Maputo Layover Guide (MPM)

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

Maputo Airport (MPM) is an international airport located in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. It’s situated about 5 km (3 miles) from downtown Maputo. The airport officially opened in 1980. Maputo is Mozambique’s largest city and a vital hub for commerce and culture. Known for its vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and scenic coastline, the city offers a unique blend of African and Portuguese influences, making it an exciting destination to explore.

Can you leave Maputo Airport (MPM) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers on layover at Maputo Airport may exit the terminal, but you must hold an entry visa or valid visa exemption. Transit visas do not allow leaving the airport. Most nationalities can apply for a 30-day e-Visa directly online via the Government portal prior to travel (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Maputo Central Train Station Admire the grand art deco architecture of Maputo Central Train Station, designed by Eiffel, capture striking photos of its ornate façade and bustling platforms, and learn about the city’s colonial history. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (~15 min) or City Bus 36.)
• Fortaleza da Nossa Senhora da Conceição Explore the 18th-century Fortaleza da Nossa Senhora da Conceição, wander through fortified walls, visit its small museum detailing Portuguese colonial heritage, and enjoy panoramic views of Maputo Bay. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~20 min).)
• Mercado Municipal Immerse yourself in the vibrant Mercado Municipal, browse stalls overflowing with fresh produce, spices, textiles, and handcrafted souvenirs, and sample local snacks from street vendors in this bustling urban bazaar. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (~15 min) or City Bus 36.)
• Jardim Tunduru Stroll through the lush Jardim Tunduru, designed in 1885 by British gardener Thomas Honney, admire exotic flora, ornate fountains, and winding pathways offering a serene escape from city bustle. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (~10 min).)
• Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, marvel at its grand neoclassical façade, elegant interior murals, and tranquil courtyard, then light a candle and soak in the spiritual ambiance. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (~15 min).)
• Museu de História Natural Dive into Mozambique’s rich biodiversity at the Museu de História Natural, explore exhibits on native wildlife, geological displays, and dioramas showcasing elephants, lions, and other fascinating species. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~20 min).)
• FEIMA Artisan Market Browse FEIMA, the Feira de Artesanato, Inhambane e Maputo, vibrant weekend artisan market, discover handcrafted wood carvings, colorful textiles, ceramics, and sip fresh coconut water as you shop. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~25 min).)
• Restaurant Zambi Indulge in authentic Mozambican flavors at Restaurant Zambi, feast on spicy peri-peri prawns, matapa stew, and refreshing cashew-based desserts in a stylish garden setting overlooking the ocean. (Time required: 1½ hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~20 min).)

Things to Do in Maputo Airport (MPM)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Maputo International Airport offers the Executivo 2000 lounge in the International Terminal (airside, post-security). Open daily from 05:00 to 22:00, it features comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, high-speed Wi-Fi, designated quiet zones and a children’s play area. Access is via Priority Pass, American Express or pay-per-use. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels near Maputo Airport are within a 5 km radius, including Radisson Blu Hotel Maputo and Polana Serena Hotel. These properties feature airport shuttle service, air-conditioned rooms, on-site restaurants, fitness centres and free Wi-Fi. Budget options like White Garden Hotel offer clean, simple accommodations with essential amenities and easy airport access. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Overnight stays at Maputo Airport are informal; no dedicated snooze zones exist. Travellers report the first-floor departure hall is quieter in late hours. Lounge day-beds are limited to paying guests. Security and airport staff can advise on calmer corners, but most long-stay visitors prefer nearby hotels with shuttle transfers for reliable sleep.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is restricted to participating lounges. In the public terminal, paid Wi-Fi access is available via voucher machines near the information desk. Speeds are moderate and registration requires a valid email or phone number. Lounges and hotel shuttles generally offer more reliable connectivity, so plan accordingly for streaming or large downloads.

SIM/eSIM Card: Kiosks inside the international arrivals hall sell physical SIM cards from Vodacom, Movitel and Mcel. Plans start around USD 5 for 1 GB valid seven days. Shops operate during normal airport hours. eSIM profiles can be purchased online in advance from major providers, enabling immediate activation on compatible devices upon arrival. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered taxis queue outside the arrivals exit around the clock. A typical ride to central Maputo takes 15 minutes (6 km) and costs roughly MZN 500 (approx. USD 7–8), payable in cash. Negotiating a fixed fare upfront is common. Ride-hailing services like Bolt also operate in Maputo, offering smartphone-based booking and transparent pricing.

Train: No direct train service runs from the airport. The nearest rail link is Maputo Central Station, about 3 km away, accessible by taxi or bus. Mozambique Railways (CFM) operates regional and international routes; schedules and tickets are available at cfm.co.mz (more info).

Bus: Maputo’s city transport relies on blue minibuses (‘chapas’) departing from outside the airport. No formal bus terminal exists onsite. For regional and long-haul coaches, head to the Baixa bus terminal in the city centre. State-owned Transporte de Moçambique (TPM) manages scheduled intercity services at tpm.co.mz (more info).

Shuttle: Shared and private shuttle services can be booked in advance or at airport desks. Providers like Shuttle Africa and Welcome Pickups offer door-to-door transfers to major hotels and city points. Vehicles range from sedans to minibuses. Booking online ensures guaranteed pickup near arrivals and often includes wait-time protection for delayed flights.

Car rentals: International car rental companies (Avis, Budget, Europcar) have desks in the arrivals hall. Drivers must present a valid passport, driving licence and credit card. Vehicles include compact cars and SUVs. Rates vary seasonally; weekly discounts are common. Reservations in advance secure desired models and faster pickup to bypass airport queues. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking lots lie adjacent to the terminal building. The first hour is complimentary, then hourly and daily rates apply. Lighting and security patrols operate 24/7. Valet parking is unavailable. During peak periods you may need to use overflow lots and walk a short distance to the terminal.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Maputo Airport does not offer formal luggage storage or locker facilities. A left-luggage service may be requested at the airport information desk, but space is limited and not guaranteed. Many travellers prefer using hotel luggage storage when on layovers. Alternatively, consider city-centre locker services for secure short-term storage. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Maputo Airport (MPM) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks