Gaborone Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) Guide
Welcome to Gaborone Airport, the gateway to Botswana's capital city. This airport offers a convenient and hassle-free travel experience for both domestic and international travelers. With modern facilities and friendly staff, GBE ensures that your journey starts off on the right foot.
Looking for a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through GBE Airport? Look no further! Our guide provides you with all the information you need to get from your door to your gate. From flight status and tracking to airline departure terminals and gate locations, parking options, terminal maps, food and shopping directories, we've got you covered. Let us help you make your travel experience stress-free and enjoyable. For more information about major commercial airports, check out the Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly's website.
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
It is recommended that travelers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. The busiest times to avoid are during the morning and evening rush hours, as well as during peak travel seasons such as holidays.
Getting to the Airport
The best way to get to Gaborone Seretse Khama International Airport is by taxi or private car. There are also shuttle services available from some hotels. It is important to plan ahead and allow enough time for traffic, as the airport is located approximately 15km north of the city center.
Getting Oriented
Travelers can use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented at Gaborone Airport. The maps provide a detailed layout of the airport, including the location of gates, restaurants, and restrooms. It is also helpful to familiarize oneself with the airport's signage and follow the directions provided by airport staff.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at GBE, travelers should arrive early, pack appropriately, and follow all airport security procedures. It is also recommended to check the flight status before heading to the airport and to sign up for flight alerts. In case of a delay, it is important to stay informed and follow the instructions of airport staff.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Gaborone Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) Terminals
Navigating GBE's Terminals
GBE Airport has one main terminal building with two levels, including arrivals and departures. The airport has a total of 4 gates, with 2 gates on the ground level and 2 gates on the upper level. The terminal is used by major airlines such as Air Botswana, South African Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines.
When arriving at the airport, passengers will find the baggage claim area on the ground level. The upper level is where passengers will find the check-in counters, security checkpoints, and departure gates. There are various shops, restaurants, and cafes available for passengers to enjoy before their flight.
Passengers should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before their flight to allow enough time for check-in, security, and boarding. It is recommended to check with your airline for specific check-in and boarding times.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
The airport has one terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights. The terminal is small and easy to navigate, so getting between gates and facilities is a breeze. The walking time between the furthest gates is only five minutes, so passengers can easily walk from one end of the terminal to the other. There are no shuttle buses or trains available at the airport, but passengers can easily find taxis or car rental services outside the terminal building.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
Gaborone Seretse Khama International Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a place to relax and enjoy a meal, there are plenty of options available. For those who want to do some shopping, there are several stores that offer a range of products including souvenirs, clothing, and electronics.
If you're in the mood for a meal, we recommend trying out the restaurant at the Airport Lounge, which offers a variety of local and international dishes. Another great option is the Mugg & Bean Café, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For those who want something quick and easy, there is a KFC located in the airport as well.
If you need to do some shopping, there are several stores located throughout the airport. One of the most popular stores is the Duty-Free Shop, which offers a range of products including cosmetics, liquor, and tobacco. Another great option is the African Crafts Market, which offers a range of souvenirs and handmade crafts.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Gaborone Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, discover what's available here.
Airport Hotels
Are you looking for a convenient and comfortable place to stay near the airport? We've got you covered! Our comprehensive guide offers a variety of accommodations to suit any traveler's needs. From comfortable guest houses to luxury boutique hotels, we have options located within a short distance from the airport. Many of these accommodations offer amenities such as complimentary wifi, private parking, and even outdoor pools. Plus, they are within easy reach of local attractions, providing a convenient base for sightseeing. Discover the best hotel options ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable stay. Explore our Airport Hotels now!
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At GBE, there are designated areas for picking up and dropping off passengers. The curbside area in front of the terminal is strictly for active loading and unloading of passengers. Drivers are not allowed to leave their vehicles unattended, and there is a time limit of 5 minutes for loading and unloading.
If you need to wait for your arriving passenger, there is a cell-phone waiting area located near the airport entrance. This area is free to use and allows drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passenger has arrived and is ready to be picked up. Please note that vehicles are not allowed to park or wait in the curbside area, and doing so may result in a fine or towing.
