Home / Flying into Victoria Falls vs Bulawayo – Which Airport is Better?
When you dream of sweeping views and roaring water, ask: Should I fly into Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) or go via Bulawayo Airport (BUQ)? The right choice significantly affects the smoothness and fun of your getaway.
Victoria Falls Airport is close to the town and the falls, making it great for travellers wanting to go straight to the action. When you land, your hotel or lodge is often just a short drive away, maybe twenty minutes. That means less stress and more time enjoying the stunning scenery and adventures.
If your main goal is to see the waterfall and start your stay fast, VFA makes the most sense. You will:
VFA is small, calm, and designed with tourists in mind. It has helpful services like tour desk booths, easy taxi access, and luggage help. You won’t feel lost in a big airport crowd. It doesn’t have as many flights or big terminal buildings as some airports, but what it does have feels clean and focused on giving you a smooth welcome to the region. The only slight downside is fewer flight choices. But those short flights plus simple transfers feel worth it for many travellers.
Bulawayo Airport is bigger and busier. It handles more flights and people, which is good for exploring other parts of Zimbabwe. BUQ can sometimes have better deals, especially from international carriers. Bulawayo is a larger hub with more flights and fare options. That makes it ideal if:
Just remember the extra drive afterwards. You can make it fun, like turn that long ride into another scenic part of your getaway. You might stop in Bulawayo city for a day or camp on the road. Still, it does add travel time once you land. The catch? Driving from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls takes around six to seven hours. That means you have to plan another long trip after your flight and look for a car.
Let’s walk through two simple travel scenarios:
Imagine you plan a short safari or waterfall adventure. You fly into Victoria Falls Airport, arrive, exit the terminal, grab a taxi or hotel shuttle, and reach your lodge in under 30 minutes. You skip sitting in long vehicles or navigating big airports, making your retreat feel easy, efficient, and focused on the falls.
Bulawayo Airport can be a strategic hub if you want a longer journey, such as visiting Matobo Hills, Hwange National Park, or Botswana. You fly into BUQ, spend some time exploring, then drive or fly onward to Victoria Falls. It’s less rushed and gives more control over dates and travel style. But remember, you’ll spend extra time on the road.
| Feature | Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) | Bulawayo Airport (BUQ) |
| Distance from Victoria Falls | 25 km | 450 km (6-7 hour drive) |
| Airport Size | Small, tourist‑focused | Larger, regional hub |
| Flight Options | Mostly regional and some international | Broader international options |
| Transfer Convenience | Easy transfers, tours nearby | Longer drive, more logistics |
| Airport Facilities | Tour desks, luggage help, and a few shops | More shops, services, and car rental |
| Ideal For | Straight to Victoria Falls | Multi‑city trips, budget options |
Here are some little but significant differences that travellers might overlook:
Victoria Falls is closer to the Zambezi River and can be foggy. Flights might get delayed early in the morning or late afternoon.
VFA sometimes runs fewer flights during the low tourism season. BUQ often stays more consistent.
At VFA, you do border control right after landing. At BUQ, you may need special visas if you cross borders later.
Smaller airports like VFA have limited Wi‑Fi. Check local SIM cards or your roaming plan in advance.
Choose VFA if your top goal is arriving fast and having a simple, waterfall‑focused itinerary.
Choose BUQ if you’re building a multi‑city or international trip and want more choices or better fares, and you’re okay with the longer land journey afterwards.
A few handy suggestions to make it smoother:
Both airports have their place in adventures. Flying into Victoria Falls Airport gives you speed and simplicity, with no need to drive hours after your flight. It truly feels like landing in paradise. But Bulawayo Airport offers flexible flight options, more frequent schedules, and sometimes better prices. It just means planning an extra journey afterwards.
Your decision depends on what matters most: Are you here to focus on the falls and relax, or is this part of a grander multi‑destination adventure? Either way, now you know the fundamental differences.
Flying from the UK? See which airport suits you best—Victoria Falls or Bulawayo—before booking your flights to Zimbabwe.
Sometimes. Bulawayo might have cheaper flights depending on the season and where you’re flying from. But you should factor in the cost of getting to Victoria Falls afterwards, that long drive could cost more.
Yes, you can! There are usually plenty of taxis and hotel shuttles waiting outside VFA. Just make sure you agree on the fare before hopping in. It’s a short and simple ride into town.
It’s a paved highway, but it can be long and tiring. You’ll see rural areas, wildlife signs, and maybe even cows crossing. The drive is safe during the day, but avoid travelling at night because visibility can be tricky. You may have to drive through some potholes, and it can get bumpy.
