Jazmin Li
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is a common stop for connecting flights, especially for those flying with Ethiopian Airlines. The airport is generally considered a safe place to stay for travellers passing through, with robust security measures in place. If you're wondering where to sleep during a layover, there are a few options. The airport itself has limited seating, but there are some recliner chairs and padded benches. There are also VIP and premium lounges with showers and rest zones that can be accessed for a fee. For uninterrupted sleep, there is an in-terminal hotel, but reviews suggest it's not ideal. There are also several hotels nearby that offer free airport shuttles. If you have a long layover, you may want to explore Addis Ababa, which is generally considered safe for visitors, or join a guided tour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is it possible to sleep in the airport? | Yes, it is possible to sleep in the airport. However, seating is scarce, and the airport is busy and disorganized, with constant activity even at night. |
| Where to sleep in the airport | There are a limited number of recliners and padded benches without armrests. There is also an in-terminal hotel, Ethiopian Skylight, located in Terminal 2, which offers rooms in blocks of 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours. |
| Airport lounges | The Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 2 is open 24 hours and offers showers and a dedicated rest zone, but no sleep facilities. Access starts from USD 45.00. |
| Safety | The airport is generally considered safe, with robust security measures and monitoring by Ethiopian authorities. However, there are reports of police presence and scarce charging points. |
| Nearby hotels | Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, Bole Skygate Hotel, Hotel Lobelia, Jupiter International Hotel, Tizeze Hotel, Vamos Addis Hotel, Cassiopeia Hotel, Best Western Plus Addis Ababa, and BoYue Hotel. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in the airport vs. nearby hotels
If you're planning a trip to Addis Ababa and are considering a layover, you may be wondering whether to sleep in the airport or opt for a nearby hotel. Here's a detailed guide to help you decide:
Sleeping in the Airport:
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) is open 24 hours, making it possible to sleep in the airport overnight if needed. However, seating is limited, and most seats have armrests. If you're on the airside, you may find a limited number of recliners. Terminal 2 offers slightly more comfortable options, including recliners near Gates A10-A16 and padded benches without armrests near Gates 1-10. These spots tend to be occupied, so you may need to settle for the floor. The airport also offers lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, and 24-hour food options.
Staying in a Nearby Hotel:
If sleeping in the airport doesn't appeal to you, there are several hotels near the airport that can provide a more comfortable stay. Here are some options:
- Ethiopian Skylight In-Terminal Hotel: Located inside Terminal 2, airside, near Gate 13. Rooms are available for 3, 6, 12, or 24-hour blocks. Guests must leave for their departure gate 45 minutes before boarding.
- Ethiopian Skylight Hotel: This hotel offers a shuttle service to and from the airport.
- Bole Skygate Hotel: Provides a free airport shuttle upon request.
- Hotel Lobelia: Also offers a free airport shuttle upon request.
- Jupiter International Hotel: Features a free airport shuttle service.
- Tizeze Hotel: Located near the airport, with rates usually below $100.
While staying in a hotel may provide more comfort and privacy, it can also eat into your time if you have an early connecting flight. In such cases, sleeping in the airport might be a more convenient option.
So, weigh your priorities, and plan your layover accordingly. Whether you choose to sleep in the airport or opt for a nearby hotel, it's essential to stay informed about the facilities and services available to make your layover as smooth as possible.
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Safety and security at the airport
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is generally considered a safe place for travellers passing through. The airport has robust security measures in place, including metal detectors, x-ray machines, and other security checkpoints to help deter and detect potential threats. The airport is heavily policed, monitored by Ethiopian authorities, and staffed by personnel trained to identify and respond to suspicious activity. Security cameras are installed throughout the facility, lowering the risk of being pickpocketed. Emergency protocols are in place to handle any security incidents.
The airport consists of one terminal building divided into two sections: Domestic and International. Security checkpoints align with flight schedules: Terminal 1 (5:00 AM–11:00 PM), Terminal 2 (24/7 for international flights, domestic gates close around 1:00 AM). Overnight airside access in Terminal 2 requires a boarding pass.
While there have been no reported safety issues at the airport, incidents of petty theft have been reported on the landside (the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security). As with sleeping in any airport, there is a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It is recommended that you stay near other travellers or close to security to deter potential thieves and keep your valuables hidden.
If you prefer not to sleep in the airport, there are hotels located near the airport that offer free airport shuttles. These include Bole Skygate Hotel, Hotel Lobelia, and Jupiter International Hotel. Ethiopian Airlines also offers a free hotel for transit passengers.
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Airport facilities and services
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is located six kilometres southeast of the city centre and serves as a hub for travellers to and from Asia, North and South America, Europe and Africa. The airport consists of one terminal building divided into two sections: Domestic and International.
The airport offers free Wi-Fi, although reports suggest the connection is quite slow. There are also mobile charging points available at the boarding area or near the lounges.
