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Air Travel

Air Travel

Cote Divoire

Airport and Airlines

Abidjan's Main Airport

Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ), also known as Port Bouët Airport, is the country's main international airport, south of the city center.

Airlines Serving ABJ

  • African Carriers: Air Côte d'Ivoire, the national carrier, has an extensive regional network. Other African airlines include Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Tunisair, EgyptAir, and ASKY Airlines.
  • European Carriers: Major European airlines offer direct flights from European hubs. Air France from Paris (CDG). Brussels Airlines from Brussels (BRU). Turkish Airlines from Istanbul (IST).
  • Middle Eastern Carriers: Emirates flights, sometimes via Accra. Qatar Airways from Doha (DOH).

Airport Facilities and Services

ABJ has one main terminal that handles both international and domestic flights. The airport offers ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, and dining. Car rental desks are present. VIP lounges are here. Wi-Fi can be inconsistent. Shopping options after security are limited, mainly duty-free.

Transfer Options from ABJ

  • Taxis: Readily available outside the terminal. Negotiate fare before starting. Expect 5,000-10,000 XOF to central Abidjan.
  • Ride-Sharing Apps (Yango): Order Yango via the app upon arrival. Often fixed prices, transparent and convenient. Local SIM or international roaming needed.
  • Hotel Shuttles: Many upscale hotels in Abidjan offer pre-arranged airport transfers. Inquire when booking.

Direct Flights to Europe

Direct flights are from Paris (CDG) with Air France, Brussels (BRU) with Brussels Airlines, and Istanbul (IST) with Turkish Airlines.

North American Access

No direct flights connect Abidjan to North America. Travelers from the United States or Canada typically connect through European hubs or major African hubs.

Middle East Access

Direct flights are from Dubai (DXB) with Emirates (some flights may have a stop) and Doha (DOH) with Qatar Airways.

Seasonal Flight Availability

Flight Price Fluctuations

  • Flight prices generally increase during the dry season (November to February), aligning with peak tourist season and holidays.
  • Lower prices might be found during the long rainy season (May to July), when tourist numbers are lower.
  • Booking several months in advance is advisable, especially for high season, to secure better rates and routes.
  • Check flight deals with Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Public Bus Transfer

  • Public Buses (SOTRA): While public buses operate from the airport, their routes are limited, and they are generally less convenient for travelers with luggage.
  • Not a recommended option for first-time visitors.

Departure Information

Exit Fees or Taxes

Departure taxes for international flights from Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) are typically included in the price of your airline ticket. Confirm this with your airline when booking or checking in.

Departure Procedures and Timing

Arrive at ABJ at least 2-3 hours before your international flight's scheduled departure time. This allows sufficient time for check-in, baggage drop, security checks, and immigration. During peak travel periods or holidays, consider arriving even earlier.

Airport Facilities

The departure area at ABJ provides check-in counters, security screening, and immigration processing. After security, you find limited dining options and duty-free shops, for last-minute souvenir purchases. VIP lounges are here for eligible passengers.

Land Transportation

Border Crossing Information

While some routes are common, others need careful security assessments.

Neighboring Borders

  • Ghana: The main crossing points are at Noé on the coastal road and Elubo on the main highway. You will need a visa for Ghana in advance. Border procedures can be slow.
  • Burkina Faso/Mali: Crossings exist to the north, but these routes are less common for tourists due to ongoing security concerns in the northern regions of Côte d'Ivoire and its neighbors. Always check current travel advisories.
  • Guinea/Liberia: These borders are less frequented by tourists. General: Land borders call for patience and thorough documentation. Make certain your passport, visa (for the next country), and Yellow Fever certificate are in perfect order. Expect various checkpoints.

Train and Bus Travel

Train services can be irregular, slow, and sometimes unreliable. It is advisable to check current status and schedules locally. This is generally not a recommended mode for tourists.

Long-Distance Options

  • RAN (Régie Abidjan-Niger): This railway line operates passenger services from Abidjan north towards Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
  • Intercity Buses: Numerous private bus companies operate from Abidjan to major Ivorian cities, including Yamoussoukro, Bouaké, and San Pédro. You can also find bus services connecting to neighboring countries.
  • Main Bus Stations: Adjamé serves as a major hub for buses heading north. Treichville is a departure point for western and central routes. Companies: Popular companies include UTB for domestic routes and STC for routes to Ghana. Buses range from comfortable VIP services to more basic options. For safety and comfort, opt for reputable companies and book tickets at official stations.

Self-Driving Considerations

Rental cars are relatively expensive in Côte d'Ivoire. Expect daily rates between 35,000-75,000 XOF.

Requirements and Costs

  • Requirements: You need a valid national driver's license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Car rental agencies usually require drivers to be between 21 and 25 years of age.
  • Rental: Car rental agencies, including international chains like Hertz and Avis, have offices at the airport and in Abidjan. Local rental companies also exist. DiscoverCars.com for bookings.
  • Cost: Expect daily rates between 35,000-75,000 XOF, depending on the vehicle type and rental duration.

