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How to Get to Jijiga

How to Get to Jijiga

Jijiga Somali, Ethiopia Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

Jijiga Airport (JIJ) serves domestic flights. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) functions as Ethiopia's main international gateway. All international flights arrive at ADD, with connections to Jijiga starting there.

Flight Details

  • Ethiopian Airlines: The national carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, runs domestic flights between Addis Ababa (ADD) and Jijiga (JIJ).
  • No direct international flights to Jijiga (JIJ). All foreign travelers connect via Addis Ababa (ADD).
  • Domestic flights to Jijiga usually fly daily. Schedules may vary; check in advance.

Flight Costs & Airport Services

Domestic flight prices remain relatively stable but may increase during peak travel seasons or major holidays. Booking your domestic flight in advance reserves your preferred dates and potentially better rates.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

  • Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) offers duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, and SIM card vendors.
  • Jijiga Airport (JIJ) offers basic facilities only.
  • ADD transfers: Licensed taxis, ride-sharing apps (Feres or Ride), or pre-arranged hotel shuttles. JIJ transfers: Taxis and Bajajs (tuk-tuks); negotiate fare beforehand.

Domestic Flights

Daily flights from Addis Ababa to Jijiga by Ethiopian Airlines.

Booking Advice

Book domestic flights in advance for best rates and availability.

Airport Facilities

ADD: modern facilities. JIJ: basic services.

Flight Resources

Flight Deals

Airline Compensation

AirHelp

Helps passengers receive compensation for delayed or canceled flights. Visit AirHelp.com

Compensation

Up to €600 for eligible flights.

Terms

15-16.6% commission, 45-day cookie duration.

Land Transportation

Bus Travel

Long-distance buses connect Jijiga to The Capital of ethiopia, Dire Dawa, and other regional towns. The journey from The Capital of ethiopia to Jijiga is long, typically 10-14 hours or more, often involving overnight travel or multiple stops. Various private bus companies serve these routes; ask locally about operators.

Bus Conditions & Safety

  • Buses may be crowded. Road conditions vary, especially outside major highways.
  • Night travel on buses is generally not advised due to road safety and security.
  • Daylight travel is a better option for safety.

Self-Driving & Border Crossings

Self-driving for tourists is generally not recommended in Ethiopia, specifically in remote regions like the Somali Region. This stems from poor road conditions, a lack of clear signage, cultural driving differences, potential security incidents, and a lack of roadside assistance.

Considerations

  • If self-driving, an International Driving Permit (IDP) with your national driver's license is needed.
  • Jijiga is near the border with Somalia. Land border crossings with Somalia are generally not recommended for foreign tourists due to ongoing security concerns.
  • Jijiga has no train services.

Road Conditions and Safety

Some paved roads connect Jijiga to major cities like Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa, having a range of quality. Rural roads are often unpaved, prone to damage, and may become impassable during the rainy season.

Safety Notes

  • Road accidents happen often in Ethiopia.
  • Banditry may occur on less-traveled routes, especially at night. Daylight travel is strongly advised.
  • Always consider current travel alerts for the region.

Car Rental Resources

For those needing vehicle hire, online platforms offer options for hiring a car, usually with a driver.

Rental Platforms

  • DiscoverCars.com for international car rentals.
  • Arranging a car rental with a driver in Addis Ababa for travel within the region is common.
  • This typically involves a full-day or multi-day hire.

Important Travel Notes

  • Ethiopia is a landlocked country; sea or river arrivals are not relevant for Jijiga.
  • No ferry services or cruise ports apply to Jijiga.
  • River transportation options do not apply for Jijiga.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable.
  • Connections to land transportation from non-existent arrivals by boat are not applicable.
  • No specific exit fees or taxes upon departure, these are usually in airfare.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Prepare for your departure efficiently to support a stress-free end to your trip.

Airport Arrival Times

  • Domestic Flights from Jijiga (JIJ): Arrive at Jijiga Airport 1 to 1.5 hours before scheduled departure.
  • International Flights from Addis Ababa (ADD): Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport 2.5 to 3 hours before scheduled international departure.
  • Expect standard airport screening checks and passport control for international departures.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Provisions at Jijiga Airport are minimal. The Capital of ethiopia Bole International Airport offers comprehensive services.

Facility Overview

  • Jijiga Airport (JIJ): Facilities are very limited. Organize in response to food, drinks, or other services.
  • Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD): This airport offers standard international airport facilities, including shops, restaurants, plus lounges.
  • Prepare for comfort during layovers if you have any.

Smooth Departure

Follow recommended arrival times for airports.

No Extra Fees

Exit fees usually included in airfare, so no surprises.

