Getting Around Kumasi. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Overview of Public Transit

Tro-tros, shared minibuses, form the backbone of Kumasi's public transport. They follow fixed routes but stop anywhere on demand. They are the most common and cheapest form of public transportation. They can be crowded but offer a genuine local experience.

Shared Taxis are standard taxis operating on fixed routes, similar to tro-tros, picking up multiple passengers. They are slightly more comfortable and quicker but also more expensive. Local Buses are larger and operate on specific routes, though less common for intra-city travel.

Transit Essentials

Tro-tros: Shared minibuses, fixed routes, cheapest option.
Shared Taxis: Standard taxis, fixed routes, quicker than tro-tros.
Route Maps: Not readily available; ask locals for directions.
Important Hubs: Kejetia Market/Terminal (major), Asafo Terminal (long-distance).

Ticketing & Fares

Fares are paid directly to the "mate" (conductor) or driver. Cash is essential; carry small denominations. No pre-paid card systems for these options.

Hours & Frequency

Services operate from early morning (5:00 AM) until late evening (9:00 PM-10:00 PM). They are frequent on popular routes, departing when full.

Accessibility

Public transport options are generally not accessible for travelers with mobility challenges due to steps, crowded conditions, and uneven terrain.

Tips for Navigating Public Transit

Local Interaction

Ask Locals: The most reliable way to find the correct tro-tro or shared taxi route is to ask locals. State your destination clearly.
Learn Destinations: Familiarize yourself with major landmarks or neighborhoods serving as reference points for routes.
Small Bills: Always carry small denominations of Ghanaian Cedis for fares.

Travel Mindset

Be Patient: Journeys can be slow due to traffic, frequent stops, and the time vehicles take to fill up. Embrace it as part of the local experience.
Watch Your Belongings: Maintain awareness of your bags and valuables, especially in crowded tro-tros and terminals.
Overwhelming Hub: Kejetia is extremely busy and can be overwhelming due to the volume of people and vehicles.

Public Transportation Statistics

Operation Start

Around 5:00 AM

Operation End

About 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Main Payment Method

Cash

System Accessibility

Not accessible for mobility challenges

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing apps offer more straightforward and convenient transportation options, notably for tourists seeking comfort and speed.

Licensed Taxis

Identification: Typically yellow and ebony, or display "Taxi" signs on roofs.
Hailing: You can hail taxis on the street; they are plentiful in urban areas.
Negotiation: Fares are almost always negotiated before the journey begins, as meters are not often used.
Payment: Cash is the main method. A short ride in central Kumasi might cost GH₵ 20-50.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Bolt: Very popular and widely used in Kumasi.
Uber: Also available in Kumasi however usually less prevalent than Bolt.
Benefits: Offers upfront pricing, GPS tracking, and payment without cash (cash to driver also common).
Safety: Verify driver's photo, name, and license plate. Share trip details with a trusted contact.

Safety Considerations

Hailing Taxis: Ensure the taxi appears legitimate. Note car registration number.
Avoid sharing taxis with unknown individuals late at night if you are the sole tourist passenger.
Be firm but polite during price negotiation.

Ride-sharing Apps: Always verify driver details against the app before entering.
Share your trip details with a trusted contact for added safety. Use the in-app tracking.
For late-night travel, taxis or ride-sharing apps are safer options than public transport.

Typical Ride-Sharing Fares Short Distance

Minimum Fare

GH₵ 15

Average Ride

GH₵ 20-40

Peak Hours

Fares may surge

Rental Options

Rental services in Kumasi mainly focus on car rentals, often with a driver, due to local driving conditions.

Car Rental

Procedures: Contact reputable car hire companies in Kumasi or Accra. Pre-booking is advisable, especially for a driver.
Requirements: Valid International Driving Permit (IDP) with home country driver's license for self-driving. Passport for identification.
Companies: Local agencies operate. Many offer car rental with a driver, which comes highly suggested for tourists.
Recommendation: Renting a car with a local driver is highly recommended.

