Addis Ababa Getting Around

Getting Around

Very few streets have names and when they do, they may not be named correctly on a map; use landmarks to navigate the city. Blue and white minibuses travel quite efficiently around the town. To catch a minibus stand on the side of the road and hail it. This can be done anywhere it is possible for the bus to stop. The conductor inside will call out the destination, and you get on. The cost ranges from .65 ETB for a short trip, to 1.20ETB or more. It is worth having an Ethiopian guide you if it is your first time using these taxis. Small blue colored taxis are more expensive. They range from 10ETB for a very short journey, to about 35ETB for a cross town trek. Negotiation is the norm and you often have to press quite hard to get a bargain as a foriegner. They can be contracted for a full day, just negotiate. Walking in Addis Ababa is a pleasent and sensible way of getting around, however beggars and other hangers-on will most likely bother you.