Fianarantsoa

Fianarantsoa has a 1 small airfield, however, as of November 2017, there are no scheduled flights.

The city is connected by rail to the port city of Manakara. Most visitors arrive from the North (Antananarivo) or the South (Toliara) and travel the rail road down to Manakara. It is not a reliable mode of transport due to the bad technical state of the equipment.

• 2 Fianarantsoa railway station.  (updated Jul 2022)

Fianarantsoa is a transportation hub where several national roads meet. They all have in common that they are narrow, wind themselves through mountainous territory and offer many scenic views. The roads to Antananarivo, Manakara, Ambalavao-Toliara and Ranomafana are all paved, as of November 2017, there were quite a few damaged stretches on the NR7 between Ambositra and Fianarantsoa. To get in and out from Fianarantsoa by road:

• 3 Cotisse transport, ☏ . Offers two daily scheduled minibus services to and from Antananarivo (gare routière du nord), buy tickets with seat reservation in advance. The buses depart on time even if not full. You are required to be at the station 45 minutes before departure. The station in Fianarantsoa has a toilet but does not sell any food/breakfast. Expect to travel around 9 hours, depending on how much time you spend in Tana's traffic jam. from 35,000 Ar per person. (updated Jun 2023)

For all other destinations, you have to rely on your own car or taxi-brousse, which start from the 4 stationnement near the train station. It is busiest in the early morning.

The area of interest in Fianarantsoa is small enough to be explored by walking.

The city's taxis have no meters, agree the fare before entering the car. Expect to be quoted 5,000 Ar for a taxi trip in town. There are a few Taxi-be lines operated by old and smoky Mercedes-Benz TN. There is no plan of the route system, nor is there a time table. They cost 500 Ar for a trip.

There are three banks with ATMs BFV-SG, BOA and BNI on 1 Boulevard Philibert Tsiranana.

The city center turns into a large market on Tuesdays selling everything a local family needs.

• BFV-SG Bank, Immeuble. 24 hours. BFV ATMs take most international cards. has two branches in fianarantsoa. (updated Jun 2023)
• Score supermarket, Ave du General Leclerc, ☏ . 8.30am-7.30pm. the biggest and newest supermarket in Fianarantsoa. (updated Jun 2023)
• Supermaki supermarket, Rn7 (city center), ☏ . 07.30-7pm.  (updated Jun 2023)
• Acces Banque (Rue Rakotozafy Alphonse). 24 hours atm.. mastercard visa card atm. (updated Jun 2023)
• Carrefour market (antarandolo). 8am-8pm. supermarket. (updated Jun 2023)

• 1 Hotel Arinofy. A short walk from the taxi brousse station, Arinofy is a convenient budget option. Basic rooms and meals available. The train station is close enough to walk. Starting from 30,000 Ar. (updated Mar 2020)
• 2 Hotel Soratel, Immeuble Sorako, Ampasambazaha, ☏ , contact@soratel.com. Acceptable hotel on Fianar's main road. The building is hard to miss due to its bright yellow colour. Wifi available. 57,000 Ar for a double including a simple breakfast. (updated Nov 2019)
• 3 ^{[formerly dead link]} Tsara Guest House, Pasitera Ramasitera, ☏ , tsaraguest@tsaraguest.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Well-managed hotel in very nice setting allowing a nice view over parts of Fianarantsoa. English spoken. Laundry service available. Very good restaurant (budget 19,000 Ar for breakfast buffet, 20,000 for a main dish for dinner/lunch). The reception can also provide contacts to guides and drivers and can recommend activities in Fianar and surroundings. The Malagasy owner of the hotel supports the protection of Fianar's old town. Credit cards accepted but with hefty surcharge on your bill. from 50,000 Ar. (updated Sep 2020)
• Three Palms Fianar Guest house, In38 Ambatolahikosoa Route de la Petite. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. Double room with own bathroom. Free Wi-Fi. 30,000 Ar. (updated Apr 2020)
• Residence Matsiatra, villa Jacta 301 (0.4 miles from city center). bed and breakfast. free wifi . flat screen tv. double room with private bathroom. from 60.000Ar. (updated Sep 2020)

The main 1 post office, which reportedly also has a few operational computers for internet access, is opposite to the train station.