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Bole International Airport Insider Guide
ADDAddis Ababa’s main airport (ADD). Hub for Ethiopian Airlines. Modernized terminal, lounges decent but can crowd.
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35min
Transit to city
🛂
45min
Immigration
🔒
55min
Security buffer
✅
Leave with 10+ hours+
Leave the airport?
OK to leave:
10h+
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Lounges
| Area | Lounge | Access | Showers | Good for | Price (paid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main | Ethiopian/Star/PP lounges | Alliance/PP/Paid | Some | Buffet/snacks | About $25–45 USD |
Lounges often crowded during bank times; some showers.
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Traveler notes
- Security/immigration can back up; add buffer, especially on connections.
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Sleep / Rest
- Limited seating; lounges better though often crowded.
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Food
- Ethiopian/international snacks; quality modest.
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Showers
- Some lounges have showers.
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Luggage Storage
- Limited/none; travel light.
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Transit to City
- Taxi: 15–40 minutes to Addis center depending on traffic.
- Buffer: Back at ADD 3h international.
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Essentials
- SIM/eSIM: Airport kiosks; eSIM cheaper beforehand. ATMs: Decline DCC; pay in USD/ETB via bank. Wi‑Fi: Limited.
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