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The infrastructure for public transport and driving in Angola is limited, and what does exist is often unreliable. Much of the road infrastructure was destroyed and neglected during years of conflict, and despite efforts to rebuild, much of the network outside of cities is patchy, with potholes and washed-out portions.
There's not much of a public transport network, so most expats opt for driving. It's common for hiring companies to include a car and driver as part of the relocation package for expats coming to work in Angola.
Public transport in Angola
Angolan public transport largely comprises poorly maintained blue-and-white minivan taxis or buses known for their reckless driving as they careen in and out of the gridlocked city traffic. Due to poor safety standards, expats rarely use public transport in Angola.
Buses
Although buses are largely disorganised, the Angolan government is working towards improving the bus system to enhance public transport options in major cities like Luanda. The municipal bus provider is TCUL, operating at a flat fare. The buses tend to be overcrowded and the bus system can be confusing to use.
Regionally, long-distance buses (macas) can be used to travel from city to city, but at 10 to 20 hours, journeys are long and uncomfortable. They also don't have the best safety record.
Trains
As with bus infrastructure, the Angolan government is working towards modernising and expanding the country’s rail infrastructure. There are three main routes: the Luanda Railway, the Moçâmedes Railway, and the Benguela Railway.
Train services offer three ticket classes, ranging from the cheapest to the priciest. Tickets can be purchased at railway stations, via travel agencies, or online. It's best not to rely on train schedules, though, as they change frequently.
Taxis in Angola
Yellow taxis can be hailed on the street in Angola, but they aren't always easy to find and generally run without meters, making them a dangerous option. While Uber doesn't have a presence in Angola, local alternatives include Yango, InDrive and Heech. These help overcome the language barrier and are generally safer than hailing a taxi on the street.
Other options include shared taxis known as collectivos, which run fixed routes between towns, and candongueiros, blue-and-white minibus taxis packed to capacity. These generally aren't recommended for expats, as safety can vary and speaking Portuguese is generally required.
Driving in Angola
Many roads in Angola shouldn’t be attempted without a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and hazards such as wandering livestock and heavily overloaded vehicles mean that expecting the unexpected is the best course of action. It's best to avoid driving at night.
Most companies provide a car and driver and cover the maintenance and fuel costs of their senior expat employees. Alternatively, companies may have a pool of cars and drivers available to their staff.
Most expats live in Luanda Sul, south of the capital, and it’s much easier to get around in a private vehicle there since traffic congestion isn’t as bad as in the city centre. But the excess of vehicles in Luanda’s city centre takes congestion to outrageous extremes.
Driver's licences
If you choose to drive yourself, you will need a local driver's licence if you are staying in Angola long term. Those with an International Driver’s Permit can legally drive in Angola for 12 months. Those from countries with licence exchange agreements with Angola can exchange their licence for a local one. This process is long and involves providing documents like your passport, proof of residence, and your foreign driver's licence. You must also pass an eye exam.
Otherwise, you’ll likely have to apply for an Angolan driver's licence from scratch. You must first secure a Traffic Registration Number (TRN). Thereafter, you must undergo a written learner’s test and a practical driving test.