Airport Guide to Bole (ADD)

Airport Overview

Terminal Transfer | Getting into Town | Car Parking | Information Desks | Airport Facilities

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is Ethiopia’s sleek and modern face to the world, welcoming more than four million passengers per year, a number that makes it the third-busiest airport in Africa.

Bole Airport is conveniently situated 8km (5 miles) from Addis Ababa, a short drive in any of the multitude of taxis waiting outside the arrivals hall, or via the free hotel buses.

The domestic Terminal 1 was renovated and developed in 2003 and has five airline gates. The new international Terminal 2 is a hugely impressive structure, formed from soaring steel arches and glass sheeting, and opened in 2003, with seven airline gates. The terminal has three levels, its own parking facility, and many amenities for passengers arriving on flights to Addis Ababa Bole Airport from all over the world.

What the renovation hasn’t changed is the famous friendliness of the staff; or regrettably, the sluggish pace of the immigration officials. Nevertheless, Bole is a convenient and comfortable portal to and from the outside world, earning high praise from passengers.

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Terminal Transfer

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Getting into Town

Taxis: Use the yellow/cream coloured government taxis parked outside the terminal. Prices are inevitably negotiable although ETB 100 (approx £4) to the city centre is reasonable.

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Car Parking

There are public parking lots near to the entrance of both terminals.

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Information Desks

There is a tourist information booth that makes up in friendliness what they lack in English-language abilities.

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Airport Facilities

Money and communications: There is a working ATM on arrival in immigration. Note that the screen text specifies that only CBE cards may be used, but the Visa badges confirm it can be used by international credit cards. There is a bank in the departures hall but is it not manned according to any discernable pattern and hence is not to be relied upon.

Luggage: There is no left-luggage facility.

Conference and business: There are no business facilities at the airport, but Bole is only a ten-minute drive from the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC-AA) on Menelik Avenue.

Other facilities: VIP lounges, first aid facilities and a travel agency are all available. No newsstand is available so get your reading material before arriving at Bole.

Wi-Fi: There is no Wi-Fi available in the airport. However, 3G services are available once you buy a special SIM card. Charges start from ETB 0.04 per 100 KB.

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