Getting a taxi in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is an exciting destination for history, culture, and a taste of Ethiopia’s diverse traditions. The most convenient way to get around and make the most of your time in this enchanting city is by taking an Addis Ababa taxi or private transfer.
Most Addis taxis operate from 06:00 to 23:00. There are many options for taxi services in the city, but as the quality of service can vary, we recommend that you book an Addis Ababa Airport taxi with a well-known company for a fixed rate.
There are two types of taxis you can find in Addis Ababa: Ethiopian private taxis, which are blue are white, and official government taxis, which are yellow-cream taxis run by the National Tour Operation (NTO).
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What is the price of a taxi in Addis Ababa?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIPORT TO CITY CENTER | 3 € | 4 € | 20 MIN |
| MERKATO TO HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL | 1.30 € | 1.90 € | 15 MIN |
| NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ETHIOPIA TO ENTOTO PARK | 1.60 € | 2.40 € | 23 MIN |
| RED TERROR MARTYRS MEMORIAL MUSEUM TO MESKEL SQUARE | 1.40 € | 2.10 € | 18 MIN |
| BOLE MEDHANE ALEM CATHEDRAL TO ZOMA MUSEUM | 3.90 € | 4.60 € | 28 MIN |
Addis Ababa taxi fares
Addis Ababa taxi prices are calculated based on a variety of factors, such as distance, duration, time of day, and type of vehicle.
In the last few years, more Addis Ababa taxi services started to use taximeters, but not all cabs are fitted with one. As a general rule of thumb, metered taxis have an initial flag-down fare, which increases per km. However, as taxis are not well regulated, travelers are advised against hailing taxis on the street to avoid unnecessary surprises. The easiest way to secure a fixed fee is to pre-book with a reliable taxi service ahead of time.
Yellow-cream government taxis have set fares for scheduled routes. You usually have to pay for your trip before you start driving, and it may be possible to negotiate with your driver. If you decide to use an unofficial blue and white taxi, we suggest researching online or asking your hotel concierge for the average fare. To avoid surprises, agree upon the approximate cost with the driver before getting into the taxi, and keep an eye on the taximeter (if they have one) along the way.
A journey from Bole Aiport to the city center will cost around €3 (ETB 300) and will take around 20 minutes.
Day rates
Initial fare: €1.30 (ETB 73.70)
Price per km: €0.30 (ETB 19.50)
Waiting tariff per hour: €2.80 (ETB 166.20)
The average Addis Ababa taxi ride within the city center limits will cost about €1.20 (ETB 70). However, it’s important to treat all rates as rough estimates and bear in mind that the standard Addis Ababa taxi cost may be higher at night after 22:00, depending on the operator. As local fares can change and may include extra charges, ask your chosen provider about any additional costs before your ride.
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How to get a taxi in Addis Ababa
There are a couple of companies to choose from when looking for a taxi service in Addis Ababa, with changes in availability depending on the time of day and your location. While some taxis are equipped with taximeters in the city, some of them may not work. Likewise, if the ride distance is short, some drivers may choose not to use them.
You can usually get an immediate taxi in Addis Ababa from the airport taxi counter at Arrivals. Drivers also frequently line up outside of larger hotels, nightclubs, and the National Theatre.
How to get a taxi from Addis Ababa Airport (ADD)
Getting a taxi from Addis Ababa Airport to the city center is easy! You can find taxis outside of the Addis Ababa Airport Arrivals area. Public transportation is not available from the airport, so a taxi is your best transportation option.
How to get a taxi from the National Museum of Ethiopia
You can get a taxi directly from the museum on King George VI St, or alternatively, you can take a 10-minute walk to get to the Holy Cathedral, take in the sights, and get a taxi from there.
How to get a taxi from the National Theatre
You can usually always find Addis Ababa taxis queueing up outside of the National Theatre. If you have to wait, you can explore the covered walkway of the Art Gallery or the Café and Restaurant 100 meters away.
How to get a taxi from Alem Bank Square and Hotel
The Alem Bank Square is located very close to the Atena tera Torhayloch taxi stand, which operates 24/7.
How to get a taxi from the Piazza
You can easily get a cab from the Piazza area, with taxis frequently queuing up.
Most popular taxi apps in Addis Ababa
For a peaceful and easy transfer, visitors are advised to book with a well-reputed taxi company instead of hailing a cab on the street. Additional booking charges for this service may apply, so make sure to check the specifics with your chosen provider. Another option is to use a local ride-hailing app, like RIDE or ETTA to benefit from fare estimates. On the other hand, booking your Addis Ababa taxi in advance with a transfer company like Welcome Pickups means you can relax knowing you receive a fixed and fair rate, a friendly English-speaking driver, and 24/7 customer support!
The benefits of pre-booking your Addis Ababa taxi service
You can enjoy reliable, prompt pickups and door-to-door service throughout your vacation by booking Addis Ababa taxis in advance with Welcome Pickups.
With our 24/7 customer support line, handpicked and well-trained English-speaking local drivers, personalized services, and an array of travel extras, you can leave your worries behind and get around at your pace to explore everything the Ethiopian capital has to offer.
Addis Ababa taxi tips
- We recommend booking with a reliable taxi service in Addis Ababa instead of hailing taxis from the street to avoid any unexpected charges.
- It is uncommon for taxis in Addis Ababa to accept debit or credit card payments, so you need to have enough cash in the local currency to pay for the ride.
- Tipping your Addis Ababa taxi driver is not required, but rounding up the fare is always welcome and often expected. This also goes for any assistance your driver provides you with for your luggage.
- Taxi drivers in Addis Ababa don't always speak English, so be sure to write down your hotel’s address to avoid any miscommunication errors.
- Always confirm that the taximeter has been set to the initial fare and the right tariff setting before starting your ride.
Wheelchair-accessible taxi service in Addis Ababa
Wheelchair accessibility is not a common feature of Addis Ababa taxi services. If this is something you will require during your trip, we recommend inquiring with independent travel agencies or local tour operators in advance. This way, you can find out if they have any suitable vehicles in their fleet that could accommodate your requirements – this includes checking if they have a ramp and/or hydraulic lift to assist you. If a fully accessible vehicle isn’t required, any cab should be able to store a foldable wheelchair in the trunk.
Addis Ababa taxi safety and complaints
Using a taxi service in Addis Ababa is considered safe overall. However, as the taxis are poorly regulated, travelers are advised to book with a reputable taxi company, avoid unmarked automobiles, and always choose a metered taxi when available. If you have a bad experience and wish to submit a formal complaint, you can reach out to the Addis Ababa Traffic Police or the Transportation Regulatory Agency. You must be able to provide the vehicle’s license plate number, the name of the taxi company, and the driver’s ID to file your complaint.