Getting Around Abidjan
Abidjan is a sprawling city, and the distances between neighbourhoods can be significant. Walking is time-consuming and not always practical, while cycling is generally unsafe except in certain waterfront areas. Fortunately, the city offers several motorised transport options that visitors can use to navigate efficiently.
Taxis
Abidjan has two distinct taxi systems. The first consists of orange or red-orange taxis, which are licensed to operate anywhere in the city. These are the taxis most visitors will encounter, and you can typically ride alone in them. However, they are the most expensive option. Drivers may quote high fares to foreign visitors, particularly those who speak limited French. It is essential to agree on the price before departing, as meters are extremely rare and never functional when present. Negotiate firmly—initial quotes are often inflated.
The second taxi system uses colour-coded vehicles that operate only within specific neighbourhoods. For example, green taxis serve areas like Koumassi and Treichville, yellow taxis operate in Cocody, blue taxis in Marcory, Yopougon, and Abobo. These neighbourhood taxis are significantly cheaper than orange taxis, but rides are usually shared with other passengers, and they cannot travel outside their designated zones.
Ride-Hailing
The ride-hailing app Yango operates in Abidjan and offers an alternative to street taxis. This option may appeal to visitors uncomfortable with negotiating fares.
Buses
Several bus routes serve the city and offer cheap, reasonably reliable transport. However, buses are frequently overcrowded because there are insufficient vehicles to meet demand. Bus stations can be chaotic and overwhelming, particularly Adjame station, which may be disorienting for first-time visitors to West African cities. Be alert to pickpockets in these crowded areas.
Ferries
If you need to cross the lagoon, ferries provide a practical and scenic option. The Blockhaus Ferry Terminal offers service to the Treichville Ferry Terminal across the lagoon. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes and costs very little. While some parts of the lagoon are polluted, the ferry ride offers attractive views of the Abidjan skyline, particularly at sunset.
Motorcycles
Since 2010, motorcycle imports have been permitted, and motorcycle taxis now operate in the city. They are cheap, but this mode of transport carries significant safety risks and is not recommended for visitors.
Rail and Commuter Systems
A commuter railway system is currently under construction, with the first section expected to open in 2025. Until this system becomes operational, rail does not currently serve as a practical option for getting around the city.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport is the main entry point for international visitors. Orange taxis serve the airport and can take you to any district in the city. Be prepared to negotiate fares, as drivers often quote inflated prices to arriving passengers, particularly non-African visitors. Initial quotes may reach 5,000 CFA francs even for short journeys of 3 km, though determined negotiation may reduce fares to 2,500 or 3,500 CFA. Budget more time for fare negotiations than you might expect, as drivers may claim they must pay fees to pick up passengers at the airport—these claims are typically false.
Walkability
Abidjan's sprawling layout means that walking between distant neighbourhoods is impractical and time-consuming. Walking is feasible only for short distances within individual neighbourhoods or near the waterfront, particularly in Zone 4 (Industriel), where the expat community and relatively safer conditions make walking more viable.