Ouagadougou International Airport is Burkina Faso's principal airport, located in the capital. Given the country's serious security situation (see the Country page), it is now used almost exclusively by diplomatic, humanitarian, and professional personnel rather than tourists.
How to get to Ouagadougou Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to OUA
Parking near Ouagadougou Airport
Practical information about parking and support services should be verified directly with your reference organization, given the country's situation.
How to get to Ouagadougou from OUA
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Ouagadougou Airport
Self-drive car rental is not recommended given the country's security situation: travel should be organized through your organization of reference, generally with a dedicated driver and vehicle.
Hotels near Ouagadougou Airport
Airport area and business district
Bravia Hotel and Azalaï are both about 600 metres from the runways, reachable in a few minutes on foot or by taxi; the Hôtel Les Palmiers is about 5 minutes by taxi.
Best for: One-night layovers and dawn departures, when it pays to stay just a few minutes from the terminal.
- The three properties are among the closest to the terminal in all of Ouagadougou, convenient for an early-morning flight
- The Azalaï, reopened in February 2025 after ten years of closure and a complete refurbishment, brings a five-star standard to the area that is rare in the city
- The area is mostly offices and airport grounds: for the evening it is better to head towards the Zone du Bois
- Traffic on some access roads can lengthen travel times during rush hour, even for just a few kilometres
Recommended hotels
- Bravia Hotel Ouagadougou About 580 metres from the terminal, among the closest to the runways in the whole city: free airport shuttle and a breakfast with a wide choice according to reviews. View availability
- Azalaï Hôtel Ouagadougou In the heart of the business district, about 1 km from the airport: reopened in February 2025 after a 24 billion CFA franc refurbishment, with an outdoor pool, spa and 230 rooms. View availability
- Hôtel Les Palmiers About 5 minutes by taxi from the airport and less than 1 km from the municipal stadium: outdoor pool, garden and free private parking. View availability
Zone du Bois
About 10-15 minutes by taxi from the airport, depending on traffic on the central roads.
Best for: Travellers staying more than one night who want restaurants and nightlife in the district of embassies and NGOs, accepting a taxi transfer from the airport.
- A green, residential district with the capital's highest concentration of restaurants and venues
- Quieter at night than the airport area, while still just a few minutes by taxi from the terminal
- Without your own car you still need a taxi, since there are no dedicated bus lines
- A more limited hotel offering than the airport area: there are few verifiable properties in the area
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is modest in size: from check-in to gate you generally walk for about 10 minutes.
Security checks are generally thorough given the context: allow extra time compared to regional averages.
Map of Ouagadougou Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is it safe to travel to Burkina Faso?
No: most Western governments advise against all travel to the country due to the risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings, with a state of emergency in force in several provinces. Anyone who must travel there for professional reasons should do so only through a structured organization, with a dedicated security plan.
Q. Is a visa always available for Western citizens?
Not necessarily: visa issuance can be suspended at short notice for certain nationalities (this has happened, for example, to US citizens). Always check the current status with the relevant embassy before planning your trip.
Q. Can you get around Ouagadougou on your own?
It's not advisable: even movements within the capital should be organized through your reference organization rather than by public transport or random taxis.
Q. Is yellow fever vaccination required?
Yes, a yellow fever certificate is mandatory for entry into the country; antimalarial prophylaxis is also strongly recommended, as the entire territory is at risk of malaria.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights