Port Bouet Layover Guide (ABJ)

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

Port Bouet Airport (ABJ) is an international airport located in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. It’s situated about 16 km (10 miles) from downtown Abidjan. The airport officially opened in 1934. Abidjan is the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire and one of the most vibrant cities in West Africa. It’s known for its bustling nightlife, rich cultural heritage, and scenic lagoon views, offering visitors a dynamic mix of urban life and natural beauty.

Can you leave Port Bouet Airport (ABJ) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
To leave Port Bouet Airport (ABJ) during a layover and enter Côte d’Ivoire, you need a visa unless you are from a visa-exempt country. Côte d’Ivoire offers a 90-day e-Visa, applied online and picked up at the airport’s e-Visa counter; it is issued within 48 hours, automatically collected on arrival. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Banco National Park Immerse yourself in a lush tropical rainforest reserve teeming with wildlife and indigenous flora. Hike marked trails, picnic by streams and experience Côte d’Ivoire’s natural beauty just outside Abidjan. (Time required: 2–3 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 minutes)
• Vridi Beach Relax on golden sands under swaying palms at Vridi Beach, mingle with locals and vendors, splash in gentle Atlantic waves and savor fresh coconut water amid a laid-back seaside atmosphere. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 minutes or local bus)
• Ivoire Golf Club Tee off on a pristine 27-hole championship course surrounded by verdant fairways and tropical landscapes, complete with putting greens, clubhouse amenities and professional coaching for enthusiasts of all levels. (Time required: 2–4 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 minutes)
• Village Artisanal du 43^ème Bima Browse stalls overflowing with handcrafted masks, fabrics, jewelry and carvings at this bustling artisans’ village, supporting local craftsmen and offering authentic Ivorian souvenirs. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~10 minutes)
• Port Bouët Fishing Port Watch fishermen haul in vibrant catches at the busy Port Bouët docks, admire traditional pirogues and sample succulent grilled fish straight from the boats in an authentic maritime setting. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~10 minutes)
• Vridi Canal Boat Tour Cruise the historic Vridi Canal aboard a local boat, glide past mangroves and shipping lanes while learning about the waterway’s role connecting the port to the Ébrié Lagoon. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 minutes)
• Street Food Tasting Embark on a culinary adventure sampling street-side delights like alloco plantains, spicy kebabs and creamy zoom koom millet drink at bustling food stalls near the airport perimeter. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Walk or taxi ~5 minutes)
• Lagoonfront Walk Stroll along the serene Port Bouët lagoonfront promenade at sunset, admire shimmering waters, watch fishing boats drift by and enjoy the tranquil urban waterfront ambiance. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 minutes)

Things to Do in Port Bouet Airport (ABJ)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Port Bouet Airport features a VIP/business lounge offering comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, newspapers and magazines, free unlimited Wi-Fi, and tranquil workspaces. Access is available via membership programs or pay-per-use. The lounge provides a calm retreat from the terminal hustle, ideal for relaxation or catching up on work before departure travelers. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels are located within a short walk or shuttle ride from Port Bouet Airport, including the Radisson Blu Abidjan Airport just 500 metres away. These properties offer soundproof rooms, airport shuttle service, on-site restaurants, fitness facilities, and 24-hour reception—ideal for overnight stays or layovers at competitive nightly rates, comfortably. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
While the airport lacks dedicated sleeping pods or rest zones, travellers can find benches and seating in the departure lounge. Quiet corners near gate areas offer makeshift rest spots. Carry a travel pillow and blanket; security sweeps occur early morning. Facilities are limited, so plan hotel bookings accordingly for comfort.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Abidjan Airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi for 30 minutes in public departure and arrival areas. Afterward, paid packages extend connection time. Passengers with lounge access enjoy free unlimited Wi-Fi. To connect, select the “AbidjanAirport” network, register with your email or phone number, and follow on-screen prompts. Worldwide access is seamless always.

SIM/eSIM Card: Local SIM cards from Orange, MTN, and Moov are available at kiosks in arrivals and departures. Valid ID is required; a 2,000 FCFA starter pack includes data and call credit. For eSIMs, purchase online via Orange or Vodafone Travel apps before arrival to get instant digital activation without changing physical SIMs. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis operate 24/7 outside the arrivals terminal at Port Bouet Airport. Standard metered rates start around 5,000 FCFA, though fares may be negotiated in advance. Drivers accept cash only. The journey to central Abidjan takes approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Ensure to agree on the fare before departure safely comfortably.

Train: There is currently no direct train service connecting Port Bouet Airport to Abidjan’s rail network. The planned Abidjan metro, under construction and due in 2027, will link the airport with downtown. Until its launch, travellers must rely on buses, taxis, and shuttles for onward journeys, as rail connections remain unavailable. (more info)

Bus: Line 6 of SOTRA runs between Port Bouet Airport and Gare Sud bus station in Plateau from 05:30 to 21:30 daily. Tickets cost 200 FCFA and are purchased onboard. The route provides an affordable connection to central Abidjan, making it a budget-friendly alternative to taxis offering reliable service throughout peak hours. (more info)

Shuttle: Several hotels and private companies offer shuttle services between the airport and various Abidjan districts. Shuttles must be booked in advance and operate to major hotels and downtown. Fares vary by provider and group size. Most services run on-demand 24/7, offering luggage assistance and shared or private transfers promptly available.

Car rentals: Major car rental firms including Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt operate desks in the arrivals hall of Port Bouet Airport. Vehicles range from economy to SUVs. Drivers must be at least 21 with a valid license and credit card deposit. Book online for best rates; 24-hour pick-up and drop-off available. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Port Bouet Airport offers short-term and long-term parking options near terminal entrances. Rates start at 500 FCFA per hour. Monthly subscriptions are available. Payment is by cash or credit card at automated machines. Security patrols run regularly. Overflow parking is free but farther from the terminal, ensuring vehicle safety, with CCTV.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage and lockers are not available within Port Bouet Airport terminals. Travellers wishing to store baggage should use city-based services at Gare Sud or central Abidjan, where hourly and daily options are offered. Consider booking in advance to secure space, as on-site airport facilities are lacking, conveniently located nearby. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Port Bouet Airport (ABJ) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks