Kotoka International Airport

Kotoka International Airport (ACC) is the main airport serving Accra, the capital of Ghana, and the primary aviation hub for West Africa. Located 10 km northeast of Accra's city center, the airport handled 3.4 million passengers in 2024 and is operated by Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL). It has been recognized as "Best Airport in Africa" by Airports Council International in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

The airport has two passenger terminals:

• Terminal 3 (opened 2018): The modern main terminal handling all international and regional flights. Five levels, 48,268 m², capacity for 5 million passengers per year. Features 56 check-in desks, 24 immigration booths with 4 e-gates, 6 boarding bridges, and a 7,000 m² retail area.
• Terminal 2: Handles domestic flights only. Smaller, older building used primarily by Africa World Airlines and Passion Air for domestic routes.

Terminal 1 is no longer in passenger use and is being redeveloped as a fixed-base operator (FBO) facility.

Key airlines at ACC:

• Long-haul: Emirates (Dubai), British Airways (London), KLM (Amsterdam), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul), Delta (New York JFK, Atlanta), United (Washington IAD), TAP Portugal (Lisbon), ITA Airways (Rome)
• Middle East: Qatar Airways (Doha), Middle East Airlines (Beirut)
• African carriers: Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, RwandAir, EgyptAir, Royal Air Maroc, ASKY Airlines, Air Peace, Africa World Airlines
• Regional: Brussels Airlines, Air Burkina, Air Cote d'Ivoire, Ibom Air, United Nigeria

The airport serves 31 destinations across 23 countries on four continents. Africa World Airlines is the largest operator by frequency, while the route network is approximately 87% international and 13% domestic.

Accra's city center is 10 km southwest of the airport, reachable via Liberation Road. Travel times vary significantly depending on Accra's notoriously heavy traffic.

Typical travel times:

Destination	Off-Peak	Rush Hour	Notes
Osu / Oxford Street	15-20 min	30-45 min	Popular commercial district
Accra Central / Makola	20-25 min	40-60 min	City center and markets
Airport City	5 min	5-10 min	Business district adjacent to airport
East Legon	15-20 min	25-40 min	Upscale residential
Labadi Beach	15-20 min	30-40 min	Beachfront area
Tema (port city)	30-40 min	45-75 min	25 km east

Rush hours are 07:00-09:30 and 16:00-19:00 on weekdays. Accra traffic can be severe, especially on the N1 motorway and around Circle interchange. Budget extra time during these periods.

Uber and Bolt

Both Uber and Bolt operate at ACC and are the most convenient and often cheapest option.

• Pickup: Request via the app; drivers pick up from the designated ride-hailing area outside the arrivals hall
• Payment: Cash or card via the app
• Typical fares to Osu/city center: GHS 30-50 (~US$3-5)
• To East Legon: GHS 25-40 (~US$2.50-4)
• Wait times: 3-10 minutes during daytime; longer after midnight

Bolt tends to be slightly cheaper than Uber in Accra. Both are reliable for airport pickups.

Airport Taxis

Official airport taxis are available outside the arrivals hall at the taxi dispatch booth (Car Park 5). Fares are based on destination zones.

Destination	Fare	Notes
Osu / Oxford Street	GHS 80-120 (~US$8-11)	15-20 min off-peak
Accra Central	GHS 80-120 (~US$8-11)	20-25 min off-peak
East Legon	GHS 70-100 (~US$7-9)	15-20 min off-peak
Tema	GHS 150-200 (~US$14-19)	30-40 min off-peak

Tips:

• Negotiate and agree on the fare before getting in the taxi
• Airport taxis charge more than Uber/Bolt; typically 2-3 times the rideshare price
• Taxis do not use meters in Ghana
• Have Ghana Cedis ready; credit cards are not accepted by taxi drivers

Accra does not have a metro or rail system. Public transport options to the airport are limited and not recommended for travelers with luggage.

Trotro (Shared Minibuses)

Trotros are Accra's main public transport. A route from 37 Military Hospital station passes through the airport area along Liberation Road.

• Fare: GHS 5-10 (~US$0.50-1) depending on distance
• Stops: The nearest trotro stop is on Liberation Road, approximately 1 km from the terminal (10-15 minute walk)
• Frequency: Trotros depart when full, so there is no fixed schedule
• Hours: Roughly 05:00-22:00
• Payment: Cash only; carry small denominations

Not recommended for airport transfers due to the walk from the road, lack of luggage space, unpredictable timing, and crowded conditions. Use Uber, Bolt, or a taxi instead.

Aayalolo Bus (BRT)

Accra's bus rapid transit system operates on limited routes. Service to the airport area is minimal and not a practical option for travelers.

ACC has six car parks (Car Parks 1-5 plus Cargo Village).

