Mallam Aminu International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (KAN)

Mallam Aminu Airport serves Kano, the main city of northern Nigeria and a historic commercial center along the ancient trans-Saharan caravan routes.

Kano is home to one of West Africa's best-preserved Islamic historic centers, with the Grand Mosque and the ancient Emir's Palace.

Content verified on 04/09/2026

Official source: www.faannigeria.org/nigeria-airport.php?airport=2

How to get to Mallam Aminu International Airport

Kano city center is a few kilometers from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 20-30 minutes by taxi.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach the city center of Kano in approximately 20-30 minutes.

By Train

No train reaches the airport.

By Bus

Public transport to the airport is limited: many prefer taxi.

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Tips Kano is a predominantly Muslim city with conservative customs: modest clothing is particularly appreciated, especially for women.

Average travel time to KAN

TrainNot available

Shuttle busLimited service

Taxi / Private hire20-30 minutes (3,000-6,000 NGN)

Parking near Mallam Aminu International Airport

The airport manages an official parking facility right in front of the terminal.

Parking prices remain at the average, not elevated.

How to get to Kano from KAN

By Train

The airport remains outside the rail network.

By Bus

Public bus connections are limited, which is why many opt for a taxi.

By Taxi

Taxis charge approximately 3,000-6,000 NGN to the city center; always confirm the price before departing.

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Car rental at Mallam Aminu International Airport

Leading car rental brands are present with a desk in the arrivals area.

Required documents are limited to license, passport, and credit card.

Hotels near Mallam Aminu International Airport

Kano - Mallam Aminu Airport is about 13 km northwest of the city centre, linked only by road via Airport Road towards the A2 junction: taxis and motorcycle taxis generally take 20-40 minutes depending on traffic and destination. There are no hotels in the airport area: the only verifiable properties with international standards are in the city, about 9-10 km away, in the districts of Sabon Gari and GRA. Kano's hotel offering remains limited overall and poorly covered by international platforms, so even the best-known hotels have few or no reviews.

City centre

Sabon Gari

Porto Golf Hotels is on Isa Dutse Road, in the Sabon Gari district, about 9.4 km and a 19-minute drive from the airport along Airport Road.

Best for: Those who want to stay in Kano's liveliest district, with the big market and the city's nightlife within easy reach.

Pros

The city's most lively commercial and multi-ethnic district, with the Sabon Gari market and some bars and venues, rare elsewhere in Kano because of the free sale of alcohol
A good choice of restaurants and shops within walking distance of the hotel

Cons

Busy, noisy market streets, especially during the day
Further from the old city's monuments (Gidan Makama, the Emir's Palace), concentrated in the Old City to the south

Recommended hotels

Porto Golf Hotels Despite the name, it is not a golf property: it is a city hotel in Sabon Gari with an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar and free parking, about 54-60 rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

GRA (Government Residential Area)

Sarina Suites and Apartments is on Suleiman Crescent, in the GRA district, about 9.6 km from the airport, covered in about 20-25 minutes by car along Airport Road.

Best for: Those who prefer a quiet, orderly residential area, away from the market traffic, and are willing to take a taxi to get around the rest of the city.

Pros

A green, orderly residential area, among the quietest and safest in Kano, far from the chaos of the Sabon Gari market
Well-kept streets, typical of the old colonial Government Residential Areas

Cons

Few restaurants or venues within walking distance: a taxi is needed for evening life
No international reviews published yet, so the actual quality of the stay remains to be checked on the spot

Recommended hotels

Sarina Suites and Apartments A 60-unit property on Suleiman Crescent, GRA district: free continental breakfast (7:00-11:30), parking with valet service and an outdoor pool included in the stay. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport serves Kano, a historic commercial center in northern Nigeria along ancient trans-Saharan caravan routes.

Shopping & Duty Free

A duty-free area showcases West African crafts and traditional textiles.

Lounges & relaxation

Business travelers and frequent flyer cardholders will find some dedicated lounges.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Travelers in the terminal's public areas can access Wi-Fi.

Families & Children

The waiting areas offer essential services for families traveling with small children.

Terminal guide

The terminal is appropriately sized for its role as the main hub of northern Nigeria.

The recommended safety margin for flights is 2.5-3 hours.

Map of Mallam Aminu International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. What makes Kano's old town special?

It is one of the best-preserved historic Islamic centers in West Africa, with the Grand Mosque, the ancient Emir's Palace, and the remains of centuries-old city walls.

Q. Does Kano have conservative customs?

Yes, it is a majority-Muslim city with conservative customs: modest clothing is particularly appreciated, especially for women.

Q. Was Kano historically an important trading center?

Yes, for centuries it was a crucial hub on the trans-Saharan caravan routes connecting West Africa to North Africa.

Q. Is it safe to visit Kano?

Always check your country's latest travel advisories for northern Nigeria before departing, given the variable security situation in some areas of the region.