Get around Addis Ababa
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Sample Minibus prices
- Very short trips 1 ETB
- Short trips 2-2,5 ETB
- Medium trips 4 ETB
- Large trips 5,5 ETB
- Very Large trips 8 ETB
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Sample Taxi prices
- Short trips within one area 30 ETB
- Another Short trips 40-50 ETB
- Medium trips 60-80 ETB
- Large trips 80-150 ETB
- Very Large trips 150+ ETB
As of July 2011
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Very few streets have names and when they do, they may not be named correctly on a map; use landmarks to navigate the city.
Blue and white minibuses/taxis travel quite efficiently around the town. Since they are full with people most of the time, it is very cheap too; usually between 1-3 Birr depending on how far you are going. To catch a minibus, stand on the side of the road and hail it. This can be done anywhere it is possible for the bus to stop. The conductor inside will call out the destination, and if that's where you want to go: get on. You pay the conductor when he signals to you that he wants money (which might take a few minutes). To get out say "woraj alle" It is worth having an Ethiopian guide with you if it is your first time using these taxis, since it can be quite chaotic to find out what minibuses go where, and from what places (even the locals are sometimes confused). It is worth RESTATING that if you just get on one of these buses, you might end up in the middle of nowhere. The people are very friendly, but never forget that this is a poor country and keep hold onto your wallet and phone.
Small, blue coloured Lada taxis are more expensive. Negotiation is the norm and you often have to press quite hard to get a bargain as a foreigner. They can be contracted for a single trip, an hour, or a full day; just negotiate. Do not be surprised if the price of the taxi increases at night for the same trip. IF you do not want to get scammed, agree a price before you get into the taxi. JULY 2011 the taxi prices for contract taxis in the box here ARE WAY out of date. Airport to city now 100-150 birr!!!
Yellow and green taxis usually hang around hotels like Sheraton. They are more expensive, but reliable, and if you're willing to pay for peace of mind, slightly better drivers and a car that wasn't featured in the flintstones, use these cars.
Walking in Addis Ababa is a pleasant and sensible way of getting around. Locals will happily greet you, ask you how you are doing and so on. Beggars and children can be a bit more persistent and follow you for a bit, but they are rarely rude and are usually very happy to see foreigners. IF somebody touches you, be very careful because they might have just taken your wallet, phone or purse. People do not normally touch you on the streets, so be warned when they do.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Addis Ababa
