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Addis Ababa Airport Guide

2.3/5 – Challenging
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Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Addis Ababa Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

a policeman walked up to us, and positioned himself about one metre away from us, watching us. After about 5 minutes, i asked him whether everything was okay. He told me that of course everything was okay, but his job is to protect the people here at this airport – Papa Whiskey

ADD Airport Overview

Addis Ababa Airport (code: ADD) consists of one terminal building divided into two sections: Domestic and International. There are four gates in the Domestic departures and seven in the International departures. The two sections distance roughly 250 metres from each other. Travellers report that the terminal is crowded, chaotic, noisy, and uncomfortable. Expect long line-ups for check-in and security, as well as aggressive crowds. If you do eat, be prepared to pay high prices for uninspired food choices at one of three cafés. WiFi is available, though the service is unreliable.

Sleeping in Addis Ababa Airport

Addis Ababa is a major connecting airport, so many travellers looking for sleep are catching some rest during a long transit rather than staying overnight. Terminal 2 is the better place to be, with armrest-free benches, recliners and sleeping chairs, while seating before security is less sleep-friendly. International transit passengers can generally remain airside in Terminal 2, but Terminal 1’s domestic secure area generally closes overnight. For detailed sleeping locations, conditions, photos and traveller tips, visit our Guide to Sleeping in Addis Ababa Airport or read the latest traveller reviews.

For uninterrupted sleep, you can head to the hotel at Terminal 2. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

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Airport Hours

Addis Ababa Airport is open 24 hours. Landside access is available at all times. Airside access depends on terminal and flight schedules:

  • Terminal 2 (International): Open 24/7. Overnight airside access is generally permitted with a valid boarding pass.
  • Terminal 1 (Domestic): Security typically operates roughly 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Domestic airside areas usually close overnight, with gates reopening in the early morning.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

A traveller report from October 2020 mentions approximately 20 rest zones in Terminal 1, airside, located between signage for Gates A1–A10 and A12–A16, near escalators. This has not been recently verified.

In Terminal 2, travellers report:

  • Padded benches near Gates 1–10
  • A Quiet Room near Gate 13 (airside) with recliners and a calmer atmosphere

Availability, comfort level, and access can change, especially overnight.

Addis Ababa Airport
(photo courtesy of Rene / September 2013)

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there is a transit hotel and other hotels near Addis Ababa Airport:

Hotel inside the Airport

Ethiopian Skylight In-Terminal Hotel
Located inside Terminal 2, Airside, near Gate 13. Rooms are available in 3, 6, 12 and 24-hour blocks. The hotel informs us that guests must depart 45 minutes before their scheduled time to complete the necessary boarding gate procedures. Terminal 2 departures only.

Hotels near the Airport

Ethiopian Skylight Hotel
(0.3 mi / 0.5 km) – Luxury hotel. Hotel shuttle is available. Ethiopian Airlines describes it as a five-star hotel about a five-minute walk from the airport.

DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Ababa Airport
(0.6 mi / 1.0 km) – Upscale hotel. Complimentary airport shuttle is available.

Airport Lounges

If you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the airport, consider visiting one of the lounges at Addis Ababa Airport.

Walk-in Rates, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

There is one airport lounge that is open to all passengers regardless of airline or class of service flown. The Plaza Premium Lounge can be accessed with a day pass, a lounge membership, or by paying at the door.

Plaza Premium Lounge

Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Level 2. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card programs.

Airline Lounges

Ethiopian Airlines Lounges

Ethiopian Airlines Sheba Cloud Nine Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, near gate A13/A14. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes (daybeds in a relaxation area). Lounge Access: All business class (Cloud Nine) passengers with onward business class boarding pass • Star Alliance first-class and business-class passengers.

Ethiopian Airlines Sheba Platinum & Star Gold Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, opposite Gate A13. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles Platinum members • Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles Gold members • Star Alliance Gold members • oneworld passengers flying Business Class • oneworld Sapphire or Emerald members • Business Class passengers on select airlines.

Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles Silver Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, inner corridor of the Departure Hall. Hours: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles Silver members.

