Addis Ababa's Bole International Airport is the main hub of Ethiopia, located about 6 km from the capital's city center, at an elevation of over 2,300 meters.
It is the hub of Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest airline, and one of the main connection points between Europe, Asia, and the rest of Africa.
How to get to Bole International Airport
By Car
By Train
Average travel time to ADD
Parking near Bole International Airport
The parking managed directly by the airport is located across from the terminal.
It is not staffed by dedicated personnel but is video monitored; rates are generally contained, consistent with regional standards.
How to get to Addis Ababa from ADD
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
From ADD to the most sought-after destinations
| If you want... | Choose | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spend less | Shared taxi (the «line-taxi») from airport gate to Meskel Square | ~20-30 ETB |
| Go straight to Piazza or Kazanchis without transfers | Ride app or official direct taxi | ~300-500 ETB |
| Visit the Market, further west | Direct taxi (longer route) | ~400-600 ETB |
| Heavy baggage or night time | Official airport taxi booked in advance | fixed rate agreed |
Bole → Piazza
Piazza, the historic heart with Italian colonial character with its grid streets and 1930s buildings, is reached by taxi in about 20-25 minutes outside rush hours; there is no alternative by rail or public bus.
Bole → Market
The Market, considered Africa's largest open-air market, is further west: the taxi ride generally takes 30-40 minutes and it is best to avoid peak traffic hours of the city.
Bole → Meskel Square and Kazanchis
Meskel Square, about 5 km from the airport, is the closest point on the light rail network (Blue line to Menelik II Square and Piazza): from here, or from the nearby Kazanchis district with its offices, embassies and international hotels, you can continue without having to cross the entire city by taxi.
Bole, the airport district
Many business travelers do not need to go far: Bole, the district where the airport is located, already hosts a concentration of international hotels, restaurants and shopping centers such as Edna Mall, just a few minutes taxi ride from the terminal.
Car rental at Bole International Airport
Some car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, generally offering self-drive options more often than with a driver.
Prepare your driver's license, passport, and credit card: the IDP is generally necessary for rental.
Hotels near Bole International Airport
At the airport
The hotel is connected to the Terminal 2 departures, a short walk from the gates: access is after passport control.
Best for: Layovers of many hours with a later flight from Terminal 2, without leaving the boarding area.
- From bed to gate on foot, with no traffic or taxi
- Can also be booked by those not in transit on Ethiopian flights
- It is beyond passport control: no use to arriving passengers who want to leave the airport
- Outside the hotel there is only the departures area, with no other place to dine
Recommended hotels
Bole airport area
The DoubleTree is about 5 minutes away by free shuttle; the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel is also about 5 minutes from the airport.
Best for: Dawn or late-night flights and short stops, with a transfer of a few minutes.
- A transfer of a few minutes, independent of traffic towards the centre
- International hotels with restaurants and shopping centres such as Edna Mall nearby
- The district is a business one: in the evening it offers little that is typically Ethiopian
- The historic centre is far away and reachable only by taxi
Recommended hotels
- DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Ababa Airport Free shuttle from the terminal, about 5 minutes; it has a restaurant, gym and spa, suited to those who want to stay one night without long transfers. View availability
- Ethiopian Skylight Hotel An Ethiopian Airlines hotel with 1,024 rooms five minutes from the airport; pools, gym and many restaurants, also for stays of several days. View availability
Kazanchis
From the Radisson Blu the airport is about 6 km away via Airport Road; by taxi or the Ride app it takes 15-25 minutes, and the hotel also offers a shuttle to be arranged.
Best for: Those staying a few days for work or to see the city who prefer a district with many hotels.
- Close to Meskel Square and the light rail, useful for getting around without a taxi
- Many international properties to choose from, also for long stays
- At rush hour the journey to the airport can become much longer
- A district of offices and embassies, with few places open in the evening
Recommended hotels
Addis Ababa city centre
The Sheraton is about 7 km from the airport: by taxi it takes 15-25 minutes, and the transfer can be arranged with the hotel before arrival.
Best for: Those who want a historic upscale hotel and a quiet garden after days in the city.
- Free airport shuttle at any hour, useful with night flights
- Closer to Piazza and the historic districts than the Bole hotels are
- City traffic makes the transfer time hard to predict
- Reviews mention somewhat dated facilities
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 5
- with Priority Pass
- 1
- open 24 hours
- 3
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The airport has two terminals: Terminal 2 handles all international flights, while Terminal 1, refurbished and expanded, serves all domestic ones. The 2019 expansion made the airport modern and spacious, reflecting Ethiopian Airlines' role as a continental hub. From check-in to gate, you typically walk 15-20 minutes.
During peak hours, customs and security checks may take longer: for international flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 3 hours in advance.
Map of Bole International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do you need a visa for Ethiopia?
Yes, but it's easily obtained online through the e-visa system (evisa.gov.et), available to 191 nationalities, with processing generally taking a few business days.
Q. Is it safe to visit Addis Ababa?
The areas frequented by visitors (Bole, Kazanchis, Africa Avenue) are generally welcoming to tourists, well-lit and patrolled; still, check on the current situation, as occasional protests can occur.
Q. Can you visit the Tigray region?
It's not recommended: despite ceasefire agreements, the region remains affected by intermittent conflict with limited humanitarian access. Always check the latest updates before considering the area.
Q. Why is Ethiopia important for coffee?
It's traditionally considered the birthplace of the coffee plant: the Ethiopian coffee ceremony is an important social ritual, and local coffee is among the finest in the world.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
Plaza Premium Lounge (T2).
Q. Are any lounges open 24 hours?
Yes: Plaza Premium Lounge (T2), Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge (T2) and ShebaMiles Platinum / Star Alliance Gold Lounge (T2).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
