Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) Information

(Ethiopia, ET, East Africa)

Set in the Bole neighbourhood of Addis Ababa and formerly named the Haile Selassie I International Airport, the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is the Ethiopian hub for national carrier Ethiopian Airlines. Bole International Airport is one of the busiest air hubs on the African continent and is increasingly regarded as the gateway to Africa, serving around four million passengers annually. This hub also hosts a high number of domestic and regional charters linking other African countries, and is a major maintenance and pilot training centre.

Although Ethiopian Airlines is by far the most comprehensive carrier based here as regards routes, KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa and most of the major North African national carriers operate flights to international destinations such as London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and a number of important Arab cities. International flights served by Ethiopian Airlines literally span the world, from Beijing, Hong Kong and many other Chinese cities, to Delhi, Brussels, Paris, Rome, Stockholm, Toronto and Washington DC.

Based on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, the complex has two terminals which serve domestic and international travel respectively, with the modern International Terminal (Terminal 2) pressed into service in 2003, giving comfortable and well-thought out facilities for long-haul travellers. State-owned Chinese construction companies have recently built onsite hotels, cargo facilities and new hangars, and the Domestic Terminal (Terminal 1) has enjoyed much modernisation. Bole International Airport is expected to continue its expansion and will overtake Africa's other leading air hubs in the near future.

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)

Address: Bole Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ET, Africa
Tel: +251 011 618 0454
The Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is located just 8 km / 5 miles to the south-east of the Central Business District of Addis Ababa, being found just off the ring road surrounding the city and close to the suburb of Bole Bulbula. It is approximately 50 km / 31 miles to the north-west of Debre Zeyit. When arriving at the terminal for your return flight, remember to allow plenty of time for the ultra-strict security checks upon entry.

Facilities:

• Customer service desks are located in the Departures area of Terminal 2 and at Check-in
• ATMs, a bureau de change and a bank are located in the International Terminal
• Ethiopian Airlines and Cloud Nine business lounges are found in the International Terminal, although there are no paid lounges or business centres
• Duty free outlets are located in the Departures area, offering the usual items and a selection of souvenirs and crafts
• An Internet café is found in the Departures area of Terminal 2 and Wi-Fi is available in the terminal
• The elderly, the disabled, parents with babies and pregnant women can request assistance
• Car rental is available through the airport's travel agency or tour operators
• Book your Addis Ababa Car Hire here
• A travel agent and post office are found in the main hall
• Cafés and eateries, including Obelisk and Laparizian, are found mainly in the Departures area
• Most souvenir shops are located before security
• A long-stay and short-stay parking lot is found outside the terminal

Cars

From the airport, driving into the city is extremely straightforward via Bole Road / Africa Avenue. This well-signed route leads straight to the heart of the city. However, even experienced drivers should be careful when driving around the city, since locals are known for their rather relaxed and somewhat haphazard approach to driving. Of note, the drive into the city from the facility takes around 15 minutes.

Book your Ethiopia Car Rental here.

Buses

There are no municipal bus services linking Addis Ababa with its airport, although a few upscale hotels do provide shuttle services on request. Ethiopian Airlines' passengers can use the airline's regular coach service to reach Addis Ababa city centre.

Taxis

The cream-coloured National Tour Operator taxis are a safe option. These cabs park outside of the Arrivals exit of Terminal 2. Charges should be agreed with the driver before departure, to clarify how much the journey will cost.