Know Your Airport

Familiarize yourself with services at JIJ and ADD.

Getting Around Jijiga

Public Transportation Overview

Jijiga's public transportation system is informal but efficient for local movement. The city does not feature a metro, tram, or an extensive public bus network like a large metropolitan city.

Main Transport Forms

  • Minibuses: Locally known as "Higer," these vans run on semi-fixed routes, getting the hang of and dropping off passengers.
  • Bajajs: Auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks) offer a popular plus versatile option for short trips. They may be shared or hired privately.
  • Route maps are not formal. Central market areas, the main bus station, and intersections act as informal hubs.

Fares and Accessibility

Public transport operates mainly during daylight hours, from early morning until late evening. Frequency remains high during peak hours, which makes it simple to find transportation.

Payment and Accessibility Notes

  • Cash payment: Pay fares in cash directly to the driver or a conductor.
  • Minibus fares are typically fixed for certain routes. Bajaj fares are usually negotiated beforehand.
  • Public transportation in Jijiga does not include accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges. Vehicles are not adapted, and infrastructure lacks ramps or accessible stops.

Tips for Efficient Navigation

Local Advice

Ask locals or hotel staff for common routes and typical fares to avoid overpaying.

Cash Ready

Carry small denominations of Ethiopian Birr (ETB) for payments.

Crowd Awareness

Be ready for crowded conditions on minibuses, especially during busy times.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and Bajajs offer flexible transportation, with some safety considerations. Ride-sharing apps like Feres or Ride, common in Addis Ababa, are generally not available in Jijiga.

Taxi Identification & Fares

  • Taxis are available, often at hotels or designated stands. They are typically unmarked private vehicles or older model cars.
  • You can hail them on the street or arrange them through your hotel.
  • Fares are negotiated before the journey. Agree on a price beforehand.
  • Fares for taxis vary; Bajajs are more affordable for shorter distances. Both accept cash only.

Safety Considerations

  • Ensure the vehicle appears roadworthy before getting in.
  • Avoid getting into unlit taxis at night if you are traveling alone.
  • For longer journeys or night travel, arranging transport through a reputable hotel is safer.
  • Taxis and Bajajs are readily available at Jijiga Airport (JIJ) and the main bus station.

Car Rental Information

  • Self-drive hiring a car is not recommended or commonly available for tourists in Jijiga.
  • You can arrange car rental with a driver in Addis Ababa for travel to the region.
  • Motorcycle and scooter rentals are not usually available for tourists.
  • Jijiga has no bicycle sharing programs or formal rental services for tourists.

Driving & Parking Information

Driving Laws

Ethiopian traffic laws apply, but adherence may vary.

Road Conditions

These vary widely from paved main roads to unpaved, rough tracks.

Parking

Informal street parking is common throughout the city.

Walking & Cycling

Cycling can be hazardous. Jijiga is not notably designed for pedestrian tourism.

Pedestrian Areas

  • Central marketplace and main streets: Wander through these areas, but be aware of traffic, bumpy pavements, and dust.
  • Self-guided walks are possible in the main city area to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
  • Sidewalks are often narrow or absent.

Cycling & Restricted Zones

  • No dedicated bicycle infrastructure. Cycling on busy roads may be hazardous. Not recommended for tourists.
  • Avoid hiking in unlit or isolated areas, after sunset in particular.
  • Exercise caution in crowded areas due to potential petty crime.

Specialized Transportation

Tour & Shuttle Services

No tour buses or hop-on-hop-off services exist in Jijiga.

Water & Rail Transport

Not applicable, as Jijiga is inland and has no rail.

Accessibility Services

Accessibility services are extremely limited or non-existent. Travelers with mobility needs will encounter significant challenges.

Local Transport Snapshot

Bajajs Tuk-tuks
  • The main specialty vehicle.
  • Widely used for getting around locally.
  • Offer a flexible way to move around the city.
Minibuses "Higer"
  • Operate on semi-fixed routes.
  • Cost-effective for multiple passengers.
  • Central market areas serve as main hubs.

Safety Advisory for Transportation

  • Avoid walking alone at night.
  • Be mindful of petty crime in crowded areas.
  • Always agree on taxi/Bajaj fares before travel.
  • Inform your hotel about travel plans outside the city.
  • Road conditions outside main routes may be poor.
  • Travel to border areas is not recommended.
  • Maintain comprehensive travel insurance for emergencies.

Final Travel Tip

Embrace the local pace and be open to cultural experiences. Jijiga presents a true glimpse into the Somali Region of Ethiopia.

Patience and flexibility are valuable traits for travel in this metropolis.

How to Get to Jijiga. Flights, Transportation, Airlines