Gondar Airport serves the historic former imperial capital of northern Ethiopia, known as 'Africa's Camelot' for its castles, about 20 minutes from the city center.
It is the access point to Fasil Ghebbi, the complex of castles and fortresses UNESCO heritage site built in the 17th century.
How to get to Gondar Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to GDQ
Parking near Gondar Airport
The parking is small and situated directly opposite the terminal.
Parking prices remain average, not steep.
How to get to Gondar from GDQ
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Gondar Airport
Car rental options are limited; many visitors organize excursions to Simien Mountains National Park through local tour operators.
License, passport, and credit card suffice for rental.
Hotels near Gondar Airport
Fasil Ghebbi and the old town
All the hotels in this guide are 18 km from Azezo airport (25-30 minutes by taxi) and 3-5 minutes' drive from Fasil Ghebbi.
Best for: For those visiting the castles of the royal enclosure and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie who want to stay within a few minutes' drive of both.
- The castles of the royal enclosure reachable in just a few minutes' drive from every hotel in the guide
- An offering that ranges from a pool resort to a family-run guest house, without significant differences in location
- Without your own car you'll still need a taxi to get between hotels, castles and the rest of the city
- Outside these three properties, Gondar's verifiable hotel offering is thinner than in other Ethiopian cities
Recommended hotels
- Haile Resort-Gondar A 54-56-room resort in the heart of Gondar, 5 minutes' drive from Fasil Ghebbi and about 1.6 km from the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie; outdoor pool with a kids' area, spa and free airport shuttle. Part of the resort chain linked to marathon runner Haile Gebrselassie. View availability
- Gondar Hills Resort On the hillside 4 minutes' drive from Fasil Ghebbi, with views over the castles of the royal enclosure and the valley below; one of the most scenic properties in the city. View availability
- Inn of the Four Sisters Family-run guest house in the Kebele 02 neighborhood, about 2.8 km (5 minutes' drive) from Fasil Ghebbi and the royal enclosure; buffet breakfast and an inner garden. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is compact, consistent with its role as a regional hub in northern Ethiopia.
The recommended safety margin for flights is 2 hours.
Map of Gondar Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Why is Gondar called the "Camelot of Africa"?
Because of the Fasil Ghebbi complex of castles and fortresses, built in the 17th century when the city was the capital of the Ethiopian empire, a UNESCO World Heritage site unique on the continent.
Q. Is Gondar a good starting point for Simien Mountains National Park?
Yes, it's the most common base for organizing treks and hikes in the park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its mountain scenery and endemic primates such as the gelada.
Q. Does Gondar combine well with Bahir Dar in an itinerary?
Yes, they are often visited together on a northern Ethiopia circuit, connected by a road journey of a few hours.
Q. Are there ATMs in Gondar?
Yes, some banks in the center have ATMs, but don't rely on them as your only source of cash: withdrawals with foreign cards aren't always reliable in smaller towns like this one, so bring enough birr with you, especially if you're heading on to the Simien Mountains.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights