Travel beyond Addis
Ethiopia is big and roads are slow, so domestic flights on Ethiopian Airlines are the quickest and usually the safest way between regions. Long-distance buses are cheap but take a full day or more. The train runs from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa and Djibouti. Check current travel advice for every road journey (see Safety and places to avoid), as some regions are under government warnings.
Domestic flights
Ethiopian Airlines is the quickest way between regions. Book on the website or app, or in the telebirr app. If you flew in on Ethiopian, ask at an Ethiopian ticket office about the discounted domestic fare for international passengers.
Long-distance coaches
Coaches such as Selam Bus link Addis with most cities. Book in the Mengedegna app or website, which works with most bus operators and takes telebirr, M-PESA, local banks and PayPal, or buy at the operator's office.
Train to Dire Dawa and Djibouti
The Ethio-Djibouti Railway leaves from Furi-Lebu station. Book and see current fares on the official portal; it takes local mobile payments such as telebirr. Foreigners can also buy at Furi-Lebu station with a passport.
Car rental
Most visitors hire a car with a driver, which tour operators and hotels arrange (about USD 40 to 60 a day for a sedan in Addis, more for a 4x4 outside the city). Self-drive is possible but roads, traffic and rules make it hard work: Green Motion at Bole airport asks for an International Driving Permit plus your home licence.
You can pay for domestic flights, train tickets, coach seats and car hire with telebirr, M-PESA or a bank account, in the booking apps or by transfer. See How to move your money.
Good to know
- Read your government's latest advice for that exact route on the day you travel.
- Travel only in daylight.
- Carry your passport; expect police checkpoints.
- Some areas have no mobile coverage, so download an offline map and save tickets and contacts offline before you set off.
- Tell your hotel your route and expected arrival time.
Questions people ask
Is it better to fly or take the bus in Ethiopia?
Flying is quicker and usually safer. Domestic flights on Ethiopian Airlines are the quickest way between regions, while long-distance buses are cheap but take a full day or more.
How long does it take to get from Addis Ababa to Lalibela?
About 1 hour by air, or 2 days by road.
Is there a train from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa?
Yes, the train runs from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa and on to Djibouti every other day, with Addis to Dire Dawa overnight. Book at Furi-Lebu station in Addis (bring your passport), or online at bookingedr.et with local mobile payment.
Can I get cheaper domestic flights in Ethiopia?
Possibly. Ask Ethiopian Airlines about discounted domestic fares if you flew into Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines.
How do I book a long-distance bus in Ethiopia?
At company offices, bus terminals, or local booking apps such as Mengedegna. Coaches such as Selam Bus, Sky Bus and Golden Bus mostly leave at dawn (5 to 6 am), so book a day ahead. There is no night travel.
Is it safe to travel by road in Ethiopia?
It depends on the route: some regions are under government warnings, so read your government's latest advice for that exact route on the day you travel. Travel only in daylight and carry your passport for police checkpoints. A private car with driver is the safest road option.