Accra Airport Transfer Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Land
Landing at Kotoka International Airport for the first time? Here is exactly what to expect at arrivals, how to get to your hotel safely, what taxis cost, and why a pre-booked airport transfer is worth every pesewa.
Accra Airport Transfer Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Land
Arriving in Accra for the first time can feel overwhelming — especially after a long international flight. The moment you step through the arrivals doors at Kotoka International Airport you will be met by a crowd of taxi drivers, tour agents, and well-meaning strangers all competing for your attention.
This guide tells you exactly what to expect, what things cost, and how to get to your destination safely and without stress.
About Kotoka International Airport
Kotoka International Airport (IATA code: ACC) is Ghana's main international gateway, located in the Airport City area of Accra — approximately 10 kilometres from the city centre.
The airport has two terminals:
| Terminal | Used for |
|---|---|
| Terminal 3 (T3) | All international flights — new, modern facility |
| Terminal 2 (T2) | Domestic flights within Ghana |
Most international visitors arrive at Terminal 3 — a modern facility opened in 2018 with air conditioning, clear signage, duty-free shops, ATMs, and a SIM card kiosk before you reach immigration.
If you are connecting to a domestic flight within Ghana — Kumasi, Tamale, or Takoradi — your connecting flight departs from Terminal 2, which is a short walk or shuttle ride from T3.
What Happens When You Land
Step 1 — Immigration
Follow signs to Immigration / Passport Control. Have these ready:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Ghana visa or e-visa printout (if required for your nationality)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate — this is mandatory for entry into Ghana
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation)
Most West African nationals and citizens of ECOWAS countries do not need a visa for Ghana. Check your specific nationality's requirements before travel at ghana.visahq.com
Step 2 — Baggage Claim
After immigration follow signs to Baggage Claim. Check the screens for your flight number and belt number. Baggage typically arrives within 20–40 minutes of landing.
Step 3 — Customs
After collecting your bags pass through the Customs channel:
- Green channel — nothing to declare
- Red channel — items to declare (large amounts of currency, commercial goods)
Most leisure travellers use the green channel and pass through without any issues.
Step 4 — Arrivals Hall
Once through customs you enter the arrivals hall. This is where the crowd begins. You will see:
- Family and friends waiting to collect passengers
- Hotel drivers holding name boards
- Unofficial taxi drivers approaching you directly
- Tour operator representatives
Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel
Option 1 — Pre-Booked Airport Transfer (Most Recommended)
The safest, most stress-free option is to arrange your transfer before you land. Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name, takes your luggage, and drives you directly to your hotel.
- No negotiating with strangers after a long flight
- Fixed price agreed in advance — no surprises
- Professional driver in a clean air-conditioned vehicle
- Door to door — from the arrivals hall to your hotel entrance
- Available 24 hours — even for early morning or late night arrivals
Book your Accra airport transfer with Chris Mobility Africa — we monitor your flight in real time and adjust pickup if your arrival is delayed. Starting from $40 USD.
Option 2 — Official Airport Taxis
Inside the arrivals hall there is an official taxi desk operated by licensed airport taxis. These are more reliable than the unofficial drivers outside.
- Ask for the official taxi counter inside the terminal
- Agree on the price before getting in the car
- Typical rates from the airport:
| Destination | Approximate fare |
|---|---|
| Airport City hotels | GHS 80 – 120 |
| Osu / Cantonments | GHS 100 – 150 |
| Accra city centre | GHS 120 – 180 |
| East Legon / Adenta | GHS 150 – 200 |
| Tema | GHS 200 – 280 |
Always negotiate and confirm the price before you enter the vehicle. Meters are rarely used in Accra taxis.
Option 3 — Ride-Hailing Apps
Both Uber and Bolt operate in Accra and can be used at the airport.
- Download the app before you land
- You will need a working SIM card or roaming data to use it
- Wait times at the airport are usually 10 – 20 minutes
- Prices are metered and shown in the app before you confirm — no negotiation
Buy a Ghana SIM card from the kiosk before immigration on arrival — MTN and Vodafone both have desks inside Terminal 3. A starter SIM with data costs approximately GHS 20 – 30.
Option 4 — Hotel Shuttle
Many hotels in Accra offer a complimentary or paid shuttle service. Check with your hotel before arrival — some require you to book at least 24 hours in advance.
