Addis Ababa

Getting Around

A large and efficient network of blue and white minibuses covers the city of Addis Ababa. These minibuses are easy to hail from the side of the road, though it's worth having an Ethiopian guide along if it's a tourist's first time using these taxis. Small blue taxis are more expensive. Negotiation is the norm and foreigners often have to press quite hard to get a bargain. These taxis can be contracted for a full day after some negotiation.

There aren't many road names and they often don't match the ones written on maps, so it's best to navigate by using landmarks. Churchill Avenue is the main thoroughfare and shopping street in Addis Ababa.

Car hire can be organised through international agencies in the city, and a fully valid international licence is required. The licence from a traveller's country of origin must also be endorsed locally and the driver must be a minimum of 18 years old. It's a good idea to hire a car and a driver if visitors plan to travel extensively. Vehicle travel outside the city after dark can be risky.

Autobus Terra, near Mercato, is where most of the national buses arrive and depart and it's the main bus terminal. The only working railway line runs between Addis Ababa and Djibouti, via Dire Dawa and Harar. Travellers should be prepared for occasional delays. The Ethiopian ride-hailing app, ZayRide, is another option; walking is still the preferred method of transport around the city.

Airports