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.
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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
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
What to Expect
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
If you arrive late and have an early morning connecting flight, leaving the airport to get a hotel room for a few hours might not be worth your time. And while the airport remains open 24 hours, we don’t have a lot of positive news if you are stuck on the landside/public area. Seating is scarce throughout the terminal, and what there is of it consists mostly of armrests. You will, however, fare better if you can remain on the airside, where you will find a limited number of recliners. 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), but often occupied. For uninterrupted sleep, you can head to the hotel at Terminal 2. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Read recent traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Addis Ababa Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
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.
Cots
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there is a transit hotel and other hotels near Addis Ababa 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. » Check Rates
- Ethiopian Skylight Hotel – Hotel shuttle is available. » Check Rates
- Double Tree By Hilton Addis Ababa Airport – Free airport shuttle is available upon request. » Check Rates
Visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Addis Ababa Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
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 – 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Security & Safety
While we have not been informed of safety issues at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, incidents of petty theft have been reported on the landside. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
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.
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
Hotel shuttles depart from T2 Level 1. Some hotels provide airport shuttle service: Hotel Lobelia • Best Western Plus Pearl Addis • Jupiter International Hotel Bole • Ramada by Wyndham Addis Ababa • Friendship International Hotel • Mimi’s Boutique Hotel.
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 informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.