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Luanda Quatro de Fevereiro Layover Guide (LAD)

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

Luanda Airport (LAD) is an international airport located in Luanda, the capital of Angola. It lies approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) from downtown Luanda. The airport began operations in 1954. Luanda is Angola’s largest city and a vital economic hub, especially for the oil industry. It’s known for its vibrant culture, Atlantic coastline, and dynamic nightlife, offering visitors a mix of historical charm and modern development in one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities.

Can you leave Luanda Airport (LAD) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers transiting through Luanda Airport (LAD) on the same ticket and remaining airside do not need an Angolan visa. However, if you wish to exit the airport during a layover, you must obtain a short-stay or transit visa in advance. Passport validity, additional entry regulations and health requirements also apply. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Fortaleza de São Miguel Historic 16th-century fortification offering panoramic views over Luanda Bay and exhibitions on colonial history. Accessible museum shop and café onsite. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: ~20 min by taxi or local bus)
• Museu Nacional de História Militar Recently renovated museum showing artifacts, uniforms, weapons, and interactive displays chronicling the history of Angola’s armed forces from independence to the present day. Guided tours available in English and Portuguese. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: ~25 min by taxi)
• Mausoléu de Agostinho Neto Monumental memorial honoring Angola’s first president surrounded by gardens, statues, and an eternal flame, offering reflection on national liberation and modern architecture. Opened in 2002, entry is free. Photography allowed. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: ~30 min by taxi)
• Ilha do Mussulo Sandy peninsula retreat with calm beaches, lagoons, and seafood restaurants, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and tasting local delicacies in a serene coastal setting. Day passes for resorts and boat transfers available. (Time required: Half day / Airport to here: ~25 min taxi to marina + 30 min boat)
• Terra Kwanza Shopping Mall Modern shopping and entertainment complex featuring local crafts, international brands, cinema, and various eateries, ideal for souvenir shopping or catching a movie in a comfortable environment. Wi-Fi and parking on site. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: ~20 min by taxi or bus)
• Mercado do Roque Bustling open-air market selling fresh produce, handcrafted souvenirs, textiles, and local snacks; immerse yourself in authentic Angolan culture, vibrant colors, and friendly vendor interactions. Bargaining is common and encouraged. Cash. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: ~15 min by taxi or bus)
• Miradouro da Lua Dramatic lunar-like landscape of eroded cliffs and ochre formations offering stunning photo opportunities, a natural wonder located just outside Luanda requiring adventurous off-road exploration. Guides recommended for safety. Bring water. (Time required: Half day / Airport to here: ~45 min by taxi, 4×4 recommended)
• Passeio na Marginal de Luanda Scenic coastal promenade lined with palm trees, cafes, and sculptures; perfect for walking, cycling, or enjoying a refreshing drink while watching ships enter Luanda Bay at sunset. Benches and bike rentals available. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: ~20 min by taxi or bike rental)

Things to Do in Luanda Airport (LAD)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Luanda Airport offers two main VIP lounges airside at International Departures, including the Pall Lounge (Priority Pass) and an airline-branded TAAG Welwitchia Lounge. Both provide comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, flight information screens, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Pay-per-use access or eligible premium cards grant entry. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Within 0.5–2 mi of the terminal, hotels range from budget apart-hotels to luxury properties. Popular choices include Cool Flat Cidade (0.4 mi), Hotel Baía (1.4 mi) and InterContinental Luanda Miramar (1.6 mi). Most offer free Wi-Fi, on-site dining, private parking and airport shuttle service—pre-book directly for guaranteed pick-up. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are no dedicated rest zones, sleeping pods or quiet areas inside Luanda Airport. Passengers requiring rest should book Fly Hotel adjacent to the domestic terminal or nearby city hotels offering day-use rooms. Airport seating is standard bench style, with limited power outlets in one airside seating area.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Luanda Airport provides free public Wi-Fi sponsored by Tigra beer, accessible in all passenger areas. High-speed wireless is available throughout the terminal and in VIP lounges. Additional data can be bought from 4G operators at airport telecom kiosks. Charging stations and power outlets are located in select seating zones.

SIM/eSIM Card: Tourists can purchase physical SIM cards from operators such as UNITEL and Movicel at airport retail outlets (open Mon–Fri 08:30–18:00, Sat until 13:00). Several shops also offer eSIM activation codes. Prepaid packages start at modest rates, with data bundles available for 3G/4G access throughout Luanda. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Luanda Airport (LAD) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis operate 24/7 from the dedicated rank outside Arrivals. All vehicles have meters but rates vary—confirm total fare before boarding. A ride to Largo do Lumeji (city centre) typically costs 4 000–5 500 AOA (≈€6). Cash payment in kwanzas or US dollars is accepted; pre-booked private transfers avoid haggling.

Train: There is no rail service directly serving Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (LAD). The nearest station is Luanda Bungo in the city centre, but no scheduled urban train line reaches the current airport terminal. For rail to Dr. António Agostinho Neto Airport, see the operator’s site. (more info)

Bus: Local and private bus services run between the airport and various Luanda districts. Public buses depart from outside the main terminal, offering an economical option—expect crowded, unmarked vehicles. Private operators also run coach shuttles; schedules and routes vary. Pre-booked airport transfer apps can provide fixed-route minibus service. (more info)

Shuttle: Numerous hotels and independent transfer companies offer pre-booked airport shuttle services. Vehicles range from shared minibuses to private vans; booking in advance guarantees a waiting driver at arrivals. Rates are competitive and often inclusive of flight-monitoring, meet-and-greet and baggage assistance for seamless door-to-door transfers.

Car rentals: Leading agencies including Europcar, Budget, Sixt and Hertz have counters in the arrivals hall and off-airport shuttle pick-up points. Book online to secure the best rates; vehicles span economy cars to SUVs. Drivers must be 21+, hold a valid international or Angolan driving licence, and present a credit card deposit. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Three on-site car parks accommodate up to 850 vehicles, located within walking distance of the terminal. Parking is first-come, first-served; no advance reservations are available. Standard daily and hourly tariffs apply. Short-term parking is closest to the departure hall; long-term areas require a brief shuttle walk.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luanda Airport does not provide luggage storage facilities or lockers. Passengers needing secure baggage hold should use nearby hotels or third-party facilities in the city. Alternatively, check with airlines for excess-baggage storage options at the check-in counters. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Luanda Airport (LAD) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks