Home / Harare Airport Guide (HRE): Facilities and Services for International Travellers
Harare’s main airport is Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, or HRE. It’s the main entry point for people visiting Zimbabwe. The airport sits about 15 km (9 miles) south of Harare’s city centre. The airport is easily accessible by taxi, bus, or rental car, making it convenient for visitors arriving from abroad.
If you are still planning, consider exploring flights to Zimbabwe, arriving at Harare International Airport. In this guide, you will find all the information you need about the facilities and services at Harare Airport.
When you arrive in the international terminal, you can grab a bite to eat or shop. The choices are good. You’ll find places to eat, like small cafés and snack bars. There are also shops with souvenirs, books, electronics, and perfumes. For last-minute gifts or items, there’s a duty-free section with alcohol, tobacco, and beauty products.
You don’t need to wander far. All these shops are right by the departure gates. They’re built for travellers who forgot something at home or want to return a gift.
Need to get into town? No problem. You’ll find taxis and buses waiting just outside the terminal. The taxi drivers often park their cars at the front. Buses stop for travellers who want to take a cheaper ride into the city. If you’d rather drive yourself, several car rental companies have booths inside the terminal. You can book a car there and walk outside to pick it up.
You can use ATMs and money exchange at HRE. The airport machines give out US dollars. That’s the main currency most people use in Zimbabwe. You can use international cards like Visa and Mastercard. You’ll find ATMs from FBC, CBZ, ZB, and Post Office Bank, right in the terminal building.
If you prefer exchanging your cash, there’s a Kwikforex desk. You get your money in American dollars, which you can keep for shopping or emergencies.
Walking around can be confusing the first time. That’s why HRE has an information desk in the main lobby. Staff there can tell you about flight info, airport rules, and where to find things. That desk is a big help when you want quick directions or help with a tight connection.
HRE has comfy places if you fly business, first class, or use a lounge access card. There are two lounges:
Open from 5 AM to 10 PM, these lounges offer comfy seats, snacks, drinks, TV, Wi‑Fi, and newspapers. They’re perfect for relaxing before your flight or doing some last-minute work.
Zimbabwe has fast 4G mobile networks. You can buy prepaid SIM cards or USB 4G sticks at vendors inside the terminal. They’re cheap and easy to use. Shops inside include:
Plus, there’s free Wi‑Fi in the lounges and some café areas. You won’t be stuck offline.
HRE offers many handy services:
You can shrink-wrap your bag to protect it. This strong plastic wrap ensures that nobody tampered with your bag.
If you are unsure about the weight of your bag, you can weigh it at the check-in area. This helps avoid heavy luggage fees.
There’s a box to test whether your carry-on bag fits the correct size. If not, you may be charged later or need to repack.
Felt sick before your flight? Don’t worry. HRE has a medical centre and pharmacy inside the terminal. They provide first aid and medicines. If an emergency happens, you can call EMRAS or MARS right away.
If you need to send a postcard, letter, or small parcel before your flight, the Zimpost office inside Harare Airport makes it easy. It’s open during regular hours and in the terminal, so you don’t have to leave the airport to get your mailing done. You can also buy stamps or send a money order if needed.
The staff are used to helping travellers, so they can guide you if you’re unsure about postage or paperwork.
Feeling hungry or just want a drink before boarding? You’ll find several spots at the airport. Try:
These places offer hot meals, sandwiches, snacks, tea, coffee, and soft drinks. They’re easy to reach and great for a quick sit-down.
Harare Airport offers a short-term baggage storage service if you’re not ready to carry all your luggage yet. It’s located outside the international terminal building and is available daily from morning to late evening. This secure counter lets you leave personal items or extra bags while you handle other errands or wait for your flight.
To store your luggage, complete a simple form, show your passport, and sign a disclaimer. When picking up your bags, just bring your ID and the receipt you were given.
If your luggage gets lost or damaged, don’t panic. HRE has a Lost & Found office. Talk to them right after arrival. Staff will help you with forms and tracking. They can often reunite you with your items quickly.
When you enter Zimbabwe, you go through immigration, where your passport gets stamped. After that, you’ll hit customs. Zimbabwe has rules for how much money you can bring out or carry in, so check their limits before you travel. Customs officers might use canine units to sniff for smuggled goods. They take security seriously, so follow the rules about cash and other items.
After clearing immigration and customs, it’s wise to review safety tips for travelling in Zimbabwe.
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport is a clean, well-organised place. It offers most of what international travellers need: food, money, transport, lounges, medical help, and secure luggage options. It might look small compared to mega hubs, but it works well and stays friendly. Travelling can be stressful. But Harare Airport eases the journey with helpful services, clear signage, and friendly staff.
Yes, official airport taxis are safe and available just outside the terminal. To avoid surprises, agree on the fare before starting your ride.
Yes, for now. Unless you’re flying from a terminal with upgraded scanners, you’ll still need to take out your laptop and place it in a separate tray during screening.
Most restaurants and cafes at the airport operate during regular hours. If you arrive or leave very late, food options might be limited, so plan.
Yes. Just like other airports, Harare follows international safety rules. Don’t pack anything sharp, dangerous, or that looks like a weapon. For liquids, keep them under 100ml in your hand luggage.
