From the airport to the city centre Djibouti

Waiting to be modernized, the old Ambouli airport, as it is today, is not very pleasant. However, all the usual formalities take place there rather quickly. There is a small information desk and a few snacks. To reach the city centre (6 km), there is unfortunately no public transport, so a taxi is an obligation. In principle, during the day, the fare should be 1,500 to 2,000 FDJ, and 2,500 FDJ at night. You will probably be asked for more, and you will have to discuss this firmly. The trip to Place Ménélik is barely 15 minutes.

Arrival by train Djibouti

After a ten-year stoppage, the legendary line linking Djibouti to Dire Dewa and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia has been replaced by a new electrified railway line. Inaugurated in 2018 for the transport of goods and passengers, and 750 kilometres long, it now makes it possible to connect the two capitals in 10-12 hours, compared to 7 days in the past and 3 days currently by road. There is a departure from Nagad (about 15 km from the capital) every two days at 8 a.m. (arrival in Addis Ababa at 8 p.m.). Information and purchase of tickets (8,000 FDJ for foreigners) at the Nagad train station or on the first floor of the Medical House, Salines West District, opposite the Al Rayan cafeteria. It is advisable to arrive at Nagad station two hours before departure.

Arrival by boat Djibouti

A ferry (vehicles and passengers) provides the Djibouti-Tadjourah-Obock link. It makes four weekly rotations with Tadjourah and two for Obock. Ask at the port of Escale or at the tourist office, to know which rhythm was adopted (often stopped during July and August). Fast shuttles and dhows run between the capital and these two cities for the transport of goods. The former carry qat daily and have little room for passengers. But nothing prevents you from trying. You can also discuss the price of a slow crossing on a more picturesque dhow. For all these attempts, go to the port of Escale, in Djibouti. In a dhow, count about 500 FDJ for the crossing. If you have more money, you can take the shuttles of the travel agencies that link the city to Tadjourah (Sables Blancs), to Obock, to the Musha islands, depending on the demand. To be booked with the agencies.

Public transport Djibouti

Minibuses connect Djibouti-City to some of the country's major cities: Tadjourah, Ali Sabieh, Dikhil, Yoboki and the Ethiopian border, Damerdjog. They are rather cheap: from 1,000 to 1,500 FDJ the trip to Tadjourah for example. Minibuses also connect a few towns: Dikhil-Ali Sabieh, Ali Sabieh-Ali Addé and Hol Hol, for example. Bush taxis are much less common. These are either minibuses or taxis that travel on less frequented routes. They sometimes travel on routes that are virtually lost, chartered by a group of people, or on days and times that are more or less fixed according to need. The most problematic is knowing where and when to take them. Only the locals know this and you will have to find out on the spot, at the last minute. If you are alone... it will be expensive and you will have to discuss it firmly. The tourist office in Djibouti will be able to help you find the right people. In Djibouti-City, the departure station for buses and minibuses is located at Place Mahmoud Harbi (also called Place Rimbaud). There are no fixed timetables, the vehicles leave when they are full. But it is always better to get there early in the morning.

With a driver Djibouti

They are very numerous, very visible (especially around Menelik Square) with their green and white bodywork, and never fail to signal with a honk or a "hey chief! ». They are the only way to get from the centre or the hotels to the airport. An average trip costs between 500 and 1,000 FDJ and up to 1,500 FDJ for long distances, such as from the centre to the airport (during the day). The fare is increased by 50% at night and often on weekends. Do not hesitate to discuss the price. Djibouti's urban taxis leave the capital on demand and take you to Weah, Arta, Doraleh or Khor Ambado, for example. But beware, it is expensive, even very expensive. For a round trip to Arta-Ville, count about 8,000 FDJ. It is imperative to negotiate the price well. There are so many taxis that you can use the competition

By car Djibouti

A car is essential to discover the country; one can consider renting one to visit sites along the RN1 or Tadjourah, Lake Assal or Randa. Elsewhere, a 4x4 with or without driver is required. But if you want to go into the bush, you need to be an experienced 4x4 driver and really know the terrain well. It is always safer to go with a local guide. Rental rates are still quite high, for a sedan as for a 4x4. For this last vehicle, you really need to be an expert in some places. On individual trips, the simplest way is to join a group that charters a vehicle and a guide (necessary). When there are several of you, renting a vehicle naturally becomes the most suitable solution, at a reasonable rate in relation to the price per person. The travel agencies in Djibouti-City have all their own vehicles or are in contact with a rental company. Regarding formalities, a French permit is sufficient for a short stay and for the first six months after arrival in Djibouti. The RN1, which connects the capital to the Ethiopian border, is by far the busiest road, mainly used by a large number of trucks, which must be monitored when overtaking. The road is of good quality. The Unity road, which leads to Tadjourah, is also asphalted, but rather deserted. Arta and Randa can also be easily reached. No worries about fuel supply, but it is better to fill up the tank from Djibouti City and to have your own full petrol cans in the bush. Outside the RN1 and the big cities, in other words along the tracks, there are no stations. Beware of animals on the road (goats in herds, dromedaries) which represent a danger for drivers. We advise you not to drive at night outside Djibouti City

Accessibility Djibouti

In order to comply with the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Government of Djibouti recently (2018) established the National Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Efforts to improve the living conditions of persons with disabilities (visual, cognitive, motor, hearing) are gradually being developed, but have not yet led to any significant improvements in public transport or reception facilities