How to get to Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay is a vibrant port city on the Atlantic coast of Namibia, renowned for its picturesque lagoon and proximity to the majestic dunes of the Namib Desert. If you have decided to visit Walvis Bay, it is useful to explore the available transport options in advance, including international flights and driving routes. Below, we detail how to get to Walvis Bay to ensure your journey to this unique corner of Africa is as comfortable as possible.

Getting to Walvis Bay by plane is the fastest and most comfortable method. The city has its own international airport (WVB), which receives regular flights, primarily from the country's capital, Windhoek, and Johannesburg. This allows tourists to avoid long overland journeys and arrive immediately at the Atlantic coast.

The airport is located just a 15-minute drive from the city centre, making logistics very convenient. Alternatively, if you wish to combine your flight with a road trip across Namibia, you can choose a flight to Windhoek and cover the remaining distance by rental car or transfer, enjoying unique desert views along the way.

Although the city has a railway station, one should not rely on it as a primary means of arrival. Regular passenger service (the StarLine) is often unstable or suspended, so ordinary trains are rarely used by tourists travelling to Walvis Bay.

A more attractive option is travelling on the famous Desert Express tourist train, which runs between the capital and the coast. The terminus for this route is often the neighbouring town of Swakopmund, located just 30–40 km from the resort. You can cover the remaining short distance by taxi or a pre-booked transfer, enjoying views of the ocean and the desert.

Bus services in Namibia are quite well-developed, offering tourists a reliable way to reach the ocean and enjoy the scenery. The most popular route connects the capital, Windhoek, with the coast: covering 400 kilometres along a picturesque highway through the desert usually takes about five hours. Modern, comfortable buses run regularly here, allowing you to observe the changing landscapes from highlands to dunes without the stress of driving.

For those planning a multi-leg journey, there are routes from other regions of the country. A trip from southern Lüderitz is a long voyage of over 800 kilometres, which will require about 10–12 hours of travel. You can also arrive from the north, for example, from the town of Otavi: the road is about 550 kilometres long and takes approximately 7 hours, connecting the inland areas with the refreshing Atlantic shores of Walvis Bay.

A self-drive trip gives you complete freedom of movement and the opportunity to stop for photo sessions at the most picturesque spots of the Namib Desert. The most popular and comfortable route runs from Windhoek: covering 400 kilometres on the high-quality paved B2 highway usually takes about four to five hours.

Travellers heading from the south, for instance from Lüderitz, face a long voyage of over 800 kilometres, taking 10–11 hours, often on gravel roads. The route from the north, from the town of Otavi, is more forgiving—this is approximately a 550-kilometre journey and 6–7 hours behind the wheel. Private transfers or taxis can be an alternative to a rental car, but the cost of such a trip over long distances will be high.

When planning a visit to Walvis Bay, consider the specifics of this coastal city where the desert meets the cold ocean. To make your stay in Namibia as comfortable and safe as possible, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations to help you avoid common mistakes.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate here is deceptive: due to the cold Benguela Current, the coast is often windy, foggy, and cool, even when it is hot inland. Be sure to use the layering principle: bring a warm fleece jacket and a windproof coat, especially for evening walks and marine excursions.
2. Transport. Public transport within the city is poorly developed, so renting a car is best for freedom of movement. If you plan to drive off paved roads or to remote natural attractions, choosing a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Namibian Dollar, but South African Rand is accepted everywhere at a 1:1 rate. Bank cards work in most hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants, but it is better to always carry some cash for souvenir stalls, markets, and tips.
4. Health and Safety. Walvis Bay is a relatively safe city, but basic vigilance is recommended: do not leave valuables visible in your car. Tap water here is desalinated and safe to drink, but may have a distinct taste, so tourists often prefer purchasing bottled water.
5. Communication. There is practically no language barrier here. The official language is English, which is spoken everywhere in the tourism sector. Additionally, due to historical heritage, many locals understand and use German, as well as Afrikaans.
6. Local Etiquette. Namibians are a friendly and welcoming people. It is customary to greet staff in shops and taxi drivers. In restaurants and cafes, it is considered polite to leave a tip of around 10% of the bill amount if you were satisfied with the service.
7. What to Avoid. It is strongly advised not to drive off-road into the sand dunes unless you have special driving experience and a suitable vehicle—the risk of getting stuck is very high. Also, avoid walking alone in deserted and unlit areas after dark.
8. Additional Tip. Be sure to bring high-quality sunscreen and sunglasses, even if the weather seems overcast. UV radiation in these latitudes is very active, and the cool ocean breeze can lull your vigilance, leading to quick sunburns.

Following these simple practical tips will allow you not to be distracted by domestic trifles and fully focus on the amazing nature and atmosphere of this unique African port.