Accra Kotoka Layover Guide (ACC)

What are you looking for in ACC?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Accra Airport (ACC), officially known as Kotoka International Airport, is located in Accra, the capital of Ghana. It’s situated about 9 km (5.6 miles) from the city center. The airport officially opened in 1958. Accra is Ghana’s largest city and a major hub for culture, business, and travel in West Africa. It’s known for its vibrant arts scene, historic sites, coastal attractions, and warm, tropical climate.

Can you leave Accra Airport (ACC) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can remain airside at Accra Airport without a visa. If you wish to exit the terminal during a layover, travellers from ECOWAS or visa-exempt countries can do so visa-free. All others must obtain a 48-hour Transit Visa (or Visa-on-Arrival if eligible). Fees apply and pre-approval is recommended online. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum Explore the impressive tomb and memorial park dedicated to Ghana’s founding father, featuring statues, fountains, and landscaped gardens, offering insight into the country’s independence history and national pride. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi or Uber.)
• Jamestown Lighthouse Climb the white lighthouse built in 1932 for panoramic views over Accra’s harbour, then wander vibrant Jamestown streets adorned with colonial buildings, street art, and local fishing community life. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 25-minute taxi.)
• Labadi Beach Relax at Accra’s most popular sandy beach where palm trees sway to live reggae, enjoy horseback rides, local drumming performances, and vibrant atmosphere in beachfront bars and eateries. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi.)
• Makola Market Immerse yourself in Accra’s bustling open-air market selling vibrant textiles, handcrafted beads, fresh produce, and street food stalls; ideal for souvenir hunting and experiencing local commerce energy. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 15-minute taxi or trotro.)
• W.E.B. Du Bois Center Visit the museum, research library, and serene mausoleum dedicated to civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois, highlighting his contributions to Pan-Africanism, scholarly legacy, and US–Africa relations. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi.)
• National Museum of Ghana Discover Ghanaian archaeology, ethnography, and art exhibits showcasing traditional crafts, musical instruments, and historical artifacts, offering a concise overview of the nation’s cultural heritage. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: 15-minute taxi.)
• Osu Oxford Street Stroll along bustling Oxford Street in Osu district, lined with trendy boutiques, lively bars, cafés, and street vendors; perfect for people-watching, shopping local crafts, and sampling Ghanaian street cuisine. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: 15–20-minute taxi.)
• Accra Arts Centre Browse vibrant stalls at the Centre for National Culture, where skilled artisans sell Kente cloth, wood carvings, beads, and paintings, immersing you in Ghana’s rich visual arts traditions. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 15-minute taxi.)

Things to Do in Accra Airport (ACC)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Accra’s Kotoka International Airport hosts four lounges—Adinkra, Akwaaba, Sanbra and U Lounge—spanning Terminals 2 and 3. These airside havens offer comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, business facilities, showers and a selection of newspapers and magazines. Access is via membership programs, premium tickets or pay-per-use, providing a tranquil retreat from busy departure halls. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Airport City Accra, adjacent to Kotoka, is home to Accra Marriott Hotel, Holiday Inn Accra Airport and ibis Styles Accra Airport. These hotels offer modern rooms, fitness and business facilities, complimentary airport shuttles, on-site dining and conference spaces. With free Wi-Fi and round-the-clock service, they suit both transient and extended stays near the terminal. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Kotoka International Airport operates 24/7 but lacks dedicated rest zones or sleep pods. Beyond lounges, only hard benches and tiled floors await overnight travelers. Pack a travel mat or reserve a nearby hotel room for comfort. Quiet lounge spots may be available via paid access, though maximum stay limits often restrict overnight sleeping.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Ghana Airports Company Limited provides complimentary Wi-Fi across Terminals 2 and 3. Simply connect to “KIA FREE WIFI,” follow on-screen prompts and enjoy unrestricted browsing. Speeds accommodate messaging, social media and light streaming. Business travelers may prefer premium lounge networks for stronger signals, while casual passengers can stay online throughout the terminal at no charge.

SIM/eSIM Card: Upon arrival at ACC, purchase physical SIM cards from the Smice Digital store in the arrivals hall exit—primarily Vodafone offerings. MTN and other operators lack on-site branches, so airport prices run higher than city stores. Present your passport for mandatory registration. eSIM options remain limited, and all kiosks operate during flight hours, closing around 9–10 PM. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis line the arrivals curbside, offering metered and flat-rate trips into Accra. Fares vary by vehicle class; confirm meter activation or agree on a flat rate before boarding. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt operate 24/7, with app-designated pickup zones. Drivers typically assist with luggage, and airport surcharge fees may apply to all rides.

Train: ACC currently has no direct train link; rail service remains a future plan. A proposed Accra SkyTrain system is expected to include airport stations, but no operational lines exist. Travelers can access suburban or intercity rail lines at central Accra stations via taxi or bus transfers. Rail connectivity to the airport is not yet available. (more info)

Bus: Public transport includes tro-tro minibuses and AMA city buses. The nearest stop, Airport First, is a 10–15 minute walk along Liberation Road. Routes like 383, 398 and 456 run roughly 5 AM to 10 PM, connecting to central Accra. Tickets cost just a few Ghana cedis, payable onboard. (more info)

Shuttle: Hotel shuttles connect ACC to nearby accommodations. Holiday Inn and ibis Styles offer complimentary transfers on request or fixed schedules. Independent operators run shared minibuses from KIA to city-centre points for about GHS 15–20. Advance booking is recommended, as pick-up locations and departure times vary by provider. Service spans early morning to late evening.

Car rentals: Major international car-hire brands—Avis, Hertz and Europcar—maintain desks outside the arrivals hall. Fleet options range from economy compacts to SUVs, available on daily or weekly rates. Drivers must present a valid license and credit card; age restrictions and optional insurance surcharges apply. Rental counters typically operate until late evening. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Kotoka International Airport offers six car parks—1 through 5 plus Cargo Village—with short-term and long-term options. The first 30 minutes are free; hourly rates apply thereafter, with daily maximum fees. Covered and open-air bays accommodate cars, SUVs and minibuses. Payment can be made via mobile money or at on-site kiosks. Overflow lots are clearly signposted.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Kotoka Airport lacks formal luggage storage or self-service lockers. The Lost & Found office handles misplaced items but does not provide bag storage. Travelers seeking secure baggage facilities should use nearby hotel services or city-centre locker providers. Plan accordingly and carry essential items to terminal areas when facing long layovers. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Accra Airport (ACC) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks