Search Flights from Johannesburg to Addis Ababa

As the distance between Johannesburg city centre and O.R. Tambo International Airport is not much, you can travel to the airport from the city centre in a short time and at reasonable prices. Locals mostly prefer public transportation such as bus or train in the city, but it is recommended to the new travelers in the city to prefer taxi for transportation instead of these vehicles. You can easily find a taxi at any time of the day in the city centre. Also remember that there are many rent a car offices in the city centre if you consider renting a car. Passengers who give priority to comfort and convenience while traveling to the airport from the city centre may consider renting a limousine as well. Limousines transport passengers to the airport from the city centre in about 30 minutes. Train is also another option for traveling to the airport from the city centre but like bus, it is not recommended to the new travelers for safety reasons.

Bus

Bus, one of the most preferred vehicles by the locals to travel to the airport from Johannesburg city centre, is not recommended to the foreign visitors for safety reasons. It takes about 35 – 40 minutes to get to the airport by buses departing from the city centre. If you want to travel by bus you can go to the one of the bus stops in the city centre. If you are staying in a hotel in the city, you can get information about buses and bus stops from your hotel. Remember, however, that you should look at other options if your priority is safety rather than a low cost travel.

Taxi

In Johannesburg, taxis are the most preferred means of transportation especially by foreign travelers. You can be at the airport terminal in a short time by taking these safe and fast vehicles. Taxi fares are not too high for the tourists in the city. However, if you are traveling from somewhere far from the airport, you can get information about the taxi fee in advance. Taxis can take you from your hotel or from anywhere in the city centre and bring you to the airport terminal. They stand out as a much more preferable option when compared to the public transportation such as buses and trains.

Train

Trains are also a convenient and fast option to travel to O.R. Tambo International Airport from the city centre. However, like buses, they are not recommended to the foreign visitors for security reasons. You can take a taxi or rent a car or a limousine as an alternative for a safer and more comfortable journey.

Limousine

Business travelers in Johannesburg often prefer limousines for transportation. These luxurious and comfortable vehicles, driven by chaffeurs, take you from the city centre and bring you to the airport entrance in about 30 minutes. Although renting a limousine is comfortable and pleasant, it will cost more than the other options. You can use these vehicles at a cheaper price with seasonal discounts or group reservations.

Rent a Car

Renting a car is one of the most preferred means of transportation in Johannesburg and vicinity. You can find some rent a car companies such as AVIS, Budget, National and Hertz in the city and within minutes, you can rent a car and begin driving to the airport. If you are not familiar with the city’s roads, remember to get a navigation device or a map beforehand. You just need to inform the rental company in advance if you want to drop off the car at the airport. You must have your internationally valid travel documents with you to rent a car.

Airport Information

Domestic and international terminals at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport offer an extremely pleasant and comfortable environment with lounges, cafes, restaurants and shops to the passengers. Thanks to the wireless internet connection at the airport, you can go online and make your transactions in many areas of the terminal. There are also ATMs and bank offices at the airport for those who want to send or withdraw money or make other banking transactions without leaving the terminal. You can change money at the exchange offices or banks at the airport. There are places of worship in the O.R. Tambo International Airport for Muslim and Christian visitors who wish to pray. You can use the conference room at the domestic terminal if you need to hold a meeting at the airport. You can send mails to different regions both home and abroad from the post office located at the international terminal of the airport. You will find many options such as telephone and accessories, electronic devices, clothes, books, newspapers and magazines if you want to shop at the airport. You have the opportunity to taste delicious meals and drinks from many parts of the world, such as South Africa, Asia and Europe at the airport. You can spend time at the passenger lounges which have comfortable seats. If you have to stay in a place close to the airport, you can make a reservation for one of the hotels around the terminals.

