Best Airports & How to Get from the Airport to the City in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
1. Bole International Airport
The main international airport in Addis Ababa, serving millions of passengers annually. It's Ethiopia's busiest airport.
- Location: Located approximately 15 km from the city center.
- Terminals: Has two terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) with various services and amenities.
- Connectivity: Offers flights to numerous international destinations and domestic cities within Ethiopia.
2. Ethiopian Airlines Shuttle Bus
A convenient bus service provided by Ethiopian Airlines for transporting passengers between the airport and major hotels in Addis Ababa.
- Cost: Provided at no additional cost to travelers flying with Ethiopian Airlines.
- Schedule: Operates on a regular schedule, ensuring consistent service for passengers.
- Comfort: Equipped with comfortable seating and air conditioning for a pleasant journey.
3. Taxi Services
Available outside the airport terminals, taxis offer on-demand transportation to your destination in Addis Ababa.
- Availability: Taxi services are available around the clock.
- Cost: Prices are regulated, making it easier for travelers to budget their journey.
- Language Skills: Many taxi drivers speak English and can provide assistance navigating the city.
4. Ethio Rail Train Service
An affordable train service connecting the airport with Addis Ababa's central station, offering a unique travel experience.
- Cost: Trains are significantly cheaper than taxis or buses.
- Experience: Provides a scenic view of the Ethiopian countryside, making it an enjoyable journey.
- Convenience: Trains operate on a regular schedule, ensuring consistent service for passengers.
5. Bole Light Rail Transit (BLRT)
A modern light rail system that connects the airport with key destinations in Addis Ababa, providing a quick and efficient means of transportation.
- Speed: The BLRT is faster than other public transport options.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to taxis, the light rail offers affordable fares.
- Eco-Friendly: Reduces traffic congestion and carbon emissions by promoting public transportation.
6. Addis Ababa Integrated Urban Transport Master Plan (AA-IUTMP)
A comprehensive plan for improving urban mobility in Addis Ababa, including the development of bus rapid transit (BRT) and integrated feeder services.
- Comprehensive: Addresses various transportation challenges faced by the city.
- Efficiency: Promotes efficient and effective public transport solutions for residents and visitors alike.
- Sustainability: Incorporates eco-friendly practices to minimize the environmental impact of transportation in Addis Ababa.
7. Shared Taxis (Midellal)
Affordable and widely available shared taxis that operate throughout Addis Ababa, allowing passengers to share the cost with others traveling in the same direction.
- Cost: Shared taxis are significantly cheaper than regular taxis.
- Frequency: Midellal are readily available, ensuring a quick and easy ride for passengers.
- Convenience: These shared taxis can be hailed from the street or found at designated stops throughout the city.
8. Addis Ababa Integrated Urban Transport Project (AA-IUTP)
An initiative aimed at improving urban mobility in Addis Ababa by upgrading existing transport infrastructure and integrating new systems.
- Improved Infrastructure: Upgrades roads, sidewalks, and other transportation-related facilities to better serve the city's growing population.
- Integration: Connects various transport modes (e.g., buses, trains, and taxis) for a seamless travel experience in Addis Ababa.
- Sustainability: Promotes environmentally friendly transportation solutions to reduce the city's carbon footprint.
9. Minibuses (Ketema)
A type of shared minibus service that operates throughout Addis Ababa, connecting various neighborhoods and destinations.
- Cost: Minibuses are one of the most affordable transport options in Addis Ababa.
- Frequency: Ketema are readily available, ensuring a quick and easy ride for passengers.
- Convenience: These minibuses can be hailed from the street or found at designated stops throughout the city.
10. Addis Ababa Public Transport Master Plan (AAPTMP)
A long-term initiative aimed at improving public transport in Addis Ababa by upgrading existing systems and introducing new ones.
- Comprehensive: Addresses various transportation challenges faced by the city.
- Efficiency: Promotes efficient and effective public transport solutions for residents and visitors alike.
- Sustainability: Incorporates eco-friendly practices to minimize the environmental impact of transportation in Addis Ababa.
11. Airport Shuttle Services (Private Companies)
Private companies offering airport shuttle services for a fee, providing door-to-door transportation to and from Addis Ababa's Bole International Airport.
- Cost: Prices vary depending on the company but are generally more expensive than public transport options.
- Convenience: Door-to-door service ensures a hassle-free travel experience for passengers.
- Schedule: Shuttles operate on a regular schedule, ensuring consistent service for passengers.
12. Bus Services (Public Transport)
A widely available and affordable public bus system in Addis Ababa, connecting various neighborhoods and destinations.
- Cost: Buses are one of the most affordable transport options in Addis Ababa.
- Frequency: Bus services operate on a regular schedule, ensuring a quick and easy ride for passengers.
- Convenience: Buses can be hailed from the street or found at designated stops throughout the city.
13. Addis Ababa Urban Transport Project (AA-UTP)
An initiative aimed at improving urban mobility in Addis Ababa by upgrading existing transport infrastructure and integrating new systems.
- Improved Infrastructure: Upgrades roads, sidewalks, and other transportation-related facilities to better serve the city's growing population.
- Integration: Connects various transport modes (e.g., buses, trains, and taxis) for a seamless travel experience in Addis Ababa.
- Sustainability: Promotes environmentally friendly transportation solutions to reduce the city's carbon footprint.
14. Car Rentals (Private Companies)
Private companies offering car rental services in Addis Ababa for travelers seeking personal transportation during their stay.
- Flexibility: Offers the flexibility to explore Addis Ababa at your own pace.
- Convenience: Allows you to easily travel between destinations in and around Addis Ababa.
- Cost: Prices vary depending on the car type, rental duration, and additional fees like insurance and fuel.
15. Walking (Pedestrian Access)
Addis Ababa offers well-maintained pedestrian paths and walkable neighborhoods, making it a viable option for exploring the city on foot.
- Cost: Walking is the most affordable mode of transportation in Addis Ababa.
- Exploration: Allows you to explore the city at your own pace and discover its hidden gems.
- Health Benefits: Provides exercise, fresh air, and a chance to engage with locals while walking through Addis Ababa's neighborhoods.