Quick answer
Kotoka International Airport (ACC) is located about 10 km north of central Accra. The drive takes 20-60 minutes depending on traffic, which can be severe during rush hours. A standard taxi from the airport to the city center costs roughly GHS 80-150 (around €5-10). Pre-booked transfers run €12-30 for a sedan. The airport completed a major upgrade with Terminal 3 opening in 2018 for all international flights, making arrivals smoother than they used to be.
What actually happens after landing
International flights arrive at Terminal 3, the newer glass-fronted building. After deplaning, you walk through a modern corridor to immigration. Queue times vary widely — anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour depending on how many flights land simultaneously. Have your passport, visa (or visa-on-arrival receipt if applicable), and yellow fever certificate ready. Officers may ask for proof of accommodation.
Baggage claim is one level down. The carousels work, but luggage can take 20-40 minutes to appear. Trolleys are available for free. After collecting your bags, you pass through customs (usually a brief check unless you have unusual amounts of luggage) and exit into the arrivals hall.
The arrivals hall has a forex bureau, a few ATMs (Ecobank, GCB Bank), and mobile phone SIM counters for MTN, Vodafone, and AirtelTigo. The ATMs dispense Ghana cedis and generally work, though having some US dollars or euros as backup is sensible. Free airport WiFi is available but unreliable.
Transport options explained honestly
Regular taxis: Shared and private taxis wait beyond the airport perimeter. Cheaper but less convenient and harder to find right after landing. Private hire from the road is roughly GHS 50-80 to the city center.
Ride-hailing apps: Uber and Bolt both operate in Accra. A ride from the airport to Osu costs roughly GHS 40-70 (€3-5). The apps work well, but driver availability at the airport fluctuates. Wait times of 5-15 minutes are normal. You need mobile data — buy a local SIM inside the terminal or use airport WiFi to request a ride.
Pre-booked transfer: Sedan €12-25, SUV €20-35. Driver meets you with a name sign inside the arrivals hall. Fixed price agreed in advance, no negotiation, no surge pricing. This is the most stress-free option, especially for first-time visitors or late-night arrivals.
Airport shuttle / hotel pickup: Some hotels in Accra offer complimentary or paid airport pickups. Ask your hotel before arrival. There is no public bus service directly from the airport terminal, though trotros (minibuses) run along the Liberation Road nearby — not practical with luggage.
Realistic pricing expectations
| Destination | Distance | Taxi estimate | Transfer estimate | |---|---|---|---| | Osu / Oxford Street | 8 km | GHS 80-120 (€5-8) | €12-22 | | Accra Central / Makola | 10 km | GHS 80-130 (€5-9) | €12-25 | | East Legon | 6 km | GHS 60-90 (€4-6) | €10-20 | | Cantonments / Labone | 7 km | GHS 70-100 (€5-7) | €12-22 | | Airport Residential | 3 km | GHS 40-60 (€3-4) | €8-15 | | Tema | 25 km | GHS 150-250 (€10-16) | €20-35 | | Kumasi (intercity) | 270 km | Not practical by taxi | €120-180 |
Note: Accra traffic is notoriously unpredictable. A 10 km trip that takes 20 minutes at 6 AM can take over an hour at 5 PM. Prices above are for the distance — if you get stuck in traffic, the meter (on Uber/Bolt) keeps running. Taxi drivers quote flat rates.
Late night arrivals
Many international flights land at Kotoka between 10 PM and 2 AM, including popular routes from London, Amsterdam, Dubai, and Istanbul. Terminal 3 stays open and functioning for these arrivals. The arrivals hall is well-lit and air-conditioned.
Official taxis are available around the clock outside Terminal 3. Expect to pay 10-20% more than daytime rates — drivers know they have leverage at 1 AM. Uber and Bolt have reduced but usable availability after midnight. Surge pricing is common.
