Hire a Driver in Accra: A Guide to Getting Around Ghana's Capital City

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Accra is known as one of the largest cities in Africa, with a population that exceeds 2 million people. It’s also the capital city of Ghana, which means most visitors to this West African country will probably spend time there. Whether you’re passing through or staying longer term, it’s important to be prepared for how to get around Accra as a tourist. The city has several different districts (called New Towns) and each has its own feel. Visitors who want to explore all corners of Accra can hire a driver for the day or take public transportation instead. Keep reading for information about both options so you can work out which makes the most sense for your stay in Accra.

Which is the Best Accra Airport for Travellers?

There are actually two airports in Accra that travellers can use to fly in and out of the city. The first is the Kotoka Airport, which is the main international airport in Accra and serves flights from a variety of international destinations. The other option is the Akosombo Airport, which is used for domestic flights within Ghana. This means that travellers who are arriving from outside of Ghana can use the Kotoka Airport, while people who are arriving from another city in Ghana will land at Akosombo Airport. Both airports are located about 30 miles outside of Accra.

Getting Around Accra by Taxi

Taxis are a common form of transportation in Accra, which is great for travellers who want to keep their options simple. To use a taxi, you’ll need to know the name of the place you’re going or have the address written down in Ghanaian cedis. You can also hail a taxi from the side of the road, but make sure you negotiate a price before getting in the car. At a minimum, you should expect to pay 3000 cedis for a ride within the city. If you need to go outside of town, you should negotiate a price based on your destination. If you’re using public transportation, make sure to have a few coins with you to pay the fare.

Hiring a Driver in Accra

If you’d prefer to have a driver take you around the city, you can hire a driver in Accra for the day. Make sure to negotiate a price before hiring a driver, and be aware that there’s often a commission for drivers who take tourists around. If there’s a language barrier between you and your driver, make sure to let them know where you want to go ahead of time so they can write down the addresses in cedis on a notepad. You can also ask them to translate if you want to communicate with people in Ghana.

Public Transportation in Accra

If you want to save money and have a more authentic travel experience, you can try using public transportation in Accra. The city has an extensive bus system that can take visitors from one side of the city to the other. To use the bus system in Accra, you’ll need money to buy a bus ticket and a handful of patience. The buses are not the most reliable form of transportation, so you should always keep an eye on your watch.

Taxis and Shuttles in Accra

Few things in life are more reliable than the taxi and shuttle services in Accra. This is a great option for travellers who want to stay safe, but don’t want to hire a driver. Hiring a taxi or shuttle service will likely cost more than using the public bus system, but it’s also more reliable. If you want to hire a taxi or shuttle, make sure to negotiate a price before you get in the car.

Final Words: Which is the best Accra airport for travellers?

If there’s one thing you take away from this guide, it’s to remember that Accra is a city where many people are trying to make a living. This means that you probably won’t need to be too assertive, but you should also be careful not to be too trusting. Make sure to negotiate rates, keep your valuables safe, and follow your instincts when you’re in Ghana. You’re in a new city with new people and new challenges. Be prepared and you’ll have a great time in Accra.