Search Flights from Addis Ababa to Kigali

The airport, which is approximately 6 kilometers of the city center, is located on Bole Road. In the city where public transportation is not very developed, you can use minibuses to reach the airport. Taxi is another transportation alternative that is frequently preferred by visitors. In addition to these, you can get to the airport from the city center by renting a car or by benefitting from the airport shuttle service in case your hotel offers this service.

Minibus

You can reach the airport by getting on a minibus from the minibus stops located in the city center. Minibuses generally carry passengers to the airport from 5:30 am to 09:00 pm. Although it is relatively cheaper compared to taxi, you should remember that drivers may demand higher amounts from tourists. The fare is about 5 Birr. They may also charge extra amount for each baggage.

Hotel Shuttle

Hotel shuttle service is the most comfortable alternative for your travel to the airport. In Addis Ababa city center, there are both small hotels and accommodation centers of chain hotels such as Hilton, Radisson and Sheraton. Some of these hotels offer airport shuttle service. If your hotel offers this service and you want to benefit from this service for your travel to the airport, you should definitely make a reservation in advance.

Taxi

There are two types of taxis that you can get on to reach the airport. Mercedes taxis of the National Tour Operator (NTO) operate under a company and offer service with more comfortable vehicles. With their predetermined tariffs, they create a more reliable image in terms of the fares. You can ask your hotel to call a NTO taxi for you.

There is no taximeter in the taxis operating in Addis Ababa, so it is advised to agree on the fare before getting on. These yellow taxis are approximately 10 times more expensive than blue-white taxis. You can also reach the airport in a short time with a blue-white taxi which you can find in the city center or waiting in front of hotels. The average fare is between 80 and 100 Birr. The owners of these taxis aren’t companies but individuals. Since there is also no taximeter in blue-white taxis and fares are not standardized by a company, they are more flexible in terms of fares and you should definitely bargain.

Car Rental

You can rent a car from one of the car rental companies that you can find in the city center or from the offices of tour operators. You can also get help from your hotel about renting a car.

Since some roads in Addis Ababa have no name, there isn’t sufficient number of traffic signs throughout the city and there is no traffic light on many roundabouts, traffic flow isn’t in order. For this reason, renting a car during your visit may not be a good option. If you want to rent a car only for travelling to the airport from the city center, you should prefer a company which has an office at the airport.

In order to get to the airport with the car you have rented, connect to Bole Road in the city center, drive southeastward and follow the airport signs.

Airport Information

There are 2 terminals at the airport. Terminal 1, which offers service for domestic flights, is located in the old building. Terminal 2 offers service for international passenger transportation in the new building.

At Bole International Airport, there are many restaurants and cafes in addition to stores and a duty-free shop where you can do some shopping before your flight.

At the airport, there is also a lounge for passengers looking for a comfortable environment and a much larger lounge is now being constructed. Although there is no left luggage service at the airport, you can find other standard airport services such as pharmacy, currency exchange office and ATM.

When you arrive at Kigali Airport you will see taxi drivers inviting passengers to their taxis at the terminal exit. Airport taxis are one of the most practical vehicles you can choose to travel to Kigali city center. If the cost of airport taxis is too high, if you exit the terminal and walk for a few minutes you can stop the other taxi services operating in the area. Kiagali International Airport which is 5 kilometers from Kigali city center does not have public transportation vehicles such as buses. Because of this, taxis are the first alternative to the center. Car rental is ideal for travellers planning to spend a few days in and around Kigali.

Taxi

As soon as you step out of the terminal at Kigali International Airport, you will see taxi drivers inviting passengers to their taxis who want to take you to the city center. The journey to Kigali city center is short and comfortable way to travel but the cost of taxis may be a bit expensive. If you want to negotiate a little of the price you can try your luck, but if you are planning to spend more time in the city, you can rent a car from the terminal. You can find a vehicle to travel to Kigali city center by leaving the airport, but this option is not recommended for security reasons especially for those who are travelling to Kigali for the first time. 3 or 4 people that are travelling together can travel in the same taxi. 5 or more passengers travelling together can rent a vehicle suitable for more crowded groups and travel that way to Kigali city center.

Rent a Car

After you have landed at Kigali International Airport you can find car rental alternatives in the terminal. Visitors travelling to the area for the first time can rent a car or speak with their hotel in advance to find a suitable service vehicle that will bring them to Kigali city center. The terminals at Kigali International Airport are very close to each other, so you can walk from one terminal to another. After renting a car it maybe a bit confusing at first, so be sure to get a map that shows the routes in the area in detail so that you can find your way around the Kigali roads more easily.

Motorcycle Taxi

At the exit of Kigali International Airport you can see motorcycle taxis that serve the area. Motorcycle taxis are cheaper than classic taxis but they are not very comfortable. However, those who want a more economical vehicle can get to Kigali city center quickly by the motorcycle taxis. Remember that motorcycle taxis are vehicles that can not take passengers with heavy luggage.