Type	Rate	Location
Short-term	GHS 10/hour (~US$1)	Car Parks near terminals
Daily	GHS 50-80/day (~US$5-8)	Car Parks 1-3
Drop-off/pickup	Free (first 15 min)	Terminal frontage

• Parking is available 24/7 with security
• Car Park 5 is used for taxi staging
• During peak travel periods (Christmas, Easter), parking fills up quickly; arrive early

Terminal 3 has a reasonable selection of dining options for a West African airport, spread across the departure concourse and arrivals level.

Airside (after security, Terminal 3):

• Restaurants and cafes serving both Ghanaian and international cuisine
• SkyBar: Drinks and light meals
• Akwaaba Restaurant: Local and continental dishes
• Chinese restaurant with a full menu
• Duty-free area snack shops

Landside:

• Cafes and quick-service restaurants in the arrivals and departures halls
• Convenience shops for snacks and drinks

Terminal 2 (domestic):

• Limited food options; small cafes and snack shops

Pro tip: Accra has excellent street food and restaurants within 15 minutes of the airport. If time allows, eat in Osu or the Airport City area before heading to the terminal. Jollof rice, grilled tilapia, kelewele (spiced fried plantain), and waakye are Ghanaian staples worth seeking out.

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals.

Detail	Information
Network name	KIA FREE WIFI
Registration	On-screen instructions (may require phone number)
Speed	Basic; sufficient for email, messaging, and light browsing
Time limit	Unlimited, though speed may be throttled

For faster or more reliable connectivity, purchase a local SIM card or use a lounge.

SIM cards are available at the airport, though selection and pricing are better in the city.

At the airport:

• Smice Digital SIM card store: Located to the left when exiting the arrivals hall. Sells Vodafone/Telecel SIM cards. Prices are roughly double compared to city stores. MTN cards are not available at the airport.

Tourist SIM packages (city prices):

Provider	Price	Data	Validity	Notes
MTN Tourist SIM	GHS 80 (~US$7.50)	6 GB	45 days	Best coverage nationwide
Vodafone/Telecel Tourist	GHS 100 (~US$9)	12 GB	Duration of stay	Good in cities
AirtelTigo Tourist	GHS 100 (~US$9)	12 GB	Duration of stay	3G only, limited coverage

Tips:

• MTN is the top choice for travelers. It has the widest 4G coverage, especially outside Accra
• Passport required for SIM registration (Ghanaian law)
• If you are not in a hurry, buy your SIM at an MTN or Vodafone store in the city (Accra Mall is convenient) for better prices and more options
• Top up via MoMo (mobile money) agents found everywhere in the city
• eSIMs from providers like Airalo or Holafly are an alternative if your phone supports them

ATMs are located in the Terminal 3 arrivals hall and departures area.

Banks with ATMs at ACC:

• Ecobank
• GCB Bank
• Standard Chartered
• Zenith Bank (also offers currency exchange in arrivals, Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00)

ATM fees: Ghanaian ATMs charge GHS 15-30 (~US$1.50-3) per foreign card withdrawal, in addition to any fees from your home bank. Some banks charge up to GHS 20 per transaction.

Currency exchange:

• Exchange booths in the Terminal 3 arrivals hall (rates are 3-8% worse than city rates)
• Better rates at forex bureaux in Osu or at commercial banks in the city
• Avoid dynamic currency conversion at ATMs; always choose to be charged in GHS, not your home currency

Ghana uses the Ghana Cedi (GHS/GH₵). Approximate rate: US$1 = GH₵10.70.

Cash tips: Accra is still heavily cash-dependent. Taxis, trotros, street food vendors, and most market stalls accept cash only. Uber and Bolt can be paid via the app. Carry GHS 100-200 for immediate needs upon arrival. Larger hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets accept Visa and Mastercard.

Terminal 3 has a 7,000 m² retail area, the largest at any airport in West Africa.

Duty-Free (Terminal 3, after security):

• Main duty-free store in the departure concourse after the central screening area
• Alcohol (Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal), tobacco, perfumes (Calvin Klein, Clinique), chocolates (Lindt, Toblerone)
• Reserve & Collect: Order online at accra.shopdutyfree.com and pick up at the airport up to 2 hours before your flight

Specialty shops:

• Microcell: Authentic African products including Kente accessories, Adinkra cufflinks, leather goods, and handmade jewelry
• Souvenir shops with Ghanaian crafts and textiles

Better shopping: Accra's markets offer far superior variety and prices. Makola Market has everything from textiles to electronics. Art Centre in Accra Central is the best spot for woodcarvings, beads, Kente cloth, and other crafts. Negotiate prices at markets; start at 40-50% of the asking price.

ACC has four lounges, all located in Terminal 3 (except one domestic lounge in Terminal 2). All are accessible via Priority Pass.

