Search Flights from Addis Ababa to Edinburgh

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.

Edinburgh Airport is an international airport serving the city, located 12 km away. You can get to the city center from the airport by taxi, tram, or Airlink. You can also rent a car from the airport to get to the city center.

Airlink Buses

The best way to get to the city center from the airport is by taking an Airlink bus. Airlink buses run very frequently and provide easy and affordable transportation to the city. The total trip takes about 30 minutes and the fare is very reasonable.  

Tram

The tram is another transportation alternative to get to the city center. The tram stop is located at the airport and provides transportation York Place Station, located in the city center. The total trip to the city from the airport by tram takes about 35 minutes.

Taxi

A taxi to the city center from the airport takes about 25 minutes. Taxis are available at the ground level across from the main terminal building. However, taking a taxi can be quite expensive so it isn’t a highly preferred method of transportation.

Rental Car

Renting a car is another way to get to the city center. There are various rental car companies located at the airport. Rental car companies that you can choose from include Alamo, Europcar, National, and Avis. Edinburgh is a city that is notorious for its natural beauty and history. Renting a car and driving to the city is easy and picturesque.