Landing at Bole
You'll land at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), about 8 km from the city centre. Expect immigration, baggage claim, a customs X-ray, and then 15–30 minutes by car to most hotels.
Skip the taxi rank: book in an app
Taxi drivers wait outside arrivals and fares are negotiated, so visitors often pay several times the usual price. A ride app shows the fare before you book and the driver comes to the pickup area; you need mobile data, so get a SIM in the arrivals hall first.
Good to know
- Follow the Arrivals signs. If you're connecting to another flight, follow Transfer instead.
- Buy your SIM in the baggage hall, before you leave the terminal.
- Skip the taxi touts. Book a ride app from the pickup point outside arrivals.
- Change a little cash at the airport bank counters. Rates are the same as in town.
Questions people ask
How far is Bole Airport from the centre of Addis Ababa?
About 8 km. Most hotels are 15 to 30 minutes away by car.
How do I get from Bole Airport to my hotel in Addis Ababa?
Take a hotel shuttle or pre-booked driver from the arrivals hall, a ride-hailing app such as Ride or Feres from the pickup area outside arrivals, or an official airport taxi from the rank outside. A shuttle or pre-booked driver is easiest for night arrivals. Ride apps need mobile data, and for a taxi, agree the fare before you get in.
Should I take a taxi from the touts at Bole Airport?
No, skip the taxi touts. Book a ride app from the pickup point outside arrivals, or use an official airport taxi from the rank and agree the fare before you get in.
How early should I arrive at Bole Airport for my flight?
At least 3 hours before an international flight and 2 hours before a domestic one. There is a security screening at the terminal entrance, before check-in, and staff may ask for your passport and ticket or booking reference at the door.
Do domestic flights in Ethiopia leave from Bole Airport?
Yes, domestic flights also leave from Bole, often from a separate domestic terminal. Check your ticket.