Addis Ababa, which is connected to Kenya, Somalia and Sudan by highways, connected to Djibouti, one of the important trade centers of Africa, by railways and has an international airport, is both a transfer point and an important trade center for the country. In the country where animal husbandry and agriculture are widespread and light industry is developed, the most important product of the city is coffee. The city is also an important education center thanks to the universities and colleges it hosts.

In the city, there are many coffee shops where you can drink and buy coffee. In Addis Ababa, urban transportation is provided with buses, minibuses and taxis. Public transportation isn’t very developed. Ticket prices of these means are affordable. However, bus routes don’t operate at regular intervals and there may sometimes be delays.

Blue - white colored minibuses that you can use as an alternative to buses are faster than buses and carry passengers with more affordable fares. The fare is about 1.5 Birr, which is less than 50 cents, depending on your destination. Minibuses that start operating at early hours in the morning generally offer service until 09:00 pm. You can also get on a taxi for your transportation in the city. It is not always easy to find a taxi here. You can find a taxi more easily in central parts of the city and in front of big hotels.

The vehicles used as taxi are generally old model automobiles. Despite of this, it can be said that taxis are the most comfortable means of transportation in Addis Ababa. However, before getting on a taxi you should agree on the fare and definitely bargain with the driver. If you are thinking of renting a car and having a comfortable means of transportation during your visit, you should be careful about the traffic. You should remember that there are no traffic lights on many roads and roundabouts and this situation negatively affects traffic flow. In addition, you can have trouble in buying gas. There can be long queues at gasoline stations. On the other hand, there is no problem about parking in the city and average parking fee is 0.50 Birr. Although there is a railway system in the city, trains are not a part of urban transportation.

Bole International Airport is located 6 km south of the city center on Bole Road. To get to the city center from the airport you can use minibuses as the means of public transportation or you can also choose to take a taxi. Renting a car is another alternative for your travel to the city center although it is generally not recommended due to traffic problems. If you are going to stay at a hotel, airport shuttle services offered by some hotel are one of the most comfortable and reliable transportation options.

Minibus

If you are thinking of getting to the city center by using a means of public transportation, you can get on the minibuses departing from Bole Dild minibus stops located in front of the overpass found right across the terminal exit. Minibuses offer service from 06:00 am to 08:00 pm.

The fares are cheaper than taxis and vary according to your destination. The fares are 5 Birr on average. You should remember that tourists may be charged higher amounts. You can learn the amount you need to pay by talking to other passengers before getting on any minibus. You need to pay an additional amount for your baggage.

Hotel Shuttle

In addition to small hotels, accommodation centers of certain chain hotels like Radisson, Hilton and Sheraton are also located in the city center. Some hotels offer airport shuttle service. If you don’t prefer public transportation and don’t want to bargain with taxi drivers about the fare, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle service which will pick you up in front of the baggage claim area and leave you just in front of your hotel. To benefit from this service, you should contact your hotel in advance and agree on the price, make a reservation and give the necessary information such as the number of passengers and baggage.

Taxi

There are two types of taxis that you can get on to reach the city center from the airport. At airport taxi stand, 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 and offer private services. You can ask your hotel to call a NTO taxi for you or get in contact with the taxi desk located in the arriving passenger terminal. Tariffs are offered according to your destination. There is no taximeter in these taxis, so it is advised to agree on the fare before getting on. These taxis are approximately 10 times more expensive than blue-white taxis. You can also reach the city center in a short time with a blue-white taxi which you can get on at the exit of the airport. The average fare is between 80 and 100 Birr.

These taxis are managed by individuals. These taxis, which are larger than a standard automobile, operate just like a small bus. They have a standard route, pick up passengers from certain points and drop them off at certain points. There is no taximeter in blue-white taxis and the fares of the stops are predetermined. In addition, you shouldn’t forget that you may need to bargain on the fare.

Car Rental

You can rent a car from one of the car rental companies located at the airport. Since some roads 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. In order to reach the city center with the car you have rented, you should drive northwestward after leaving the airport. The road is about 6 kilometers.