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Getting Around by Air
Ethiopian Airlines (website: www.flyethiopian.com) runs internal flights to over 40 towns, although services may be infrequent. Airports throughout Ethiopia are being upgraded in a step to encourage tourism. Ethiopian Airlines also operates a Historic Route Service for tourists taking in the most famous historic sites.
Getting Around by Rail
The only working line runs between Addis Ababa and Djibouti, via Dire Dawa and Harar. Travellers should be prepared for occasional delays.
Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right. A good network of all-weather roads services most business and tourist centres. Otherwise, 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Frequent fuel shortages can make travel outside Addis Ababa very difficult. Vehicle travel after dark outside the capital is risky.
Bus: Services throughout the country are run by the government as well as private companies. The bus terminus can provide schedules and tickets, although it is unusual for tourists to attempt to use this service. Bus trips can be slow as there is often a lengthy wait to assemble a convoy (necessary in more dangerous areas).
Taxi: Available in Addis Ababa and other major towns. These include blue-and-white minibuses; they sometimes offer service on a shared basis and are inexpensive. Fares are not usually metered and should be negotiated before travelling. Personalised and specific trips should be negotiated with the driver in advance of travel. In Addis Ababa, the National Tour Operation (NTO) operates luxury taxis. They are stationed outside major hotels and at the airport. There are also yellow taxis at the aiport. Neither have meters.
Car hire: This is available from international firms in Addis Ababa. It can also be arranged through the National Tour Operation (NTO) (website: www.nto.com.et).
Regulations: The minimum driving age is 18. The speed limit is 40kph (25mph) within the city limits and 60kph (37mph) outside.
Documentation: Full valid international or Ethiopian licence is required. Licence from country of origin must be endorsed locally.
Bus: Services throughout the country are run by the government as well as private companies. The bus terminus can provide schedules and tickets, although it is unusual for tourists to attempt to use this service. Bus trips can be slow as there is often a lengthy wait to assemble a convoy (necessary in more dangerous areas).
Taxi: Available in Addis Ababa and other major towns. These include blue-and-white minibuses; they sometimes offer service on a shared basis and are inexpensive. Fares are not usually metered and should be negotiated before travelling. Personalised and specific trips should be negotiated with the driver in advance of travel. In Addis Ababa, the National Tour Operation (NTO) operates luxury taxis. They are stationed outside major hotels and at the airport. There are also yellow taxis at the aiport. Neither have meters.
Car hire: This is available from international firms in Addis Ababa. It can also be arranged through the National Tour Operation (NTO) (website: www.nto.com.et).
Regulations: The minimum driving age is 18. The speed limit is 40kph (25mph) within the city limits and 60kph (37mph) outside.
Documentation: Full valid international or Ethiopian licence is required. Licence from country of origin must be endorsed locally.