Accra's Kotoka International Airport is Ghana's main terminal, located about 10 km from the city center.
It is the entry point to Accra itself and to the historic castles and forts along the coast, including Cape Coast and Elmina, an increasingly popular destination for diaspora roots tourism.
How to get to Kotoka International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to ACC
Parking near Kotoka International Airport
The official multi-level parking lot stands in front of the terminal.
The parking, monitored by cameras, offers reasonable rates.
How to get to Accra from ACC
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Kotoka International Airport
The arrivals area hosts desks from major car rental brands.
Required documents: driver's license, passport, credit card, and typically the International Driving Permit.
Hotels near Kotoka International Airport
Airport City
The Marriott is less than 1 km from the terminal, about 5 minutes by car (8 on foot), with a free shuttle; the Best Western Premier is 1.6 km away, about 10 minutes, free shuttle.
Best for: Early departures, short layovers and business trips that don't want to stray from the terminal.
- The two hotels closest to the terminal in all of Accra, both with a free airport shuttle
- A newly built district with offices and restaurants, less isolated than the airport grounds alone
- Real nightlife is still in Osu or downtown, 15-20 minutes by car
- Rates above the city average for the convenience of the location
Recommended hotels
- Accra Marriott Hotel On Liberation Road, inside Airport City and right across from the terminal: less than a kilometre from the airport, free shuttle, outdoor pool and several in-house restaurants. View availability
- Best Western Premier Accra Airport Hotel On White Avenue, 1.6 km from the terminal (about 10 minutes): 109 rooms over 7 floors, a spa with facials and massages, two restaurants and a free airport shuttle. View availability
Ridge
About 6.6 km from the airport, 10 minutes by car; free shuttle running around the clock.
Best for: Institutional and official trips, close to ministries and embassies, without losing the free airport shuttle.
- Accra's only 5-star hotel, next to the Convention Centre and the National Theatre
- Free airport shuttle despite being farther away than Airport City
- A district of ministries and offices: outside working hours the area around the hotel empties out
- One of the priciest rate brackets in the city
City Centre and Makola
About 7 km from the airport, 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
Best for: Those who want the historic-administrative district, the markets and the National Theatre a taxi ride away.
- A few minutes' walk from the National Theatre and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
- 16 acres of manicured gardens right in the business district, rare for such a central hotel
- Makola Market, very close by, is extremely busy and noisy during the day
- Farther from the terminal than Airport City or Ridge
Nungua
About 17.7 km from the airport, 20 minutes by car; free shuttle by reservation.
Best for: Those looking for a private beach without giving up the free airport shuttle.
- Private beach and ocean views right from the property
- Free airport shuttle despite being the farthest area from the terminal among those listed here
- Some reviews mention noise from nearby churches on weekends and Wi-Fi connection issues
- A peripheral area, not well suited to those who want to get around in the evening without a car
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, expanded in recent years, reflects its role as a major West African hub. From check-in to gate one generally walks 15–20 minutes.
Customs and security can require extra time: for international flights, it is better to arrive 3 hours in advance.
Map of Kotoka International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do you need a visa for Ghana?
Yes, for most nationalities, including Italian: it's obtained via online e-visa before departure, with a mandatory yellow fever certificate.
Q. What are the historic castles and forts on the Ghanaian coast?
Structures like Cape Coast and Elmina, linked to the history of the transatlantic slave trade, now a growing destination for "roots tourism" among the African American and African-descendant diaspora.
Q. Is Ghana safe for tourists?
Yes, it's generally considered one of the most stable and safe countries in West Africa, with the usual precautions against petty theft in crowded areas.
Q. How do you get to central Accra from the airport?
By taxi or Uber/Bolt in about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, which is often heavy during rush hour.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
