If you’ve got a layover in Moroni, don’t let it go to waste sitting at YVA. The city, in Comoros, is within easy reach — roughly 50 minutes by local transport. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of YVA:
- Can you legally enter Comoros? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 50-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Moroni from the Airport
You have two main options for getting from Iconi Airport into town:
- local transport: About 50 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 70 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at YVA 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 Moroni for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
What to Budget for Your Moroni Side Trip
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Moroni:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Moroni, here are two things worth checking out:
Moroni Old Town & Market (Medina) is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s a good place to browse local goods and soak up the atmosphere.
Old Friday Mosque (Ancienne Mosquée du Vendredi) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. A peaceful stop that offers a break from the rush of travel.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside YVA, you can spend time at Hahaya Duty-Free Shop or try Departure Lounge Relaxation. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Eating Well on a Moroni Layover
For food in Moroni, local travelers recommend Le Sim Sim Restaurant. If you have time for a second stop, Restaurant des Arcades (Retaj Moroni Hotel) is another popular pick.
Back at YVA, Hahaya Airport Restaurant is the go-to. Departure Hall Cafe rounds out your in-terminal options.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and YVA is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Moroni 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.
Need a Nap? Options at YVA
Long overnight layover? Your options at YVA include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Comoros also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Moroni count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave YVA. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.