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How to Get to Kumasi

How to Get to Kumasi

Kumasi Ashanti, Ghana Travel Guide

Airports and Flight Options

Major Airports

Ghana's main international gateway is Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra. All long-haul international flights arrive here. Kumasi Airport (KMS) serves as the local airport, handling domestic flights and limited regional international flights.

Flight Destinations

  • International to Accra (ACC): British Airways, KLM, Delta Air Lines, Emirates.
  • Domestic to Kumasi (KMS): Africa World Airlines (AWA) and PassionAir offer multiple daily flights.
  • Direct international long-haul flights do not arrive at KMS.

Seasonal Availability & Prices

Flights are generally available year-round. Prices tend to be higher during peak holiday seasons. Booking domestic flights in advance is advisable.

Price Fluctuations

  • International flights to Accra have higher prices during peak holiday seasons.
  • Domestic flights between Accra and Kumasi have generally stable prices.

Flight Deals

Explore budget-friendly flight options at Dollar Flight Club.

Compare Flights

Find and compare flight prices across various airlines with Skyscanner.

Airport Transfers

Allow 3-4 hours for transfer between international and domestic flights in Accra.

Airport Facilities and Transfers

Kotoka International Airport ACC, Accra

  • Comprehensive facilities: duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes.
  • Car rental, licensed forex bureaus, ATMs, airline lounges, Wi-Fi.
  • Transfer to Kumasi: Domestic flight (40-50 min) or bus (4-6 hours).
  • Private car/taxi services (4-6 hours drive).

Kumasi Airport KMS

  • Smaller airport with basic facilities: waiting area, kiosks for snacks.
  • Taxis readily available outside. Negotiate fare before travel.
  • Ride-sharing apps (Bolt, Uber) available for airport pickups.
  • Some bigger hotels offer airport pick-up services.

Travel Tips for Air Departures

International Flights ACC

Arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure. Allow time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.

Domestic Flights KMS

Arrive at least 1-1.5 hours before scheduled departure. Procedures are quicker for domestic flights.

Confirm Details

Always confirm departure times and terminal locations in advance. Traffic in Kumasi and Accra can be unpredictable, so allow extra travel time.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Bus Options

Ghana has an extensive and generally reliable network of long-distance buses. This is a popular plus budget-friendly means of getting between major cities.

Major Bus Companies

  • STC (State Transport Corporation): Reliable, comfortable air-conditioned coaches.
  • VIP Jeoun Transport: Popular private company, comfortable coaches, often with onboard entertainment.
  • Intercity STC: Another reputable option with similar services.

Terminals and Travel Time

Long-distance buses depart from various terminals in Accra. In Kumasi, the main coach terminals are Asafo and the redeveloped Kejetia Market area. The journey from Accra to Kumasi typically takes 4-6 hours.

Booking & Journey Details

  • Book bus tickets in advance, especially for popular routes and peak periods.
  • Travel time can vary based on traffic conditions and stops.
  • The bus journey has a good opportunity to see the Ghanaian countryside.

Self-Driving Considerations

An International Driving Permit (IDP) with your home driver's license is needed.

Driving in Ghana

  • Road Conditions: Vary significantly. Main arteries can have potholes. Rural roads are often unpaved.
  • Traffic: Heavy and chaotic traffic is common in urban areas. Driving can be aggressive.
  • Navigation: Road signage can be poor. GPS apps with offline maps are helpful.

Rental Options and Safety

Car rental services are available. Many agencies offer cars with a driver, which comes highly suggested for tourists.

Driver Recommendation & Safety

  • Renting a car with a local driver has a more relaxed and safer option.
  • Local drivers navigate roads and traffic with expertise.
  • Night driving is strongly discouraged due to poor lighting and unlit vehicles.

Road Safety Concerns

  • Reckless Driving: High speeds, sudden maneuvers, disregard for traffic rules are a concern.
  • Overloading: Public transport vehicles often carry too many passengers and goods.
  • Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance: Many vehicles are old and not well-maintained.
  • Lack of Road Lighting: Roads outside city centers often lack adequate lighting, making night driving hazardous.
  • Pedestrians and Creatures: Frequently share roads, needing constant vigilance.
  • Border Crossing: All visa and immigration requirements must be met at official border posts. Train services are limited for regular public travel.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services and Cruise Ports

Kumasi is an inland city, so sea or river arrivals are not directly relevant for reaching this destination. Ghana has two main seaports, Tema and Takoradi, mainly for cargo.

No Direct Sea Access

  • No passenger ferry services or cruise ports directly serve Kumasi.
  • Limited cruise ship calls occur at coastal ports, but they are not direct entry points for Kumasi.
  • No significant river transportation options for tourist getting to Kumasi.

Immigration and Connections

Any immigration procedures at seaports would be for those arriving in coastal cities and then traveling in the interior to Kumasi. Direct connections to land transportation from seaports for Kumasi are not applicable for direct arrival.

Indirect Travel

  • Seaports are mainly for cargo, not typical tourist entry to inland Kumasi.
  • Travelers arriving by sea would transition to land transport from coastal cities.
  • This section generally does not apply to a direct journey to Kumasi.

Inland Location

Kumasi's geographic location inland means direct sea or a way to the river is not possible.

Coastal Ports

Ghana's seaports (Tema, Takoradi) are mainly for cargo, not passenger entry to Kumasi.

River Travel

Rivers in the region are not used for public passenger transport to Kumasi.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures and Timing

Plan your departure well, considering traffic and airport processing times. Timely arrival at your departure point helps with a smooth exit.

Departure Guidelines

  • International Flights (ACC, Accra): Arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Have your passport, boarding pass, and any required documentation for your destination country.
  • Domestic Flights (KMS, Kumasi): Arrive at least 1-1.5 hours before scheduled departure.

Bus Travel Departures

For those departing by long-distance bus, allow time to confirm seating and load luggage. Bus stations are bustling hubs of activity.

Bus Departure Details

  • Bus/Land Travel: Arrive at the bus terminal (e.g., Asafo, Kejetia) at least 30-60 minutes before departure.
  • Allows time to confirm your seating, load luggage, and find your bus.
  • Bus terminals typically have basic waiting areas, food vendors, and restrooms.

Airport/Station Facilities and Fees

Kotoka International Airport ACC

Offers a full range of facilities for departing travelers, including duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, lounges, and currency exchange services.

Kumasi Airport KMS

Provides limited facilities for departing passengers. Anticipate a small waiting area, a few kiosks for snacks, and fundamental restrooms.

Exit Fees or Taxes

Departure taxes for international flights from ACC are typically included in your airfare. No specific exit fees usually occur at land borders for non-ECOWAS citizens.

Departure Wisdom

Traffic in Kumasi and Accra can be unpredictable, so always allow extra travel time to reach your departure point. Confirm all details in advance for a stress-free departure.

How to Get to Kumasi. Flights, Transportation, Airlines