Madagascar is a large country, and as such, you may find getting around by plane is necessary in order to visit some destinations, especially if your time is short. Otherwise, there are a number of different options for both getting from region to region, or for getting around within the cities or regions themselves.

You won't have to look hard to find transport around town owing to the ubiquitous pouse-pouse drivers!

This Antananarivo & Central Madagascar Transportation Guide lists both the best ways of getting to and from the different cities and regions located within Central Madagascar, as well as some local transport options, especially for Antananarivo. For options of getting to Madagascar, or information about travelling further afield within the country, take a look at our Madagascar Transportation Guide.

Madagascar Transportation Guide

Getting to & from Antananarivo

Getting to and from Antananarivo, and Madagascar generally, is fairly simple if you're willing to wait in a few lines. Most visas can be issued at the airport but check with your local consulate before departing. Landing cards are printed in English and French.

Air

Inter-contenental flights arrive at Ivato airport, about 12km north of Antananarivo. Airlines servicing the Antananarivo routes are:

Ario: are the representative Company for:

We would be happy to help arrange your flights. Just contact us and send through your preferred travel dates, times and departure/arrival points and we can make arrangements for you.

Taxi-Brousse

Taxis-brousse depart almost every hour from Tana to all sorts of destinations, including Antsirabé, Andasibe, Fianarantsoa and Toamasina. Although a bit chaotic, there are four main bus stations (gares routieres) with minibuses, cars and coaches galore. These are Eastern (in Ampasampito), Northern (in Amodivona), Southern (in Lalana Pastora Rahajason) and Western (just 400m west of the southern taxi-brousse station).

Getting to & from Antsirabé

Apart from the taxi-brousses from Antananarivo, mentioned above, Antsirabé is also well served by buses from the capital. There used to be a train from Tana to Antsirabé, although whether it will be operation is unsure. Ask upon arrival if you are considering this option.

Getting to & from Andasibe

Andasibe can be accessed by road from either Antananarivo or Tamatave. The taxi-brousse from Antananarivo depart from the Eastern Station.

Getting to & from Fianarantsoa

Fianarantsoa can be accessed by airplane, as there are two flights a week on small planes that service the town. The other option is by taking either a taxi-brousse, jumbobus or private car from Antananarivo, travelling on Route National 7. The journey time is approximately 8 hours.

Getting around Antananarivo & Central Madagascar

Bus

There are some public transportation options although they are usually packed and they only stop at official bus stops, so you'll need to know your way around if you choose this option.

Car & Motorcycle

It's not recommended that anyone rent a car to drive themselves. There is too much risk of an accident, and it's normally not a pleasant experience, so if you choose to rent a car, drivers are almost obligitory. You may require a 4-wheel drive for some day trips, so be sure to check with the local agent to help you plan. For your rental Car and Motorcycle needs, contact us!

Taxis

It is never difficult to find a taxi. The drivers stand out in their old Citroens Deux Chevaux (2CVs) and Renault 4s (some have newer cars too). The older cars tend to be a little less expensive than the sedans. You should agree on the price before you begin your journey. Fares in Antananarivo range from Ariary 3000 to Ariary 8000, depending on if the journey is uphill, downhill, time of day and/or how long you want them to wait.

Pousse-Pousse

Also known as rickshaws, these are the local transport option in Antsirabe and are not difficult to find - you'll have several drivers after you if even for a short walk to the restaurant.