There are a few options for food and drink open 24 hours in the international area of the airport. However, one source describes the airport as "very busy and disorganized", with "constant activity even during the night", so it may be hard to find a peaceful spot to sleep. There are a few recliner chairs available, but limited comfortable seating. You can also pay to access one of the VIP lounges, some of which are open 24 hours a day. The Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 2 offers showers and a dedicated rest zone, but no sleep facilities. It can be accessed with a day pass, lounge membership, or by paying at the door (from USD 45.00). The Sheba Cloud Nine Lounge also offers shower facilities.
There are no luggage storage services at the airport, so passengers will need to stay with their bags. However, there are hotel counters inside the airport where rooms can be booked, and several hotels in the surrounding area offer free shuttle services if booked in advance. The Ethiopian Skylight In-Terminal Hotel is located next to the boarding gates in Terminal 2. Other nearby hotels include the Vamos Addis Hotel, Cassiopeia Hotel, Best Western Plus Addis Ababa, Hotel Lobelia, and BoYue Hotel.
Other airport facilities and services include currency exchange, a small duty-free shop in the baggage claim area, ATMs, baby-changing facilities, and SIM cards, which can be obtained at the EthioTelecom stall after baggage claim and customs.
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Hotel shuttles and transport
If you're looking for a hotel with a shuttle service to and from Addis Ababa Airport, there are several options to choose from:
- Ethiopian Skylight Hotel—This hotel offers a shuttle service to and from the airport. It is located near the airport, in the Bole area, and is also close to some restaurants and bars.
- Bole Skygate Hotel—This hotel provides a free airport shuttle service upon request.
- Hotel Lobelia—Guests can take advantage of a free airport shuttle service upon request.
- Jupiter International Hotel—A free airport shuttle service is available for guests upon request.
- Grand Palace Hotel—This hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle service, along with a convenient location and welcoming staff.
- Stay Easy Plus Hotel—Located within a 5-minute drive of Sheger Park and the Nigeria Embassy, this hotel provides a complimentary round-trip airport shuttle service. It also offers a complimentary buffet breakfast, a restaurant, and a bar/lounge.
- Best Western Plus Addis Ababa—This hotel is known for its outstanding service and convenient airport shuttle.
- Sapphire Addis Hotel—The airport shuttle service at this hotel is quite convenient. The staff are friendly and professional, and the rooms are clean and spacious.
In addition to these options, other hotels near the airport, such as Tizeze Hotel, are also available and may offer shuttle services or alternative transportation arrangements. It is always a good idea to contact the hotel directly to inquire about their specific shuttle services and availability.
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Day trips and tours in Addis Ababa
There are several day trips and tours in and around Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital city. Here are some options to consider:
- City tour: Explore the vibrant culture and history of Ethiopia through a city tour of Addis Ababa. Visit key landmarks such as the National Museum, where the 3 million-year-old fossils of Lucy are kept, and Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. You can also visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, where Emperor Haile Selassie is interred.
- Culinary tour: Get an overview of Ethiopia's culinary traditions by learning to make injera, the traditional Ethiopian bread. Visit Merkato to check out the spices and sit down for a full Ethiopian coffee ceremony. You can also opt for a guided tour of the Atlas neighbourhood to explore the area's foodie culture.
- Excursion to Entoto Mountains: Take a trip to the Entoto Mountains to learn about Ethiopian culture outside the city. Visit the famous Debre Libanos Monastery, admire the mountain scenery, and see the Portuguese Bridge. You can also spot wildlife, including Ethiopia's endemic Gelada monkey.
- Visit Wenchi Crater Lake: Spend a day outside Addis Ababa by visiting Wenchi Crater Lake, which offers a glimpse of the Ethiopian rural area and its local hut or grass houses.
- Explore historical sites: Take a guided excursion to Melka Kunture, Adadi Mariam, and the UNESCO-listed Tiya to experience Ethiopia's magnificent history.
When planning your trip, it is recommended to book with a reputable company that provides informative guides and reliable transportation. Many tours offer hotel or airport pickup for added convenience.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport is generally considered a safe place to stay for travellers passing through. The airport has robust security measures in place and is monitored by Ethiopian authorities. However, it is very busy and disorganized, with constant activity even during the night.
Seating is scarce throughout the terminal, and what there is has armrests. Terminal 2 offers more rest spots than Terminal 1, including recliners near Gates A10-A16 (T1) and padded benches without armrests near Gates 1-10 (T2). There is also the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 2, which has a dedicated rest zone and showers, but no sleep facilities.
Yes, there is an in-terminal hotel called Ethiopian Skylight, located in the departures hall of Terminal 2. Rooms are available in 3, 6, 12 and 24-hour blocks.
Yes, there are several hotels in the surrounding area, including Bole Skygate Hotel, Hotel Lobelia, Jupiter International Hotel, Vamos Addis Hotel, and Best Western Plus Addis Ababa.
