Transportation in Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is quite a distance from the Zimbabwean capital, Harare, however it is well worth the effort to travel to Victoria Falls to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World! The modes of transportation to get there are numerous but the quickest way is obviously by plane and there are direct flights from Harare and Johannesburg.

River rafting, bungee jumping or calmly observing 'The Smoke that Thunders', you certainly won't regret your decision to come to Vic Falls!

Our Victoria Falls Transportation Guide below provides you with information on how to get to, from and around Victoria Falls. For information on all the attractions to visit while in Vic Falls, check out our Victoria Falls Destination Guide and then head to our tours section to book some tours around the area.

Victoria Falls Transportation Guide

Getting to Victoria Falls

By Plane

Air Zimbabwe operates regular flights from Harare to Victoria Falls. South African Airways and British Airways operate flights to Victoria Falls from Johannesburg, while Air Namibia has flights from Windhoek.

Visit our partner Air Valid for Airline Reviews and Information about Zimbabwe.

By Train

There is a train, made in the 1920s, with its wood panelled cars intact, which runs from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls. This  train ride is supposed to be an overnight service, but do check the timings in advance.

Two luxury trains, the Shongololo Express and Rovos Rail, depart from South Africa and halt at Victoria Falls.

By Road

Buses drive from Victoria Falls to Bulawayo at regular intervals. From Bulawayo, you can catch a bus to Johannesburg or Harare. The Intercape Bus Company runs a luxury coach, twice a week, between Windhoek to Victoria Falls.

Getting Around Victoria Falls

By Foot

If you are in Zambia, then you can just walk across to the Falls! Livingstone and Victoria Falls are 10 kilometres apart and the distance is too much to cover on foot. But since the towns are small you can walk your way around the towns.

By Bus

Tourists can travel either by scheduled express coaches or local buses. Though most foreigners use the scheduled express buses to travel between towns, the local buses are also quick and much cheaper. They have no fixed schedules and run only in the morning and afternoon. The local buses operate from the ‘African township' bus depots, which are always away from the centre of the town.

Many hotels offer transfers to the Falls, as well as a shuttle service between the lodges and towns. This scheduled shuttle service is fairly reliable and sometimes free so check if this service is available when you check in at your hotel or lodge.

By Car

While it is technically possible to hire a car, it is a little impractical to drive, especially in the Zimbabwean section of the Falls.

With the comparatively cheap prices of taxis, it is best to hire one to avoid stressing about driving around. But do fix the fare before you step in! When you are travelling by taxi, do keep in mind that the wildlife ventures out on to the road in the night.

By Boat

A leisurely boat cruise is the best way to enjoy the Zambezi River, its flora and fauna and the wildlife around the Falls. These cruises are conducted on the calm waters above the Falls. This region is rich in game and tourists can spot various aquatic birds, elephants and hippos. There are breakfast cruises, bird watching cruises, lunch cruises and even sunset river cruises operated by many companies. If you would like to see the sights at your own pace and do not relish crowds, then opt for a smaller, propeller-free jet boat, which have a maximum seating capacity of fifteen people.  It is quieter and can access places which the bigger boats cannot and meanders through all the little island with a stop over on one of them and having snacks while watching the 'smoke that thunders' you can get hold of this company by e-mail info@getawaysafaris.com. Sunset cruises cost anywhere between US$ 35 and US$ 45.

By Train

The Victoria Falls Safari Express operates a 1922 Class Ten steam locomotive train across the Zambezi River through the Victoria Falls Bridge. This ‘bridge run' costs between US$ 51 and US$ 58 and is highly recommended. Another novelty is the train journey between Livingstone and Victoria Falls. This trip costs US$ 126 and includes either lunch or dinner. Do reserve your seats in advance as only 20 passengers are confirmed.

Other modes of transportation

Some resourceful travellers negotiate with truck drivers for transport between the towns!

Cycling enthusiasts can cycle between towns as the roads are in good condition and winds are not very strong. These journeys do not take longer than one day and there are many small shops on the way for refreshments.