# LAD — Luanda (Quatro de Fevereiro International (Luanda))

> LAD (Quatro de Fevereiro International (Luanda)) is the main international airport serving Luanda, Angola. Source: https://www.airportexit.com/airports/lad-luanda

## At a glance

- **Best exit method:** Pre-booked hotel transfer — daylight if possible
- **Typical fare:** US$40–US$80 pre-booked
- **Journey time:** 45 min–2 hr depending on traffic
- **Pickup point:** Driver meets with name sign at exit
- **Key warning:** Avoid unbooked taxis. Bring USD cash; ATMs unreliable for foreign cards. Confirm hotel address in Portuguese.
- **Fare reality (LAD → Luanda centro / Ilha):** expected US$40–US$80 pre-booked · concerning US$120+ · likely scam US$200 'safe ride'
- **Overall risk:** high — One of Africa's more challenging airport exits. Heavy traffic ('engarrafamento') can stretch 4 km to 90+ min. Unofficial taxis common and overcharge dramatically. Pre-booked transfer is strongly advised. New Agostinho Neto airport opens 2024 but many flights still at LAD.
- **Last updated:** June 2026 (high confidence)

## Ways out of LAD, ranked

1. **Pre-booked hotel transfer** _(recommended)_ — cost US$40–US$80, journey 45 min–2 hr, wait Pre-arranged, payment Cash.
   - Pros: Trusted; Direct
   - Cons: Must book ahead
2. **Official airport taxi (white)** _(recommended)_ — cost US$40–US$60, journey 45 min–2 hr, wait Immediate, payment Cash.
   - Pros: Some regulation
   - Cons: Confirm price
3. **Yango / Heetch app** _(recommended)_ — cost US$15–US$30, journey 45 min–2 hr, wait 5–15 min, payment Card & Cash.
   - Pros: Tracked; Cheaper
   - Cons: Pickup logistics; App availability
4. **Unofficial 'táxi'** — cost Variable, journey 45 min–2 hr, wait Immediate, payment Cash.
   - Cons: Overcharge; Safety risk

## First 30 minutes after landing at LAD

1. Clear immigration (often slow)
2. Bags
3. Find pre-booked driver with sign
4. Confirm name before getting in
5. Drive direct — do not stop
6. Total: 45 min–2 hr

## Common scams at LAD

- **Curb taxi 5x quote** (medium risk): Drivers quote US$150+ for what hotels arrange for US$50. _How to avoid:_ Always pre-book transfers or use Yango app.

## Payment warnings at LAD

- US dollars cash widely accepted
- AOA cash for small purchases
- ATMs often reject foreign cards

## Arrival checklist for LAD

- Pre-booked driver confirmed
- USD cash
- Hotel address in PT

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Canonical URL: https://www.airportexit.com/airports/lad-luanda
Source: Airport Exit (https://www.airportexit.com)
Last updated: June 2026

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