There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Matadi into a quick city adventure. From MAT, the Taxi/Private Car can get you into town in around 40 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Important Details Before You Go
Before heading into Matadi, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Congo (Kinshasa) vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Matadi is roughly 40 minutes from MAT via Taxi/Private Car. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in CDF. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some CDF in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Matadi from the Airport
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Private Car | ~40 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~60 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi/Private Car is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Matadi might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$7 USD
- A meal: ~$13 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$30 USD
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Matadi.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at MAT 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 Matadi for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
How to Spend Your Time in Matadi
Two recommendations for your time in Matadi:
Start with Matadi Bridge (Pont Matadi). Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Then, if time allows, make your way to Congo River Viewpoint. The views are worth the trip if you have time.
If you’d rather stay inside MAT — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Tshimpi Airport Waiting Area
- Tarmac Observation Point
Food Worth Trying
For food in Matadi, local travelers recommend Restaurant Nkenge. If you have time for a second stop, Le Cercle de Matadi is another popular pick.
Back at MAT, Airport Snack Bar is the go-to. Local Airport Eatery rounds out your in-terminal options.
Sleep & Lounge Options at MAT
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at MAT, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and MAT is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Matadi and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Matadi count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave MAT. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.