Parking Facilities & Options
GBE Airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. There are both short-term and long-term parking options available, with the short-term parking located closest to the terminal building.
For those who prefer to wait for their arriving passengers, there is a cell phone waiting area located just outside the terminal building. This area allows drivers to wait for up to 30 minutes free of charge, making it a convenient option for those who don't want to pay for parking.
Handicapped parking is available in all of the airport's parking lots and garages. These spots are located closest to the terminal building and are clearly marked for easy identification.
If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making them a convenient and affordable option for travelers.
Get details about the airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
Gaborone Seretse Khama International Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options to get you to your destination.
For those who prefer to drive themselves, car rental facilities are available at the airport. Major providers such as Avis, Budget, and Europcar offer a range of vehicles to choose from. Reservations can be made in advance or at the rental counters located in the arrivals area.
If you prefer to take a taxi, there are designated drop-off areas outside of the terminal. Fares are typically metered and vary based on distance and time of day. It is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
Shared ride services such as Uber and Bolt are also available at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside of the terminal and restrictions may apply depending on the service provider.
Airport shuttles are a convenient option for those traveling to nearby hotels or other destinations. Shuttles are available at designated pickup areas and fares vary based on the destination.
For those looking for a more affordable option, public transportation is available in the form of buses. The airport is served by the City Bus Service which provides regular service to various locations in Gaborone. Fares are inexpensive and can be paid with cash or a pre-paid card.
Passenger Services
Gaborone Airport is equipped with a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.
For those needing to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport terminals.
If you have lost an item during your travels, the airport's lost and found service is located in the arrivals area of the terminal.
Traveling with children? The airport has a designated children's play area located in the departures lounge.
Special-needs services are also available, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.
For banking needs, there are ATMs and a currency exchange located in the airport terminal.
In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a medical center located in the arrivals area of the terminal.
Flight Status Info
When traveling by air, it's important to stay up-to-date on the status of your flight. One way to do this is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout GBE. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Passengers can also be alerted about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via the use of airline mobile phone apps and other methods like text, email, and push notifications. It's a good idea to download the app of the airline you're flying with before your trip, so you can receive updates directly to your phone.
Another option is to sign up for alerts through your airline's website. This will allow you to receive updates via email or text message, even if you don't have the airline's app downloaded.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at GBE Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
The airport is the main airport in Botswana, located in the capital city of Gaborone. The airport has a single terminal that serves both domestic and international flights.
On average, the airport handles around 1,500 passengers per day and has approximately 50 daily flights. The top airlines with the most daily flights are South African Airways, Air Botswana, and Ethiopian Airlines.
The airport serves over 20 destinations, with the top 5 being Johannesburg, Cape Town, Harare, Nairobi, and Addis Ababa. These destinations are primarily located in Southern and Eastern Africa.
As the largest airport in Botswana, Gaborone Seretse Khama International Airport serves as a hub for Air Botswana, the national carrier of Botswana. Other airlines that use the airport as a hub include Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airways.
Airport History
Gaborone Airport, located in Botswana, has a rich history dating back to the 1950s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1950s: The airport was originally built as a small airfield.
- 1984: The airport was officially opened as the new international airport for Botswana, replacing the old airport in Gaborone.
- 1999: The airport underwent a major renovation and expansion project, which included the construction of a new terminal building and runway.
- 2000: The airport was renamed in honor of Sir Seretse Khama, the first president of Botswana.
- 2010: The airport underwent another expansion project, which included the construction of a new control tower and additional parking facilities.
- 2018: The airport welcomed its first Airbus A380, making it the first airport in Botswana capable of handling the world's largest passenger aircraft.
Today, GBE is a modern and efficient airport that serves as an important gateway to Botswana and the surrounding region.
Airport Contact Info
For more information about GBE Airport, please use the following contact information:
- Website: https://www.caab.co.bw/gaborone-international-airport/
- Phone: +267 390 2556
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana, P.O. Box 250, Gaborone, Botswana