Food & Drinks

Late-night dining options can be limited. Traveller reports suggest the following may operate around the clock, but 24-hour service is not confirmed:

  • Café Ethiopia – Terminal 2, airside, Level 2, near Gate 10
  • Kaldi’s Coffee – Terminal 1, landside, Level 1

Because hours vary, overnight travellers are advised to purchase food and snacks before food outlets begin closing.

Drinking Water
Traveller reports (September 2024) indicate multiple drinking fountains and bottle refill points near washrooms. Signage states the water is for drinking, but filtration quality is unclear and cannot be verified.

Many travellers choose to rely on bottled water, which is widely sold airside and landside. Some shops accept cash only, though foreign currencies such as USD or Euros are often accepted.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage is available.

  • Terminal 2 (landside, Level 1 near Arrivals): Luggage storage reported as available 24/7. Rates reported by travellers range from ETB 50–100 per item per day.
  • Terminal 1: Limited luggage storage reported near check-in counters, with rates around ETB 50 per day.

If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Power outlets and charging stations are available, but not abundant.

Reported locations include:

  • Terminal 1: Airside near Gate A12
  • Terminal 2: Airside near Gates 5 and 15, and landside on Level 1 near the food court

Travellers should bring a universal power adapter, as socket types vary.

Showers

Shower facilities are available inside the Sheba Cloud Nine Lounge. Access requires lounge eligibility or paid entry. See Airport Lounges above.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Addis Ababa Airport. Connect to the “ADD Free WiFi” network.  Registration requires a mobile phone number. Traveller reports consistently describe the connection as slow and unreliable, especially during peak periods.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are available, but specific locations and operating hours could not be confirmed.
Duty-Free – A small duty-free shop is available in the baggage claim area. Selection is limited.
Information Desk – We could not confirm the presence or operating hours of a staffed information desk.
SIM Cards – According to a traveller report (December 2023), SIM cards and eSIMs can be purchased from an EthioTelecom stall just after baggage claim and customs. The kiosk is described as a lime-green structure. Phone and data plans are available; payment methods may vary, with some data plans reportedly cash-only. Availability, pricing, and payment options may change.

Airlines
Addis Ababa Airport is served by the following airlines: Air China • Air India • Egyptair • Emirates • Ethiopian Airlines • flydubai • Freedom Airline Express • Kenya Airways • Lufthansa • Oman Air • Qatar Airways • SAS • Saudi Arabian Airlines • Shenzhen Airlines • South African Airways • Sudan Airways • Turkish Airlines • Yemenia • Yemen Airways.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Blue Line SkyBus connects Terminal 2 (T2, Level 1) to Bole Road.   Journey time: 20 minutes. Fare: ETB 10/$0.20 USD. Hours: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM. Departs: every 15-30 minutes.

Hotel Shuttles

Some hotels provide airport shuttle service. Hotel shuttles depart from T2 Level 1.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Transportation

Free airport shuttle buses link T1 and T2 on the landside. The shuttle departs every 15-30 minutes. Hours: 24/7.

Ride-Sharing

Several ride-share services are available in Addis Ababa. Among these are RIDE, ZayRide, ETTA, and Ride Ethiopia.

Taxi

Taxi stands can be found outside the airport. Remember that taxi rates tend to vary, so ask for an estimated fare to your destination before starting your journey.

There are two types of taxis: NTO’s fleet of Mercedes-Benz taxis (only available in Addis Ababa) and privately owned blue-and-white taxis. NTO taxis are unmetered, with fares based on destination, and can be prebooked through your hotel for rides back to the airport. Blue-and-white taxis are also unmetered and larger than NTO taxis. They operate similarly to buses, providing shared ride service on a fixed route for a low, standardized fare, about ten times cheaper than an NTO taxi. Special rides can be negotiated with a blue-and-white taxi.

Last updated: 2026-01-14

This guide is for planning purposes only. Details, including rates and hours, may change without notice. Information comes from airports and service providers, their websites, and traveller submissions. We do not represent these providers. To share corrections or updates: write a review or update the airport guide.

Airport at a Glance

Sleepability:

44 Reviews
Challenging
Nearest Hotel Inside the terminal
Sleep Cabins and/or Pods No
Food Limited overnight options
Showers Yes, in lounges