Transfer from Lobito train station to Catumbela (CBT)
Feb 15, 2024, 5:27 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 51
Transfer from Lobito train station to Catumbela (CBT)
My Rovos Rail train trip ends at the Lobito train station. Need to transfer to the Catumbela airport (CBT). Rovos Rail states the cost at $120USD per person. Wondering what other options there are.
Not looking forward to flying on TAAG-Angola Airlines from CBT to LUA, but no other choices.
Not looking forward to flying on TAAG-Angola Airlines from CBT to LUA, but no other choices.
Feb 18, 2024, 9:59 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London
Posts: 23,441
TAAG - in my limited experience - are fine if very much 3 star.
I have no on the ground experience, but other than Rovos Rail's transfer I suspect the only other option might be a local taxi. You'll save some cash, but it will be materially more stressful and frankly if you've paid for a Rovos trip, an extra USD120 for the transfer seems money worth paying for the avoidance of hassle.
I have no on the ground experience, but other than Rovos Rail's transfer I suspect the only other option might be a local taxi. You'll save some cash, but it will be materially more stressful and frankly if you've paid for a Rovos trip, an extra USD120 for the transfer seems money worth paying for the avoidance of hassle.
Feb 27, 2024, 1:50 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 87
TAAG - in my limited experience - are fine if very much 3 star.
I have no on the ground experience, but other than Rovos Rail's transfer I suspect the only other option might be a local taxi. You'll save some cash, but it will be materially more stressful and frankly if you've paid for a Rovos trip, an extra USD120 for the transfer seems money worth paying for the avoidance of hassle.
I have no on the ground experience, but other than Rovos Rail's transfer I suspect the only other option might be a local taxi. You'll save some cash, but it will be materially more stressful and frankly if you've paid for a Rovos trip, an extra USD120 for the transfer seems money worth paying for the avoidance of hassle.
1) Book one night in a fancy hotel in Lobito (such as the Terminus on the Restinga) and get them to organise the transfer the next day.
2) Download a ride hailing App like Heetch and see if a driver will take you to the airport.
3) Walk out of the train station and start negotiating with the drivers that hang out there (maximum stress, especially if you don't speak Portuguese!)
Please let us know what the Rovos Rail trip is like. It looks amazing!
Feb 27, 2024, 10:34 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: OZ Diamond, QR Gold, HH Gold, IHG Plat, Accor Plat
Posts: 669
Lobito and Benguela are rather nice and untouched. I advocate the idea of spending a night in Lobito and getting the hotel to transfer you. I stayed at the Hotel Restinga a few years ago and it was much less than the transfer. I can't imagine it is much more these days. US$120 is a complete rip off but admittedly loose change in the grand scheme of a Rovos Rail adventure.