Getting There & Away: Lalibela

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Air travel is the most fitting and recommended way to reach Lalibela for international visitors.

Gateways to Lalibela

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD): Main international gateway.
Lalibela Airport (LLI): Domestic airport, around 20 km from town.
Ethiopian Airlines: National carrier for international and domestic flights (ADD to LLI, approx. 1 hour). Use Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for flight finding.

Flight Availability & Transfers

Understand seasonal impacts and getting from the airport to town.

Timing & Logistics

Seasonal Prices: Higher during peak season (Oct-Mar) and major festivals.
Domestic Discount: Ethiopian Airlines often offers a discounted domestic fare if your international flight is also with them.
LLI to Town: Taxis or hotel shuttles available (30-40 min drive on unpaved road). Arrange with your hotel.

ADD Facilities

Modern and expanding, with currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, cafes, and lounges.

LLI Facilities

Small and basic, with check-in counters and a waiting area. No extensive services.

Taxi Negotiation

At LLI, negotiate taxi fare before starting the journey. Agree on a price in Ethiopian Birr.

Land Transportation Generally Not Recommended

Bus Options & Self-Driving

Long-distance buses connect Lalibela with other northern towns.
Bus travel from Addis Ababa to Lalibela is very long (2-3 days) and has challenging road conditions.
Self-driving is not recommended due to poor road conditions, limited signage, and local driving habits. Consider DiscoverCars.com for other destinations.
No train services connect to Lalibela.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads to Lalibela are mostly unpaved, winding, and mountainous.
During heavy rains (Jun-Sep), roads can become very muddy, slippery, or impassable.
Road hazards include vehicle breakdowns and livestock wandering onto roads.
For safety, stick to well-trafficked tourist routes or use domestic flights for inter-city travel.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes for air travel departing Ethiopia for international visitors. Any applicable taxes find inclusion in your airline ticket price.

Departure Timing Domestic

For domestic flights from Lalibela Airport (LLI), arrive at least 1 hour before scheduled flight time.

Departure Timing International

For international flights from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled flight time. Queues can be long.

Airport Facilities

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport ADD

A modern and expanding international airport with various services.

Services at ADD

Currency exchange bureaus and ATMs.
Duty-free shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Lounges are available.

Lalibela Airport LLI

A small domestic airport with very basic facilities.

Services at LLI

Check-in counters.
A small waiting area.
No extensive services like shops or restaurants.

Transfers from LLI

Options for getting from Lalibela Airport to the town.

Getting to Town

Taxis: Shared or private taxis are available outside the terminal.
Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels offer pre-arranged airport transfers. This often is the most fitting and stress-free option.
Negotiate: If taking a taxi, agree on the fare before starting the journey.

Pre-Departure Checks

Final checks before your flight from Lalibela.

Confirm Your Flight

Confirm your domestic flight schedule with Ethiopian Airlines the day before departure, as flight times sometimes change.
Allow enough time for the 30-40 minute drive to LLI, considering road conditions.
Have your ticket and ID ready for check-in.

Land Travel Warnings

Self-driving in Ethiopia is not recommended due to road quality and local driving habits.
Long-distance bus journeys can be uncomfortable and take several days.
Roads outside major cities are often unpaved and challenging.

Rainy season (June-September) can make unpaved roads muddy and difficult.
Livestock frequently wanders onto roads, posing collision risks.
Always check current travel advisories for safety concerns if considering extensive land travel.

Getting Around Lalibela Local

Public Transportation Overview

Lalibela town holds no formal public bus or metro system. You will rely on other modes of transport.

Local Movement

Walking: The best and most common way to navigate Lalibela.
Church Complex: The main attractions are easily accessible on foot from most central hotels.
Engagement: Walking gives a good opportunity to observe local life.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing Bajaj

The main form of local motorized transport in Lalibela is the Bajaj, a three-wheeled auto-rickshaw.

Using Bajaj

Availability: Bajaj are readily available on main roads and outside hotels.
Negotiation: Fares are not metered. Always negotiate and agree on the fare before starting.
No Ride-Sharing Apps: All rides are arranged directly with drivers.

Typical Bajaj Fares

Short rides within town typically cost 50-150 ETB (approx. 1-3 USD).

Payment Method

Payment is always in cash (Ethiopian Birr). Carry small denominations.

Airport Transfers

Bajaj and car taxis are available at the airport. Hotels also offer pre-arranged transfers.

Specialized Transportation & Walking

Specialized Options

Beyond common methods, Lalibela offers unique transport for specific experiences.

Mule Rides

A traditional mode for reaching mountain monasteries like Asheton Mariam.
Mules handle steep, narrow paths where vehicles cannot go.
Hired with a handler through local guides or hotels.

Walking in Lalibela

Walking is the main way to experience Lalibela's unique charm.

Pedestrian Exploration

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas: Lalibela town is very walkable; many areas have footpaths.
Church Complex: Explored mainly on foot, with uphill climbs, uneven pathways, and narrow tunnels.
Guided Tours: Hiring a licensed local guide for the church complex is highly recommended for context and navigation.

Road Conditions & Safety Tips

Local Roads

Roads within Lalibela town are mostly unpaved and hilly. Roads leading out of town are often rough and rocky.

Rainy Season Impact

Roads can become impassable during the rainy season, especially those to Yemrehanna Kristos.

Pedestrian Safety

Avoid unlit, isolated paths after dark. Exercise caution near roads with unpredictable traffic.

Footwear Note

Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear, like good hiking shoes. You will walk a lot on uneven surfaces, and many parts of the church complex call for careful footing.

Getting There & Away