Transportation

From Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra, the easiest way into the city is a taxi or a ride-hailing app such as Bolt or Uber, since the airport is close to central Accra. Agree the fare in advance with metered or airport taxis, or use an app for a transparent price. Some hotels offer airport pickups.

Everyday transport in cities relies on the trotro, a shared minibus that is the main way locals get around, plus city buses. Trotros are very cheap and run fixed routes, but can be crowded and have no timetable. For comfort and clarity, many visitors prefer taxis or ride-hailing apps. Fares are usually paid in cash or by mobile money.

Ghana has no unified rechargeable transit card like those in some countries; trotro and taxi fares are paid directly in cash. Instead, mobile money (MTN MoMo and similar) is the dominant everyday payment method and is widely used to pay drivers, shops and services. Set up mobile money or carry small cash for fares.

Ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Uber are popular in Accra and Kumasi and offer clear, upfront prices, which makes them a convenient choice for visitors. Regular street taxis usually have no meter, so agree the fare before you get in. Shared taxis run fixed routes for a fixed price. Fares can be paid in cash or by mobile money.

Intercity travel is mainly by coach. State operator STC and private lines such as VIP run comfortable buses between Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and other cities, often from dedicated stations. Shared long-distance minibuses are cheaper but less comfortable. Book popular routes ahead and allow extra time, as journeys can be long.

Domestic flights connect Accra with Kumasi and Tamale, and save a lot of time over the long road journeys, especially on the route north to Tamale. Domestic carriers operate these routes, and fares are reasonable if booked ahead. For the Accra-Kumasi leg, flying is quick, though buses are much cheaper.

Set up mobile money, as it is widely accepted for fares and everyday payments, and carry small cash for trotros and street taxis. Use ride-hailing apps for clear prices, and agree fares in advance for street taxis. Allow extra time for heavy traffic in Accra and for long intercity journeys, and keep a bottle of water and sun protection for hot days.