A complete guide to getting from the airport into town, using local minibuses, and traveling between cities — including estimated travel times and costs for common routes.
Arrival and Getting into Town
| Airport | Getting into Town | Time/Price |
|---|
| Kotoka International (ACC) | Taxi / Uber / Bolt | About 20–40 minutes, 50–150 GHS |
| Kumasi (KSI) | Taxi | About 20 minutes, price negotiable |
Local Transport
- Tro-tro: Ghana’s iconic shared minibus. Cheap but crowded, and you’ll need to flag it down.
- Uber / Bolt: Widely available in Accra, with transparent pricing — a good option for travelers.
- Taxis: Most do not use meters. Always agree on the fare before getting in.
- Ride-hailing motorbikes (okada): Fast for short distances, but higher risk. Use with caution.
Between Cities
- Accra – Cape Coast: About 3 hours by private car or bus.
- Accra – Kumasi: About 4–5 hours. VIP buses are more comfortable; domestic flights are also an option.
- Accra – Tamale: Domestic flights available; road travel takes longer.
Tips
- Traffic in Accra is very heavy during rush hours, especially in the morning and evening. Leave early if you’re catching a flight.
- For intercity buses, book your ticket a day in advance if possible. VIP buses offer a more comfortable ride.
- Carry small denominations of Ghanaian cedis in cash, as tro-tros and taxis usually only accept cash.
Costs and Ticketing
- Uber and Bolt have fixed, transparent pricing, so there’s no need to haggle.
- Tro-tro fares are based on the route. Tell the conductor your destination when boarding.
- Intercity buses come in standard and VIP classes. VIP seats are more spacious and tend to be more punctual.
Safety and Timing
Traffic congestion in Accra can be severe, particularly during peak hours. Allow plenty of time if you’re heading to the airport or bus station. Taxis and motorbike taxis can vary in price and safety, so ride-hailing apps are generally a better choice. Overnight buses can save time, but road conditions may be challenging — daytime travel is safer.