Getting to Ethiopia: Flights, Airports and Land Borders

Ethiopia is one of the easiest countries in Africa to reach. Addis Ababa is the hub of Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, with direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America and across Africa. This page explains how to get here, what to expect when you land, and how to travel on within the country.

Flying to Addis Ababa

Almost all visitors arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). Ethiopian Airlines flies direct from many cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America and Africa. Other airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and flydubai connect through their hubs.

Tip: if you fly into Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines, domestic flights on the same booking are usually much cheaper. This can save a lot on a trip to Lalibela, Gondar or the Omo Valley.

Arriving at Bole International Airport

Have your e-visa approval or visa on arrival documents ready, along with your passport and a hotel address. After immigration and baggage claim you can change money at the bank counters in the arrivals hall. Bole is close to the city: most hotels are 15 to 40 minutes away, depending on traffic.

The easiest way into town is a pre arranged pickup. Our Bole airport transfers run day and night with flight tracking, so your driver is waiting even if you are late. Ride hailing apps and airport taxis are also available.

Need a visa? Read our Ethiopia visa requirements guide.

Getting Around Ethiopia

Distances are long and mountain roads slow, so most travellers mix domestic flights with road travel. Ethiopian Airlines flies from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela, Mekele, Jinka, Arba Minch, Dire Dawa, Robe (for Bale) and more. Some routes can be suspended at short notice, so we confirm flights when we plan your trip.

For road travel, a car with a local driver is the safest and most relaxing choice. Experienced drivers can also rent a car and drive themselves in Addis Ababa and on main routes.

Overland from Kenya

The main crossing from Kenya is at Moyale, on the good road from Nairobi. A daily bus also runs between Nairobi and Addis Ababa: see our guide to the Nairobi to Addis Ababa bus. You need an Ethiopian visa from an embassy before you travel, as the e-visa is not valid at land borders. Note that some governments advise against travel within 50 km of the Kenyan border, so check before you go.

Overland from Djibouti

The Addis Ababa to Djibouti railway is a modern electric line and a fun way to arrive or leave. The road crossing at Galafi is mainly used by trucks. As with all land borders, get your Ethiopian visa from an embassy in advance.

Other Land Borders

Crossings with Sudan, South Sudan and Eritrea are closed or not recommended at the moment because of conflict and insecurity. Read our Ethiopia safety guide for the latest advice.

Plan Your Trip

Tell us your flight times and we will plan the rest: airport pickup, hotels, domestic flights and a private guide. Get a free quote or message us on WhatsApp +251 988 111 222. Back to the Ethiopia travel guide.