When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Addis Ababa?
With Netflights, you can compare Addis Ababa flights on a month-by-month basis as well as benefit from our regularly updated deals on last-minute flights. Temperatures in the city fluctuate very little throughout the year, staying between 17 and 22 degrees Celsius. The dry season (October to February) is a popular time to visit, though the wet season (June to September) offers many cultural festivals. July and August tend to be the wettest months of the year.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Addis Ababa?
Flights to Addis Ababa are in high demand during religious festival periods, especially the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany (January 19th or 20th), so make sure to book return flights well in advance. When you compare Addis Ababa flights at least eight weeks before you travel, you’ll benefit from a wide range of routes and rates.
Flying to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport ADD
Located in the Bole area six kilometres southeast of the city centre, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) is the main base for the Ethiopian Aviation Academy. All international and domestic flights to Addis Ababa are operated by Ethiopian Airlines, which offers direct flights from the United Kingdom that depart from London Heathrow. Many airlines, including Austrian Airlines, Egypt Air, Emirates, Kenya Airlines, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines offer return flights with just one stopover en route. There are one-stop flights available from Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. If you’re willing to make two stopovers, your choice of cheap flights to Addis Ababa may increase with airlines such as British Airways and Flybe connecting to Addis Ababa flights via London and Birmingham.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
There are two terminals at the medium-sized Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). Terminal 1 has four gates and serves domestic and regional flights of particular airlines, while Terminal 2 comprises seven gates and handles international flights. Inter terminal transport is available via an airport bus, but this can also be done on foot due to the proximity of the terminals. Standard airport facilities are available, including ATMs and money transfers. In 2012, a Cloud Nine Business Class Lounge opened, providing premium travellers with modern amenities.
Getting to the City Addis Ababa Bole International Airport ADD
While there are limited options for public transport to the city centre, plenty of private transport options are available. Taxis are blue and white in Addis Ababa and can be picked up outside the airport. There are similarly coloured, larger vehicles that operate along certain routes and drop off passengers at specified places, acting a bit like miniature buses. There are no metres in operation for these type of vehicles, so fares should be negotiated before starting the journey.
Why Visit Addis Ababa?
Ethiopia’s capital is home to many of the country’s best museums. The Ethnological Museum is renowned as one of Africa’s best museums. The National Museum is home to the famous ‘grandmother of humanity’, Lucy. St. George Cathedral and Museum is packed with sacred objects, while the Holy Trinity Cathedral is one of the most important religious monuments in the country. Dating back to the 4th century AD, the semi-monolithic Washa Mikael Church is a fine example of a rock-hewn Church.
Ethiopia is famous for its coffee and cuisine. Addis Ababa, therefore, has a number of top rate dining options celebrating their national cuisines that throw in live, cultural performances for free. For shopping, the Shiro Meda Market is where locals go for their special and traditional togs, and the sprawling, open-air market, Merkato, is rumoured to be the largest in Africa. When you travel to Addis Ababa, be prepared for a colourful ride.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
British passport holders can receive their visas when they arrive in Ethiopia. Tourism visas can either be purchased for one or three months at the airport. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after your date of entry into Ethiopia and must have two free pages. The Ethiopian birr is available from ATMs and currency exchange services at Addis Ababa Airport.
