2.5 hours / Airport to here: 45 min by taxi)

Things to Do in Harare Airport (HRE)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Harare Airport features five lounges—the Pearl Lounge, The Lounge, Khami Lounge, Premium Luxury Lounge and Blueberry Premium Lounge—offering comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, beverages, flight monitors, free Wi-Fi, showers or massage chairs in some, and workstations. Priority Pass, drop-in and pay-per-use access options are available airside for up to three hours. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels within 10 km of Harare Airport offer nightly rates from US $50 to US $200 and complimentary shuttle services. Cresta Lodge and Cresta Jameson Hotel provide pool access and free Wi-Fi. The New Ambassador Hotel and Holiday Inn Harare feature on-site restaurants and 24-hour front desks for comfortable overnight stays. » Find and book airport hotel/sleeping pod in our Harare Airport (HRE) hotels/sleeping pods page.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Harare Airport lacks dedicated rest zones or sleep pods. Travelers can recline on padded seats near gates or use pay-per-use lounge resting rooms. Corners in The Lounge and Premium Luxury Lounge offer limited day beds. Bringing a travel pillow and eye mask is recommended for more restful layovers airside.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available around the clock throughout Harare Airport, including waiting areas and lounges. Coverage spans both terminals with no password required. Charging stations and USB ports are near public seating zones. For faster data, visitors can purchase prepaid 4G SIM or USB sticks at on-site local vendor kiosks.

SIM/eSIM Card: Prepaid 4G SIM cards from Telecel, Econet Wireless and NetOne are sold at airport kiosks beyond baggage claim for US$5–15, offering data plans valid 7–30 days. Passport registration is mandatory. Alternatively, travelers can activate global eSIM packages via providers like Airalo before arrival for instant, card-free cellular connectivity upon landing. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Harare Airport (HRE) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered taxis are available 24/7 outside arrivals at Harare Airport. Fares start with a US$4 base plus approximately US$1.40 per kilometer. A trip to central Harare typically takes 20–30 minutes and costs US$20–25. Negotiating or pre-booking a private transfer via online services ensures fixed rates and a reliable, professional driver.

Train: Harare Airport has no dedicated rail links. Travelers wishing to use rail services must journey to Harare’s main train station, located approximately 14 km away at 80 Samora Machel Avenue. Operated by the National Railways of Zimbabwe, this station handles daily passenger and regional freight trains connecting major Zimbabwean cities. (more info)

Bus: Public bus services are not offered directly at Harare Airport. Instead, local minibus shuttles operated by hotels and private coach companies depart outside Arrivals, providing reliable connections to the city center and popular neighborhoods. Economical, affordable fares range US$2–3 per person with frequent, scheduled, convenient, daily departures every 20–30 minutes. (more info)

Shuttle: Many hotels near Harare Airport provide complimentary shuttle vans for guests, operating on flight-arrival schedules between 05:00 and 22:00. Reservations are required in advance through hotel websites or reception desks. Minibuses stop at multiple properties. Non-guests can book private shuttle services via local transfer companies for fixed fares and pickups.

Car rentals: International car rental desks are located curbside in the arrivals hall. Major brands like Hertz, Avis, Europcar and local agencies offer compact cars to SUVs, requiring a valid driver’s license and credit card. Daily rates start around US$30, with insurance options and unlimited mileage available. Advance online booking is recommended. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Harare Airport offers convenient short-term and long-term parking next to the terminal with hourly and daily tariffs. A free curbside drop-off lane enables quick luggage unloading. Entry and exit barriers accept cash or credit cards. The secure, fenced parking area is under 24/7 CCTV surveillance, ensuring vehicle safety and security.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Harare Airport does not offer on-site luggage storage or lockers. Travelers can use shrink-wrap services at check-in counters for bag protection. Secure storage, third-party providers in Harare city center offer hourly or multi-day options. Hotel lobbies may also hold luggage for guests; inquire in advance to confirm availability and fees. » Find out where to book and left your luggage in our Harare Airport (HRE) left luggage and storage page or directly book here (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Harare Airport (HRE) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks