This is one of the first decisions you will face after landing at Hosea Kutako. Both options get you to Windhoek in roughly the same time, but the experience and reliability differ significantly.
Availability
Taxis are usually present outside the terminal during the day, but there is no organized taxi rank and numbers drop sharply for late flights. A pre-booked transfer guarantees a driver is waiting for you regardless of when your flight lands, including delays.
Price comparison
Taxis charge N$500-700 for the ride to central Windhoek. A pre-booked transfer costs N$500-800. The overlap is considerable, which means the price difference is often negligible. Where taxis can be cheaper is if you negotiate well. Where they can be more expensive is if the driver quotes a higher rate and you do not know the going price.
Comfort and vehicle quality
Taxis at WDH vary widely. Some are well-maintained sedans, others have seen better days. You cannot predict what you will get. A booked transfer service typically uses newer vehicles and you know the vehicle type in advance. If you need a specific setup, such as space for large bags or a child seat, only a pre-booked transfer can guarantee that.
Payment
Taxis operate on cash only. Namibian dollars or South African rand. If you land without local currency, you will need to use the airport exchange booth first, which offers poor rates. Most transfer services accept online payment at the time of booking, so you can arrive without worrying about cash.
Safety considerations
Both options are generally safe on the well-maintained B6 highway to Windhoek. The difference is accountability. A pre-booked transfer comes with a booking record, driver details, and a company you can contact if something goes wrong. A taxi at the airport is an informal arrangement with no paper trail.
The bottom line
If you arrive during the day, are comfortable negotiating, and have local currency, a taxi is a reasonable choice. For everyone else, particularly late arrivals, families, and first-time visitors to Namibia, a pre-booked transfer removes enough uncertainty to justify the similar or slightly higher cost.