What to Avoid at the Airport
- Unofficial taxi drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall — always go to the official desk or use a pre-booked transfer
- Anyone who offers to carry your bags unsolicited — keep your luggage with you
- Currency exchange inside the airport — rates are poor. Use an ATM or exchange at a bureau de change in the city
- Sharing your hotel name loudly in the arrivals hall before you have confirmed your transport
Money and ATMs at the Airport
There are ATMs inside Terminal 3 before and after immigration. Both Visa and Mastercard work reliably at most Ghanaian ATMs.
| Currency | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ghana Cedi (GHS) | Local currency — withdraw at ATM on arrival |
| US Dollars | Widely accepted for tourist services and hotels |
| Euros / GBP | Less widely accepted — convert to GHS or USD |
The best exchange rates are found at forex bureaus in Accra city rather than at the airport. Withdraw enough GHS for immediate needs (transport, SIM card) and exchange more later.
Flight Information and Airlines
The following airlines operate regular international flights into Kotoka:
| Airline | Routes |
|---|---|
| British Airways | London Heathrow |
| Virgin Atlantic | London Heathrow |
| Emirates | Dubai |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Addis Ababa and onward connections |
| Kenya Airways | Nairobi and onward connections |
| Air France | Paris |
| Brussels Airlines | Brussels |
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul |
| Africa World Airlines | Regional West Africa |
| PassionAir | Regional Ghana |
Flight delays are common on African routes. If your driver is pre-booked with a professional transfer company they will monitor your flight and adjust accordingly — no need to contact them if you are delayed.
Departure — Getting to the Airport
If you are departing from Accra allow plenty of time to reach the airport:
| Time of day | Recommended travel time to airport |
|---|---|
| Early morning (before 7AM) | 30 – 45 minutes from city centre |
| Morning rush (7AM – 10AM) | 60 – 90 minutes |
| Midday | 45 – 60 minutes |
| Afternoon rush (4PM – 7PM) | 90 – 120 minutes |
| Evening (after 7PM) | 30 – 45 minutes |
Accra traffic is notoriously unpredictable. Always leave earlier than you think you need to. Missing a flight in Ghana is difficult and expensive to recover from.
Check-in times:
- International flights: arrive 3 hours before departure
- Domestic flights: arrive 1.5 hours before departure
Connecting to Other Destinations from Accra
If Accra is not your final destination in Ghana, here is how to continue your journey:
| Destination | Best option | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Coast | Private driver or bus | 2.5 – 3.5 hours |
| Kumasi | Domestic flight or private driver | 45 min (flight) / 4 hours (road) |
| Tamale | Domestic flight | 1 hour |
| Volta Region / Denu | Private driver | 3 – 4 hours |
| Takoradi | Private driver or bus | 3.5 hours |
| Lomé, Togo | Private driver via border | 4 – 5 hours |
Chris Mobility Africa provides airport-to-destination transfers anywhere in Ghana and across the border into Togo, Benin, and Côte d'Ivoire. Get a quote here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book an airport transfer in advance? It is not strictly required but strongly recommended — especially for late-night or early-morning arrivals, first-time visitors, and anyone travelling with children or elderly passengers. Pre-booking removes the stress of navigating the arrivals hall immediately after a long flight.
How do I find my pre-booked driver at the airport? Your driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name on it. If you cannot find them check your booking confirmation for the driver's phone number and call or WhatsApp directly.
Is Uber safe in Accra? Yes — Uber and Bolt are both reliable and widely used in Accra. The main downside at the airport is wait time and the need for a working internet connection to book.
What if my flight is delayed? If you have pre-booked a transfer with Chris Mobility Africa we monitor your flight in real time and adjust the pickup time automatically. No need to contact us unless your plans change entirely.
Can I pay in US dollars for my transfer? Yes — Chris Mobility Africa accepts payment in USD via Paystack (card and mobile money) or cash. GHS is also accepted.
Is the airport in Accra safe? Kotoka International Airport is a secure, well-managed facility. The main risks are outside the terminal — unofficial taxi drivers and opportunistic individuals in the car park area. Stay inside the terminal until your transport arrives.
Ready to Arrive Stress-Free?
The difference between a great start to your Ghana trip and a chaotic one often comes down to what happens in the first 30 minutes after you land.
A pre-booked airport transfer means your driver is already there, your vehicle is waiting, and the only thing you need to do is walk through the arrivals doors.
Book your Kotoka airport transfer — professional chauffeur, flight monitoring, meet and greet in arrivals hall. Starting from $40 USD.
Questions? WhatsApp us — we are available 24 hours for airport transfer enquiries.
Chris Mobility Africa provides airport transfers from Kotoka International Airport to all destinations across Greater Accra, Ghana, and West Africa. Ghana Tourism Authority licensed operator.
