Getting to Accra and Around by Airport Shuttle, Ride App and Trotro

One of Accra's biggest practical advantages is the location of Kotoka International Airport (ACC). Instead of sitting an hour outside the metropolis, the runway and modern Terminal 3 sit right inside the northern neighbourhoods of the capital, less than ten kilometres from the coast.

From Kotoka International Airport (ACC) to your hotel

Once you clear the yellow fever health check, immigration and customs at Terminal 3 (for international flights) or Terminal 2 (for domestic flights to Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi), you have three simple ways to reach your accommodation:

• Hotel courtesy shuttles: almost every major hotel in Airport Residential, Cantonments, Osu and Labadi operates a complimentary or pre-booked pick-up van waiting outside the arrivals ramp.
• Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt and Yango): connect to the terminal Wi-Fi or pick up a local SIM card in the arrivals hall and request a car to the designated multi-storey car park pick-up zone. Outside peak weekday rush hour, the drive takes 10 minutes to Airport Residential and Cantonments, 20 minutes to Osu, Labone and Labadi Beach, and 30 minutes to High Street and Jamestown.
• Licensed airport taxis: stationed right outside the terminal kerb; confirm the fixed zone fare with the dispatcher before loading your bags.

Getting around Accra: ride apps, dropping taxis and trotros

Because Accra has no metro or urban rail network and midday humidity is high, most travellers combine short neighbourhood walks with Uber, Bolt or Yango. Note that drivers frequently call or message to confirm your exact landmark and whether you are paying by cash or card; having cash in small notes prevents delays when a driver is low on fuel or change. Street taxis come in two forms: a "dropping" (a private charter negotiated point-to-point for you alone) and shared taxis running along a set corridor. For an authentic slice of Accra life, hop aboard a trotro (decoratively painted shared minibuses where a conductor, or mate, leans out calling the destination and tapping the metal side panel to signal stops).