Getting Around Ghana
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use tro-tros and taxis for Accra and Kumasi. Rural: Rent a car for coastal and northern exploration. Beaches: Buses and shared taxis. For convenience, book airport transfers from Accra to your destination.
Train Travel
Ghana Railway Company
Limited but improving rail network connecting Accra to Tema and plans for Kumasi line with frequent commuter services.
Cost: Accra to Tema GHS 5-10 ($0.30-0.60), journeys under 1 hour for short routes.
Tickets: Buy at stations or through official app, cash preferred, basic mobile options available.
Peak Times: Avoid morning and evening commutes for less crowding and delays.
Rail Passes
Weekly commuter passes for urban lines around GHS 20-50, ideal for multiple short trips in Accra area.
Best For: Daily commuters or short stays, savings for 5+ journeys in a week.Where to Buy: Major stations like Accra Central, with simple activation on purchase.
Future High-Speed Options
New standard gauge lines under development connecting Accra to Kumasi and beyond by 2026.
Booking: Monitor official updates, early reservations expected for inaugural services.
Main Stations: Accra Station central hub, with links to Kotoka Airport and Tema port.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Volta Region and rural north. Compare rental prices from $40-70/day at Accra Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Full coverage advised due to road conditions, verify inclusions carefully.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 100 km/h highways.
Tolls: Highway tolls like Accra-Kumasi GHS 10-20 per section, pay at booths.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic on narrow roads, watch for tro-tros.
Parking: Informal in cities, guarded lots GHS 5-10/day, avoid leaving valuables.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common at GHS 12-15/liter ($0.80-1.00) for petrol, similar for diesel.
Apps: Google Maps or Waze essential, download offline maps for rural areas.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Accra during rush hours, potholes common outside cities.
Urban Transport
Accra Buses & Metro Plans
Aayalolo bus rapid transit in Accra, single ticket GHS 2-5 ($0.10-0.30), day pass GHS 10.
Validation: Pay conductor on board, exact change helpful, routes cover key areas.
Apps: GPRTU app for schedules, real-time info limited but improving.
Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing in Accra and Kumasi parks, GHS 10-20/day ($0.60-1.20) with stations in tourist spots.
Routes: Coastal paths and urban greenways, careful with traffic in cities.
Tours: Guided eco-tours available in Cape Coast, blending history and cycling.
Tro-Tros & Local Services
STC intercity buses and tro-tros (minibuses) cover nationwide routes efficiently.
Tickets: GHS 5-20 ($0.30-1.20) per ride, negotiate or pay at stations.
Coastal Routes: Shared taxis along beaches GHS 10-30, frequent to popular spots like Busua.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stations in cities for easy access, central Accra or Kumasi markets for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (Dec-Feb) and major festivals like Panafest.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-affected travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, air conditioning, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G coverage in cities like Accra, 3G/4G in most rural areas including coastal regions.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
MTN, Vodafone, and AirtelTigo offer prepaid SIMs from GHS 10-30 ($0.60-1.80) with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for GHS 50 ($3), 10GB for GHS 100 ($6), unlimited for GHS 150/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi available in hotels, cafes, and some public spots in urban areas.
Public Hotspots: Airports and malls offer free access, but speeds vary.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in cities, sufficient for browsing and calls, slower in remote areas.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Kotoka Airport 8km from Accra center, taxi GHS 50-100 ($3-6) (20 min), or book private transfer for $20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (GHS 10-20/day) and airport services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Buses and tro-tros limited, some hotels offer ramps; plan for uneven roads.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on STC buses (small free, large GHS 20), check accommodation policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on tro-tros for GHS 5, folding bikes easier in urban shared rides.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Ghana
Kotoka International Airport (ACC) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Kotoka International (ACC): Primary international gateway, 8km north of Accra with taxi connections.
Kumasi International (KMS): Domestic hub 10km from city, flights to Accra GHS 200-400 ($12-24).
Tamale Airport (TML): Northern gateway with limited international flights, convenient for savanna trips.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season travel (Dec-Feb) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Lagos or Abidjan and taking bus to Ghana for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Asky, Africa World Airlines, and Air Peace serve Accra with regional connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in recommended 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available in cities, fees GHS 5-10, use bank ATMs to avoid high charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels and malls, cash preferred elsewhere.
- Contactless Payment: Growing in urban areas, mobile money like MTN MoMo widely used.
- Cash: Essential for markets, tro-tros, and rural spots, carry GHS 100-500 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not mandatory, add 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid street exchangers.
