For travelers with a layover in Malabo, the proximity of SSG to the city center is a real gift. Getting into town takes around 60 minutes via Taxi, and we’ve mapped out the logistics so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Three things to verify before you walk out of SSG:
- Can you legally enter Equatorial Guinea? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the XAF. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
How to Get Into Malabo
From SSG, the Taxi gets you to Malabo in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Malabo Side Trip
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Malabo:
Transport to the city and back runs about $16 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $32 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $58 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Malabo, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Things to Do During Your Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Malabo:
Start with Malabo Cathedral (Santa Isabel Cathedral). Respectful visitors are generally welcome for a quick look. Then, if time allows, make your way to Plaza de la Independencia. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at SSG, check out Sala VIP Lounge (SSG) or Duty-Free Shopping (SSG) to keep yourself occupied.
Food & Dining Options
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Malabo: La Luna and Don Carlos. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Malabo Airport Restaurant (SSG) or Airport Bar & Snacks (SSG). Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Luggage storage options at SSG can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Malabo for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at SSG, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Malabo itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Equatorial Guinea that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, SSG has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Malabo genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.