Ivory Coast Abidjan Airport Guide and Information

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Catholic Church in Abidjan in Ivory Coast
Credit: pexels.com, Catholic Church in Abidjan in Ivory Coast

The Felix Houphouet-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan, Ivory Coast is a major hub for West Africa.

Located about 16 kilometers north of the city center, the airport is easily accessible by taxi or private car.

The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with Terminal 1 being the main terminal for international flights.

Terminal 1 is equipped with modern amenities, including restaurants, shops, and lounges.

Getting to the city center from the airport is relatively quick, with a journey time of around 20-30 minutes by taxi.

Airport Information

You'll want to plan ahead for your trip to Abidjan. Arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure time to avoid any last-minute stress.

Time and deadlines are crucial at the airport. Most companies close their check-in counters 60 minutes before departure time, so be sure to check-in on time.

Once you've checked in, head straight to the boarding lounge for police formalities. These can be lengthy if there are multiple departures, so plan accordingly.

Catholic Church in Abidjan in Ivory Coast
Credit: pexels.com, Catholic Church in Abidjan in Ivory Coast

If you're arriving in Abidjan, expect to spend around 20-30 minutes completing police and customs formalities, as well as retrieving your luggage.

Here are some important things to keep in mind when traveling with pets:

Don't forget to check with your airline about their baggage allowance and fees. Airlines can be quite strict about luggage weight, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

The Ivorian territory requires a yellow fever vaccination for entry. Make sure you have the necessary vaccination certificate with you.

Pregnant women should check with their airline about their policy on flying during pregnancy. Some airlines may have restrictions or require a medical certificate after the 7th month.

Getting Around

Getting Around Abidjan Airport is relatively easy. You can take the new Abidjan Metro, which is expected to enter commercial service in 2027.

If you prefer to drive, you can take the C2 from downtown Abidjan and follow the signs to the airport. The route will take you southeast and eventually turn into Pont Henri Konan Bedie.

Ground Transport

Airport
Credit: pexels.com, Airport

The Abidjan Metro is under construction and expected to start commercial service in 2027, making it a convenient option for traveling to and from the airport.

Taxis are available from the airport, but be prepared for a potentially frustrating experience due to communication issues with drivers who may not speak English fluently.

The journey time by taxi can vary between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.

Taxi fares can be quite high and may not be budget-friendly, so it's essential to consider other options.

You can also drive to the airport, and the driving directions are relatively straightforward: from downtown Abidjan, drive southeast on the C2, which will become Pont Henri Konan Bedie, then follow the signs to the airport.

To book a taxi or other transportation, you can visit websites that offer Abidjan Airport taxi transfers and compare prices on buses, coaches, and taxis.

Car Rental:

Getting a car rental at the airport is a convenient option. Several car hire companies have a presence at the airport, including Avis, Road Star, Hertz, Selv, Factor Express, and Africab.

You can find their contact numbers on the airport's official website for easy booking.

For those who want to travel in style, Eurostar offers a luxury car rental service.

Travel to and from Airport

People Standing Near Airport Departure Board
Credit: pexels.com, People Standing Near Airport Departure Board

Getting to and from Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan is relatively easy, with several transportation options available.

The airport is located about 16 kilometers northeast of the city center, and a taxi ride typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Several taxi companies operate at the airport, including those that offer fixed prices for airport transfers.

You can also take a bus, which is a more affordable option, but be prepared for a longer journey that can take up to an hour.

Airport shuttles are another option, but they may not be as frequent as taxis or buses.

If you're looking for a more convenient option, consider booking a private transfer or car service in advance.

The airport is also connected to the city center by a highway, making it easy to drive or take a ride-hailing service to and from the airport.

Keep in mind that traffic in Abidjan can be heavy, especially during rush hour, so plan your journey accordingly.

Nearest Major

Travelers on escalators in a modern airport terminal with directional signs overhead.
Credit: pexels.com, Travelers on escalators in a modern airport terminal with directional signs overhead.

The nearest major airport to Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire is Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport.

This airport is located just 16 km from the center of Abidjan.

If you're looking for international flights to ABJ, you should check the airlines that fly to ABJ.

Abidjan Airport is a great starting point for exploring the Ivory Coast. Located in the heart of the country, it's an ideal hub for travelers.

The airport is situated near several popular destinations, including the bustling city of Abidjan, which is known for its vibrant markets and cultural attractions. The city is home to over 3 million people and is a great place to experience the local cuisine.

A short drive from the airport takes you to the beautiful Plateau District, which offers stunning views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. The district is also home to many embassies and government buildings.

The nearby Treichville neighborhood is a popular spot for shopping and dining, with a range of local restaurants and markets to explore. It's a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs or try some traditional Ivorian cuisine.

From Abidjan Airport, you can also easily access the nearby city of Yamoussoukro, which is the country's administrative capital and home to many government institutions.

Airport Details

Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Credit: pexels.com, Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Abidjan Airport is located in the Plateau District of Abidjan, the economic capital of the Ivory Coast. It's situated about 16 kilometers northeast of the city center.

The airport is a major hub for Air Côte d'Ivoire, the national airline of the Ivory Coast. It serves as a gateway to the country and a key transportation link for international travelers.

Abidjan Airport has a single terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights. It's a relatively small airport compared to other major hubs in Africa.

History

The history of airports dates back to the early 20th century. The first airport, Le Bourget Airport in Paris, was opened in 1909.

In the early days, airports were relatively simple affairs, with just a few buildings and some grassy fields. The first commercial flight took off from Le Bourget in 1914.

Aviation technology improved rapidly in the 1920s and 1930s, leading to the expansion of airport infrastructure. New airports were built, and existing ones were upgraded to accommodate the growing number of passengers.

By the 1950s, airports had become major hubs for international travel. The introduction of jet aircraft in the late 1950s further increased demand for airport facilities.

Abidjan Félix-Houphouët-Boigny

Airport
Credit: pexels.com, Airport

Abidjan Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Airport is a major airport in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

The airport offers taxi transfers for all vehicle types, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.

You can book your airport transfers 24/7 for hotel transfer and bus hire, making it easy to plan your travel.

Comparing prices on buses, coaches, and taxis is also possible, allowing you to find the best option for your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the busiest airport in the Ivory Coast?

The busiest airport in the Ivory Coast is Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport. Located in Abidjan, it serves as a key hub in West Africa.

Is Ivory Coast same as Abidjan?

No, Ivory Coast is not the same as Abidjan, although Abidjan is the country's largest city and economic capital. Abidjan is a port city located in the Ivory Coast, which has its political capital in Yamoussoukro.

How many international airports are there in the Ivory Coast?

There are 3 international airports in the Ivory Coast. Abidjan and Yamoussoukro are the only two that can handle jumbo jets.

Does Abidjan airport have wifi?

Yes, Abidjan airport has several WiFi spots available, including the VIP lounge. You can also access WiFi in the main halls of departure and arrival.

Kristin Waelchi

Senior Writer

Kristin Waelchi is a skilled writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and analysis, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, delving deep into complex topics and shedding light on the intricacies of the world around us. Kristin's expertise lies in crafting engaging articles that inform and educate readers on a wide range of subjects, including industrial facilities.

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