Addis Ababa Bole Layover Guide (ADD)

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

Addis Ababa Airport (ADD) is an international airport located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It’s situated about 6 km (3.7 miles) from the city center. The airport officially opened in 1962. Addis Ababa is Ethiopia’s capital and largest city, serving as a major diplomatic hub in Africa. Known for its rich cultural heritage and historic landmarks, the city also offers a vibrant mix of cuisine, music, and art that attract travelers worldwide.

Can you leave Addis Ababa Airport (ADD) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Transit passengers staying in the airside transit lounge for under 12 hours need no visa. If you plan to exit Addis Ababa Bole airport during your layover, you must obtain an Ethiopian e-Visa or visa on arrival prior to landside entry. Online applications or visa on arrival options are easily available. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• National Museum of Ethiopia Discover fossils of “Lucy,” ancient artifacts and Ethiopian art in a world-class collection that chronicles human evolution and culture. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 30 min)
• Holy Trinity Cathedral Admire stunning stained-glass windows, ornate marble floors and the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie in this beautiful Orthodox cathedral. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi or ride-hail approx. 25 min)
• Ethnological Museum Housed in Haile Selassie’s former palace, explore detailed exhibits on Ethiopia’s diverse cultures, traditional houses and historical artifacts. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 35 min)
• Mount Entoto Viewpoint Enjoy panoramic views over Addis Ababa from the Entoto hilltop, visit historic churches and eucalyptus-lined trails just outside the city. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 45 min)
• Mercato Market Wander through Africa’s largest open-air market, haggle for spices, textiles and traditional crafts in a vibrant, bustling atmosphere. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 30 min)
• Red Terror Martyrs’ Memorial Museum Learn about Ethiopia’s recent history through moving exhibits, photographs and personal testimonies honoring victims of the Derg regime. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 30 min)
• Tomoca Coffee House Experience an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony in one of the city’s most iconic cafés, sampling freshly roasted beans. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 25 min)
• Entoto Maryam Church Visit the historic 19th-century church on Mount Entoto, renowned for its traditional architecture and panoramic city views. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 45 min)

Things to Do in Addis Ababa Airport (ADD)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Addis Ababa Bole International hosts multiple lounges – Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine (Terminal 1, 05:00–00:00) for business/ShebaMiles Platinum/Star Alliance Gold, and the ShebaMiles Silver Lounge (Terminal 2, 05:00–00:00). Plaza Premium and Airssist executive lounges offer quiet seating, refreshments, shower facilities, and Wi-Fi for pre-flight relaxation. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Skylight In-Terminal Hotel offers 97 rooms across five categories, steps from gates. Each features modern essentials—flat-screen TV, minibar, in-room safe, complimentary Wi-Fi, and bottled water. On-site spa, fitness center, restaurant, and 24-hour reception cater to transit layovers without leaving the terminal. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Bole lacks dedicated sleep pods but features a rest zone in the ShebaMiles Silver Lounge. Passenger seating areas and terminal benches near gates serve as makeshift beds. For true privacy, the Skylight In-Terminal Hotel is the only option. Amenities beyond seating are minimal, so plan accordingly.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Addis Ababa Bole offers free Wi-Fi courtesy of Ethiopian Airlines and Airports Services since October 2017. Access requires SMS or mobile-number verification. Speeds suffice for browsing and email, though performance may dip during peak periods. Premium lounges and hotels provide faster or unsecured connections for a fee.

SIM/eSIM Card: A 24-hour Ethiotelecom kiosk near arrivals sells prepaid SIMs with data and voice plans; ID required. Alternatively, eSIM activation via Ethiopian Airlines’ add-on service or third-party providers uses QR codes for instant digital installation. Coverage spans all of Ethiopia; activation takes minutes with competitive rates. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Addis Ababa Airport (ADD) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Airport taxis to central Addis Ababa cost about ETB 300 (€5) for a 20–30 minute ride. Authorized blue-white private cabs and cream-yellow government taxis operate from the arrivals curb. Prepaid booths sell flat-fare tickets; metered taxis are available. Cash payment only, as card acceptance is rare.

Train: The Addis Ababa Light Rail’s Blue Line links Bole Airport Terminal 2 with Meskel Square and other stops. Operating daily from 05:00–22:00, trains run every 10–15 minutes. Single tickets cost ETB 5; fare cards are reloadable at station vending machines. (more info)

Bus: In front of Terminal 2, blue-and-white minibuses depart for the city center and suburbs. Fares are ETB 5 per trip; luggage space is minimal. Tickets are purchased on board or at the airport info desk. Service operates daily from early morning until evening. (more info)

Shuttle: Several major hotels like Radisson Blu offer 24-hour shuttle services between the airport and Kazanchis Business District. Fees average USD 7 per person each way. Schedule on request with hotel concierge; pickups at the terminal curbside. Advance booking recommended; payment by cash or room charge.

Car rentals: Car rental desks in the arrivals hall include Avis, Budget, Dollar, Economy Rent a Car, Enterprise, Europcar, Fox, Hertz, National, Sixt, and Thrifty. Options range from economy to luxury SUVs, with self-drive and chauffeur services. Rates vary by duration; advance online booking is advised. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Bole Airport offers on-site short- and long-term parking outside terminals. Short-term is closest to arrivals, suited for pickups/drops; long-term is further, with shuttle transfers. Off-site private lots provide cheaper, secured options with 24/7 surveillance, car wash, and shuttle. Accessible parking and security patrols ensure vehicle safety.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Terminal 2 landside Level 1 near arrivals offers 24/7 luggage storage at ETB 50–100 (USD 1–2) per item per day. Terminal 1 provides limited storage near check-in for ETB 50/day. Staff manage bags in secured lockers; receipts are issued. Payment by cash only; no size restrictions. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Addis Ababa Airport (ADD) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks