Transportation in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa moves on three tiers: the ubiquitous blue-and-white minibus taxis (cheap, cramped, and the fastest way to learn Amharic numbers), metered yellow taxis (moderate, air-conditioned, and the only option after dark), and the new light-rail system (cheap, orderly, and the only thing immune to rush-hour gridlock). First-time visitors should download the Ride or Feres app before landing, both let you summon a metered ride and avoid the airport taxi cartel. If you do grab a cab from the curb, insist on the meter or settle the fare before the trunk opens. The ride to Meskel Square should cost a fraction of what the touts quote. For the light-rail, buy a smart card at any platform kiosk. It works on both the east-west and north-south lines and spares you the exact-change scramble. Skip the minibus routes entirely until you can read the destination boards in Amharic, getting on the wrong line can dump you on the far side of the ring road. When leaving the airport, the light-rail station sits a short walk from the terminal. If you land after service ends, the official taxi queue is the only safe bet, ignore the freelance drivers circling the arrivals hall.