Port Bouet Airport
Airport guide 2026

Port Bouet Airport ABJ

Ivory Coast

Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan is the Ivory Coast's only international airport, located approximately 16 km from the center of the economic capital.

It is among West Africa's main French-speaking aviation hubs, a gateway for visitors to both Abidjan and Yamoussoukro, the country's political capital.

Content verified on 04/09/2026
Official source: www.abidjan-aeroport.com

How to get to Port Bouet Airport

Downtown Abidjan is approximately 16 km from the airport: transfer typically takes 30-40 minutes by taxi, often with heavy traffic.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach Abidjan's center in approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

By Train

Côte d'Ivoire does not have a regular passenger railway network.

By Bus

There is no shuttle or bus line specifically designed for the airport.
💡
Tips Use only official taxis or a transfer organized by your hotel, avoiding unauthorized carriers outside the terminal, especially for evening arrivals. Abidjan traffic is often very intense: allow a generous margin for travel.

Average travel time to ABJ

TrainNot available
Shuttle busNot a dedicated service
Taxi / Private hire30-40 minutes

Parking near Port Bouet Airport

In front of the terminal stands the official multi-level parking.

CCTV surveillance is active; costs remain average.

How to get to Abidjan from ABJ

By Train

Côte d'Ivoire does not have a regular passenger rail network.

By Bus

There is no dedicated bus service for flights.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; always agree on the fare before departing: roughly 5,000–7,000 CFA francs (8–11 USD) to Plateau, 7,000–10,000 CFA francs (11–16 USD) to Cocody.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

Search airport taxis and shuttles

Car rental at Port Bouet Airport

The arrivals area includes desks for the major car rental companies.

Carrying a driving licence, passport and credit card is standard; the IDP is usually required in addition.

 

Hotels near Port Bouet Airport

Félix Houphouët-Boigny airport is about 16 km from central Abidjan, with a transfer that takes 25-40 minutes depending on traffic and destination district. Marcory, the closest to the runways, suits a short layover or an early departure; Plateau, the business district across the lagoon, remains the most practical choice for anyone working downtown; Cocody, green and residential, is where the city's grand historic hotels line the lagoon shore.
At the airport

At the airport

About 500 metres from Terminal 1, a 10-minute walk; from Terminal 2 the walk stretches to about 25 minutes, so it's better to use the hotel's free shuttle.

Best for: One-night layovers and dawn departures, when you don't want to leave the terminal area.

Pros
  • The closest property to the runways in all of Abidjan, with a free airport shuttle
  • Outdoor pool usable all year round, handy for anyone with just a few hours between two flights
Cons
  • Reviews repeatedly flag issues with reception and the coordination of airport transfers
  • Only airport grounds all around: for dinner you stay at the hotel
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Marcory

About 10 minutes from the airport with the hotel's free shuttle; map estimates vary from 6 to 10 km depending on the exact spot in the district.

Best for: For those who want to stay close to the airport but with more restaurant choice than the terminal area.

Pros
  • Among the districts closest to the airport after the terminal area, with a free shuttle included
  • After a recent renovation it offers urban art and afro-fusion dining, with more character than the average airport hotel
Cons
  • Reviews stay in the mid-range bracket, with ratings swinging between 'good' and 'fair' depending on the platform
  • A mostly residential and transit district: less evening life than Plateau or Cocody
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Plateau

About 25 minutes (14 km) from the airport, in the business district on the far side of the lagoon from Marcory.

Best for: For those with business in the financial district who want a hotel overlooking the Ébrié lagoon.

Pros
  • Heart of Abidjan's business district, a few minutes' walk from ministries, banks and the Presidential Palace
  • Both hotels offer views of the Ébrié lagoon and meeting rooms for business travellers
Cons
  • The transfer from the airport is among the longest of the areas listed here
  • An office area: outside working hours the surroundings of the hotels empty out
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Cocody

About 25-30 minutes from the airport, an upscale residential area on the far side of the lagoon from Marcory and Plateau.

Best for: For those who want one of the city's grand historic hotels, on the lagoon shore of Abidjan's greenest residential district.

Pros
  • Views of the Ébrié lagoon or the Cocody district from most of the rooms
  • Spa, convention centre and an indoor casino: the most complete property among those listed here
Cons
  • The transfer from the airport is among the longest of the city's areas
  • A higher price bracket than Marcory and the airport area
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport is Ivory Coast's primary air hub and one of west Africa's busiest.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers a selection of Ivorian cocoa and coffee, among the world's finest, as well as traditional fabrics.

Lounges & relaxation

The airport features a dedicated lounge, typically accessible via paid day-pass.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal area. Orange Côte d'Ivoire and MTN operators have a counter for local SIM cards at the airport.

Families & Children

Play corners for children have been created alongside family services.

Terminal guide

The terminal, expanded in recent years, reflects its role as an important hub of francophone West Africa.

Customs control times are variable: for international flights it is prudent to allow at least 3 hours in advance.

Map of Port Bouet Airport

Map of Port Bouet Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Do you need a visa for Ivory Coast?

Yes, for most nationalities, including Italian: it's obtained via an online e-visa before departure, with a mandatory yellow fever certificate.

Q. Is Ivory Coast the world's top cocoa producer?

Yes, it's the world's largest cocoa producer, with a supply chain that represents a significant part of the national economy.

Q. Is Abidjan the capital of Ivory Coast?

It's the economic capital and the most populous city; the official political capital is Yamoussoukro, reachable from Abidjan airport.

Q. Does Uber work in Abidjan?

Yes, the app operates regularly in the city and is often a more price-transparent alternative to traditional taxis, especially useful for first-time arrivals at the airport who don't know local rates.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Related articles