The drive into the city is actually faster at night because traffic disappears. The road from the airport along Liberation Road and Independence Avenue is well-lit. Accra is generally safe for night transfers along main routes, but a pre-booked transfer removes all uncertainty.
Families and luggage
Standard airport taxis can fit 3 passengers with luggage. If you are traveling as a family of four or more with suitcases, you will likely need a larger vehicle. Airport taxis do not have child seats — this is not something available in regular Ghanaian taxis.
If you need a child seat, request one when booking a private transfer in advance and confirm it is actually available. Bring your own if this is critical for you.
Porters are available at baggage claim. A tip of GHS 10-20 per bag is expected. Terminal 3 has decent restrooms and a small prayer room. Baby-changing facilities exist but are basic.
For families with strollers, the terminal is step-free from arrivals to the taxi rank. The path is straightforward — you will not need to navigate stairs.
Where you meet the driver
Uber/Bolt: Request your ride while inside the terminal. Walk outside to the pickup zone — drivers typically wait in the short-term car park or along the access road. Follow the app's GPS pin and communicate via call if needed.
Pre-booked transfers: Your driver waits inside the arrivals hall holding a name sign with your name or booking reference. This is the easiest option — no searching, no confusion, no walking around with luggage in the heat.
Decision helper
- Budget traveler: Uber or Bolt (GHS 40-70 to city center)
- First time in Accra: Pre-booked transfer — fixed price, no haggling
- Business traveler: Pre-booked sedan or SUV
- Family with kids: Pre-booked SUV transfer (request child seat)
- Late night arrival: Pre-booked transfer (guaranteed driver waiting)
- Staying near the airport: Airport taxi or Uber (short ride, affordable either way)
- Going to Tema: Pre-booked transfer or Bolt (longer distance, negotiate upfront)
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Accra Airport from the city center?
About 10 km. The drive takes 20-60 minutes depending on traffic. In rush hour (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM), expect the longer end of that range.
Is Uber available at Accra Airport?
Yes. Both Uber and Bolt operate at Kotoka Airport. You need a local SIM or working data to use them. Wait times vary but are usually under 15 minutes.
Can I pay with a credit card for a taxi?
No. Airport taxis are cash only — you need Ghanaian cedis. Uber and Bolt accept card payments through their apps. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Ghana?
Yes. Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travelers. Immigration officers check this before stamping your passport. Without it, you may be vaccinated on the spot or denied entry.
How much should I tip a taxi driver in Accra?
Tipping taxi drivers is not customary in Ghana. However, rounding up by GHS 5-10 is a kind gesture. For porters, GHS 10-20 per bag is standard.
Are there ATMs at Kotoka Airport?
Yes, several ATMs (Ecobank, GCB Bank) are in the Terminal 3 arrivals area. They dispense Ghana cedis. They generally work, but having backup foreign currency is wise.
Can I get a SIM card at the airport?
Yes. MTN, Vodafone, and AirtelTigo have counters in the Terminal 3 arrivals hall. You need your passport for registration. MTN has the best nationwide coverage. The process takes about 10-15 minutes.
What currency do I need in Ghana?
Ghanaian cedi (GHS). You can exchange USD, EUR, or GBP at the forex bureau in the arrivals hall. Rates are acceptable but slightly worse than in the city. Exchange enough for your immediate transport needs.
Is the road from Accra Airport safe?
Yes. The main routes from the airport — Liberation Road and Independence Avenue — are well-maintained and well-lit. Accra is generally safe for travelers along these main corridors, both day and night.
Which terminal do international flights use at Kotoka?
All international flights use Terminal 3, the newest building at Kotoka Airport. Domestic flights use Terminals 1 and 2. If someone is picking you up, make sure they go to Terminal 3.
Accra is one of West Africa's most welcoming cities, and getting from the airport to your destination is straightforward if you know what to expect. The distances are short, the roads are decent, and Terminal 3 has brought the airport experience closer to international standards. Whether you grab a taxi outside or have a driver waiting inside, you will be at your hotel within the hour — traffic permitting.