Road Conditions and Safety Concerns

Road conditions vary. Paved main roads are decent, but secondary roads can be challenging. Traffic congestion in Abidjan is significant, especially during peak hours. Driving habits can be aggressive. Remain cautious and aware.

Driving Safety

  • Road Conditions: Major roads connecting cities are generally paved and in reasonable condition. However, secondary roads can be poor, often unpaved and full of potholes. Urban roads in Abidjan suffer from severe traffic congestion.
  • Safety Concerns: Night driving is Not recommended due to poor lighting, unmarked obstacles (like broken-down vehicles), and potential security risks. Traffic rules are often loosely followed. Be prepared for frequent police checkpoints, where you may be asked for your documents.
  • Traffic: Driving habits can be aggressive. Remain cautious and aware. Security at roadblocks, while generally routine, calls for calm document presentation and avoiding confrontation.

Sea/River Arrivals

  • Abidjan is a major port, but sea and river arrivals for tourism are less common than air or land travel.
  • Cruise Ships: Occasionally, expedition or smaller cruise lines include Abidjan as a port of call. It is not a regular cruise destination for large liners. Passengers disembark at the commercial port for immigration procedures. No regular ferry services connect Abidjan to other countries.
  • River Transportation Options: Lagoon Boats (Bateaux-Bus) operate regularly on the Ebrié Lagoon. These connect different parts of Abidjan, like Plateau, Treichville, and Marcory. They serve mainly as local commuter transport but offer a scenic and faster way to travel. Pirogues: Traditional canoes are used for local fishing and short crossings in specific lagoon areas. Less common for general tourist transportation.
  • Immigration Procedures at Seaports: If you arrive by cruise ship, standard passport and visa procedures apply. These are usually managed either onboard the ship or at a dedicated terminal within the port. Follow instructions from cruise staff and local authorities.
  • Connections to Land Transportation: Taxis are readily available at the commercial port areas for onward travel to your accommodation. For public transport, you might need to walk a short distance to a main road or bus stop.
  • Ensure all your luggage adheres to your airline's weight and size restrictions to avoid unexpected fees.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures and Timing

Arrive at ABJ at least 2-3 hours before your international flight's scheduled departure time. This allows sufficient time for check-in, baggage drop, security checks, and immigration. During peak travel periods or holidays, consider arriving even earlier.

Checklist for Departure

  • Timing: Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights. Earlier during peak times.
  • Security: Checks can be thorough. Prepare to remove electronics and liquids from carry-on.
  • Luggage: Make certain all luggage adheres to airline's weight and size restrictions to avoid unexpected fees.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

The departure area at ABJ delivers check-in counters, security screening, and immigration processing.

Post-Security Amenities

  • Dining: Limited dining options after security.
  • Shopping: Duty-free shops are for last-minute souvenir purchases.
  • Lounges: VIP lounges are here for eligible passengers, delivering more comfortable waiting areas and services.

Travel Time

Traffic in Abidjan can be unpredictable, so allow extra travel time to the airport.

Flight Status

Double-check your flight status before heading to the airport.

Airport Arrival

Arrive at ABJ at least 2-3 hours before your international flight's scheduled departure time.

Sea/River Arrivals

Port and Water Transport

Abidjan is a major port, but sea and river arrivals for tourism are less common than air or land travel.

Sea/River Arrival Options

  • Cruise Ships: Occasionally, expedition or smaller cruise lines include Abidjan as a port of call. It is not a regular cruise destination for large liners. Passengers disembark at the commercial port for immigration procedures. No regular ferry services connect Abidjan to other countries.
  • River Transportation Options: Lagoon Boats (Bateaux-Bus) operate regularly on the Ebrié Lagoon. These connect different parts of Abidjan, like Plateau, Treichville, and Marcory. They serve mainly as local commuter transport but offer a scenic and faster way to travel.
  • Pirogues: Traditional canoes are used for local fishing and short crossings in specific lagoon areas. Less common for general tourist transportation.

Seaport Procedures and Connections

If you arrive by cruise ship, standard passport and visa procedures apply. These are usually managed either onboard the ship or at a dedicated terminal within the port.

Arrival Logistics

  • Immigration Procedures: Follow instructions from cruise staff and local authorities.
  • Connections to Land Transportation: Taxis are readily available at the commercial port areas for onward travel to your accommodation. For public transport, you might need to walk a short distance to a main road or bus stop.
  • Ensure all your luggage adheres to your airline's weight and size restrictions to avoid unexpected fees.

Airport/Station Taxi Arrangements

ABJ Taxis

Taxis are readily available at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ).

Bus Station Taxis

At bus stations, negotiate fares carefully as drivers may quote inflated prices, especially to foreigners.

Ride-Sharing

Yango is often a good option for airport/station transfers.

Departure Day Planning

Double-check your flight status before heading to the airport. Traffic in Abidjan can be unpredictable, so allow extra travel time to the airport. Arrive at ABJ at least 2-3 hours before your international flight's scheduled departure time.