Priority Pass Lounges

Adinkra Lounge (Terminal 3, International Departures, near Gate C4):

• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, day pass
• Amenities: Buffet food, drinks, WiFi, seating area
• Managed by: Aviance

Akwaaba Pearl Lounge (Terminal 3, Level 5, International Departures):

• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, day pass
• Amenities: Hot food, drinks, WiFi, business workstations
• Managed by: AHS Menzies

Sanbra Priority Lounge (Terminal 3, Level 3, opposite Gate C3):

• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Amex Platinum (via Priority Pass), day pass
• Hours: 24/7
• Amenities: Food, drinks, WiFi, quiet seating
• Note: Can get crowded during peak departure times

Adinkra Lounge (Terminal 2, Domestic Departures):

• Access: Priority Pass, day pass
• For domestic passengers only

Credit Card Access

• Priority Pass: All four lounges accept Priority Pass
• Amex Platinum / Chase Sapphire Reserve: Via Priority Pass benefit
• Day pass: Available at lounge reception; check current pricing on arrival

Tips

• The Sanbra Priority Lounge is the only 24/7 option, useful for late-night or early-morning flights
• During evening departures (18:00-22:00), when multiple long-haul flights depart, lounges can fill up quickly
• Domestic passengers are limited to the Terminal 2 Adinkra Lounge

Hotels near ACC range from budget to luxury, with several options in the adjacent Airport City business district (less than 1 km from the terminal). The airport's central location means most Accra hotels are within 15-30 minutes.

Ibis Styles Accra Airport is the closest hotel to the terminal, located in Airport City (less than 1 km away), offering mid-range accommodation from around US$100-140/night. For luxury, Accra Marriott Hotel is also in Airport City. For a beachfront experience, Labadi Beach Hotel is 6 km from the airport.

Accra is a rapidly growing city of over 4 million people, blending colonial history, vibrant culture, thriving arts, and a booming food scene. It serves as the gateway to Ghana's beaches, castles, and natural parks.

Key Areas

Area	From Airport	Best For
Osu / Oxford Street	15-20 min	Restaurants, nightlife, shopping
Jamestown	20-30 min	History, street art, fishing harbor
Accra Central / Makola	20-25 min	Markets, commerce
East Legon	15-20 min	Upscale dining, cafes
Labadi Beach	15-20 min	Beach, seafood, nightlife
Airport City	5 min	Business hotels, offices

Must-See Attractions

• Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum: Memorial and final resting place of Ghana's first president, who led the country to independence in 1957. Park and museum in central Accra (20 min from airport)
• Jamestown Lighthouse and James Fort: Colonial-era structures in one of Accra's oldest neighborhoods, with a vibrant fishing harbor and street art scene (25 min from airport)
• W.E.B. Du Bois Center: Museum and mausoleum honoring the Pan-African scholar in the Cantonments area (15 min from airport)
• Labadi Beach: Accra's most popular beach, with bars, restaurants, and live music. Busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings (15 min from airport)
• Makola Market: Accra's largest and most chaotic open-air market; an immersive experience (20 min from airport)
• Osu Night Market: Street food hub that comes alive after sunset with grilled seafood, kebabs, fried plantain, and kenkey

Ghanaian Food

Dish	Description
Jollof rice	Ghana's signature rice dish cooked in tomato-based sauce with spices
Waakye	Rice and beans served with shito (pepper sauce), spaghetti, and protein
Banku and tilapia	Fermented corn dough served with grilled tilapia and pepper sauce
Kelewele	Spiced, fried ripe plantain cubes; a popular street snack
Fufu and light soup	Pounded cassava and plantain with a spicy meat or fish soup
Red Red	Bean stew served with fried plantain

Day Trips

• Cape Coast Castle: UNESCO World Heritage slave castle, 150 km west (2.5-3 hours by car). A powerful and essential historical site
• Kakum National Park: Canopy walkway through tropical rainforest, near Cape Coast (3 hours from Accra). Can be combined with Cape Coast Castle in a day trip
• Aburi Botanical Gardens: Peaceful hilltop gardens with tropical plants, 30 km north of Accra (45 min-1 hour)
• Ada Foah: River estuary and beach destination at the mouth of the Volta River (1.5-2 hours east)
• Volta Region: Wli Waterfalls (tallest in West Africa) and Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary (3-4 hours northeast)

Practical Tips

• Best season: November to March is dry and warm. April to July is the rainy season, with a short dry spell in August. September and October see more rain
• Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Ghana. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel
• Visa: Most nationalities require a visa. Apply at a Ghanaian embassy/consulate or check if you qualify for a visa on arrival
• Mobile money: MoMo (MTN Mobile Money) is widely used for payments across Ghana. Once you have a local SIM, register for MoMo to pay at shops, restaurants, and even some taxis
• Traffic: Accra traffic is heavy, especially on weekdays. Allow extra time for all road travel
• Tipping: Not required but appreciated. GHS 5-10 at restaurants; round up for taxi drivers
• Safety: Accra is generally safe for tourists. Exercise normal precautions with valuables in markets and crowded areas

Layover Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Quick Uber to Osu for Oxford Street shops and a plate of jollof rice, or visit the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
• 6-hour layover: Add Jamestown for the lighthouse and fishing harbor, or explore Makola Market
• 8+ hour layover: Head to Labadi Beach for seafood and relaxation, or combine the Nkrumah Mausoleum with the National Museum and a walk through Jamestown