Other Rentals & Driving Laws

Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals: Less common for tourists due to safety and road conditions. Not generally suggested for tourist exploration.
Bicycle Rentals: Kumasi lacks formal city-wide sharing programs. Some guesthouses might offer rentals for local use in quieter areas.
Driving Laws: Drive on the right-hand side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for taxi drivers and front-seat passengers. Speed limits vary.
Parking: Limited formal parking in busy areas. Street parking can be chaotic. Many hotels offer private parking.

Driving Conditions in Kumasi

Road Quality

Road conditions vary greatly. Expect potholes, unpaved sections, and heavy traffic, especially in cities.

Be prepared for diverse surfaces.

Traffic Patterns

Heavy and chaotic traffic flow is common. Reckless driving and sudden stops are frequent occurrences. Patience is helpful.

Expect delays, especially during peak hours.

Night Driving

Strongly discouraged due to poor lighting, unlit vehicles, pedestrians, and animals on the roads. Visibility is significantly reduced.

Avoid driving after dark for safety.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Walking is possible in specific, less chaotic areas.
The grounds of the Kumasi Arts Center are pedestrian-friendly.
Some quieter residential neighborhoods are suitable for walks.

Walking Tour Options

Guided Walking Tours: Often arranged by local tour operators, enhancing understanding.
Self-guided Tours: Possible in less congested areas, though navigation can be challenging without local knowledge.
No-Go Areas: Avoid major busy roads, especially those without sidewalks, and highly congested commercial areas like Kejetia Market.

Cycling Infrastructure and Safety

Infrastructure: Virtually non-existent; no dedicated bicycle lanes.
Safety: Cycling on Kumasi roads can be hazardous as a result of traffic congestion and aggressive road behavior.
Recommendation: Not generally suggested for tourists, especially on main roads.
"Okada" (motorcycle taxis) are common but often considered risky due to safety concerns plus a shortage of helmets.

No formal tour bus or hop-on-hop-off services.
No boat taxis, cable cars, or funiculars available.
Accessibility infrastructure is very limited. Public transport is generally not accessible.
Organizing private transportation with a suitable vehicle and driver is the best option for travelers requiring mobility assistance.

Specialized Transportation

Kumasi does not feature many specialized transportation options common in other tourist destinations, focusing instead on practical local modes.

Tour and Water Transport

Tour Buses: No formal hop-on-hop-off services exist. Private tour operators arrange dedicated buses or vans for groups.
Boat Taxis and Water Transportation: Not applicable for Kumasi as it is a city not on the coast. Traditional dugout canoes on Lake Bosomtwe are for recreation, not transport.
Cable Cars, Funiculars: None of these unique transport systems are available in Kumasi.
Focus is on ground-based travel within the city and surrounding region.

Accessibility Services

Infrastructure: Accessibility infrastructure is very limited in Kumasi.
Public Transport: Generally not accessible for travelers with mobility needs.
Hotels: Some newer, higher-end hotels may have limited accessible rooms or facilities.
Private Transport: Organizing private transportation with a suitable vehicle and driver is the best option for travelers requiring mobility assistance.

No Hop-on-Hop-off

Kumasi does not have formal tour bus services like hop-on-hop-off.

Inland City

No boat taxis or water transportation for tourist arrivals to Kumasi.

Limited Accessibility

Public transport and city infrastructure offer limited accessibility for mobility needs.

Local Transport Strategy

Mix and Match

Shared options for cultural immersion: Tro-tros and shared taxis offer authentic local experiences.
Private taxis or ride-sharing: For practicality and safety, especially at night or for specific destinations.
Planning: Plan your local transport attentively to optimize your travel experience.

Consider Your Needs

Comfort Level: Choose transport modes that match your comfort and budget.
Time Constraints: Private options are faster but are pricier.
Accessibility Needs: Prioritize private transport if mobility assistance is needed.

Final Transport Advice

Kumasi's transport network, while without modern the tube systems, offers a wide array of options. Embrace the local transport for a deep cultural dive, or choose private services for ease and speed.

Your trip through Kumasi's streets reflects its daily life, where movement and interaction are central to the experience.

Where to Stay in Kumasi

Next Up: Where to Stay in Kumasi. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation

Continue to Where to Stay in Kumasi