Ghana offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty on West Africa's Gold Coast. From the historic slave castles of Cape Coast to the vibrant markets of Accra and the wildlife of Mole National Park, Ghana welcomes visitors with warm hospitality and diverse experiences. This English-speaking nation combines beaches, rainforests, and centuries of fascinating heritage.
- Public
- Tro-tros (shared minibuses) cover most Accra routes cheaply at $0.30-1 but are crowded, slow in traffic, and confusing for visitors. Ayalolo BRT buses operate limited routes. Not recommended for tourists without local guidance
- Taxi
- Uber and Bolt are the best option — safe, metered, and reliable in Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. Street taxis exist but require price negotiation. Always agree on fare before entering a street taxi
- Rental
- Car rental practical for exploring beyond cities — Hertz, Avis, and local agencies operate from Accra. 4WD essential for northern routes and national parks. Drive on the right
- Walking
- Central Accra and Osu are partially walkable but heat, traffic, and lack of pavements make walking challenging. Cantonments and Airport Residential are safer for pedestrians
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Official taxi from rank - $25-$35 to city center
- Shuttle
- Uber/Bolt - $12-$18 to Osu/Airport Residential
- Bus
- Hotel shuttle - pre-arranged, $20-$30
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Ayalolo and Quality Bus Services operate in Accra on limited routes. Fare: $0.50-$1. Not extensive but reliable where available. Tro-tros (minibuses) are ubiquitous: $0.30-$1 depending on distance, crowded but authentic local experience.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, motorcycle_taxis
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Drop taxis (private hire): Negotiate before entering, typically $3-$10 for short trips in Accra. Shared taxis: Follow fixed routes, $0.50-$1. Always agree on price before departure for drop taxis.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
VIP, STC, and OA Transport offer comfortable long-distance service with AC and assigned seating. Accra-Kumasi: $10-$15, 4-5 hours. Accra-Cape Coast: $8-$12, 3 hours. Accra-Tamale: $20-$25, 12 hours. Book day before for popular routes. Metro Mass Transit offers budget option at half the price but less comfortable.
Flights
Africa World Airlines (AWA) and PassionAir connect Accra-Kumasi (45 min, $80-$120), Accra-Tamale (1 hour, $100-$150), and Accra-Takoradi (35 min, $80-$110). Book in advance for better rates. Saves significant time on long routes.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Kotoka International Airport
From centre: 6 km from central Accra
Options: Official taxi from rank - $25-$35 to city center; Uber/Bolt - $12-$18 to Osu/Airport Residential; Hotel shuttle - pre-arranged, $20-$30; Tro-tro (local minibus) - $1 but challenging with luggage
Kumasi Airport
From centre: 10 km from Kumasi center
Options: Taxi to city center - $15-$25; Shared taxi - $5-$8 per person; Hotel pickup - arranged in advance
Tamale Airport
From centre: 13 km from Tamale center
Options: Taxi to city - $12-$20; Shared transport - $4-$6; Guesthouse pickup - pre-arranged
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Uber
Available in Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. Most reliable for consistent pricing and driver verification. Best for airport pickups and late-night travel.
Bolt
Available in Accra and Kumasi. Often slightly cheaper than Uber. Good driver availability throughout the city.
Africa World Airlines App
Book domestic flights between Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi. Best fares with advance booking.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download Uber and Bolt apps before arriving — they are safer and more transparent than street taxis throughout Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi
Tro-tro routes can be learned with local help — ask your hotel reception to write the route name in Twi for the driver
VIP, STC, and OA Transport buses are significantly more comfortable than tro-tros for intercity travel and worth the extra cost
Domestic flights save hours on Accra-Kumasi (45 min vs 4-5 hours) and Accra-Tamale routes — book Africa World Airlines in advance
Accra traffic is extremely bad 7-9 AM and 5-8 PM — schedule airport transfers and important appointments outside these hours
At Kotoka International Airport, use official taxis from the designated rank or pre-arrange Uber pickup outside the terminal — avoid touts
International Driving Permit required alongside home country license for car rental in Ghana