Getting Around Addis Ababa

General Overview

Getting around Addis Ababa can be interesting, especially if you're not used to the local vibe. One thing that surprised me is how varied the transport choices are—there's something for everyone. The main options include the light rail (which is a decent way to see parts of the city), minibus taxis (commonly called ‘bajaaj’), and regular taxis. The light rail runs from around 6 AM until about 10 PM, while the minibuses tend to operate a bit longer, especially at night.

You'll likely find that the transportation costs are pretty reasonable—seasonal differences come into play too. A standard light rail ticket costs around 5-6 Birr, while a minibus fare usually hovers around 10-20 Birr depending on your destination. In comparison, a taxi ride can start from 50 Birr and go up significantly, especially during rush hour when everyone seems to be escaping the office! Oh, before I forget, there's a major mistake many visitors make: underestimating how long it takes to get around during peak times. Traffic can be a nightmare, and what seems like a short distance can take much longer.

One local hack to keep in mind is that minibuses never follow a strict “line” system like you might expect elsewhere. Instead, they wait until they’re full before heading out—this includes a wait that can approach a few minutes, maybe even longer if you’re unlucky. I once waited 15 minutes just to get on a bus from Meskel Square to Bole. The frustrating part? Watching a half-empty one drive right past me!

On a brighter note, I remember the first time I used the light rail—it was such a pleasant surprise to see how clean and efficient it was, at least compared to the chaos of the roads. If you’re in the Bole area, you’ll want to hop on line 1 to go towards Merkantil or to get a glimpse of the sprawling city.

To wrap it up, if you catch a minibus to and from the airport, be prepared for prices to shoot up during the busy Christmas season. Also, as extra advice: always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded buses or during rush hour, just to be safe!