Getting Around Djibouti
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use taxis and minibuses for Djibouti City. Rural: Rent a 4x4 for desert and coastal exploration. Coast: Ferries and bush taxis. For convenience, book airport transfers from Djibouti-Ambouli to your destination.
Train Travel
Djibouti-Ethiopia Railway
Limited passenger services on the electric rail line connecting Djibouti to Ethiopia, primarily freight-focused with occasional tourist trains.
Cost: Djibouti to Dire Dawa $20-40, journeys 4-6 hours for border crossings.
Tickets: Book via Ethiopian Railways website or Djibouti station offices, advance purchase required.
Peak Times: Avoid weekends for cargo priority, check schedules as services are infrequent.
Rail Passes
No dedicated rail passes available; single tickets for cross-border trips, bundle with bus for multi-stop itineraries.
Best For: Ethiopia-Djibouti border crossings, savings for combined transport over several days.
Where to Buy: Djibouti main station or online portals, passport required for international travel.
High-Speed Options
The new Addis Ababa-Djibouti line offers faster freight but limited passenger access; future expansions may include more services.
Booking: Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead for availability, group bookings for tours discounted up to 20%.
Djibouti Stations: Nagad station is main hub, with connections to port areas and Ethiopia border.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring deserts, lakes, and rural sites. Compare rental prices from $50-80/day at Djibouti Airport and city centers, 4x4 recommended.
Requirements: International license, credit card, minimum age 21-25, off-road experience advised.
Insurance: Full coverage essential for rough roads, includes liability for border areas.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 110 km/h highways where paved.
Tolls: Minimal, some border checkpoints require fees ($5-10), no vignettes needed.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and camels, roundabouts common in cities.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered in Djibouti City $1-2/hour, secure lots advised.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available in cities at $1.20-1.50/liter for petrol, $1.10-1.40 for diesel, scarce in remote areas.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation in low-signal zones.
Traffic: Light outside cities, but watch for sandstorms and military checkpoints.
Urban Transport
Taxis in Djibouti City
Shared and private taxis cover the capital, single ride $1-3, day pass not available but negotiate for multiples.
Validation: No tickets needed, agree fare upfront, fixed routes for shared taxis.
Apps: Limited, use local apps like DjibiTaxi for bookings in urban areas.
Bike Rentals
Limited bike-sharing in Djibouti City and coastal areas, $5-10/day from hotels or tour operators.
Routes: Flat terrain suitable for biking around Lac Assal and urban paths.
Tours: Guided eco-tours available for desert and coastal biking, helmets provided.
Minibuses & Local Services
Bush taxis (minibuses) connect cities to rural areas, operated informally with frequent departures.
Tickets: $2-5 per ride, pay driver on board, crowded during peak hours.
Ferries: Coastal ferries to Tadjoura and Obock, $5-10 round-trip for scenic routes.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near the port or airport in Djibouti City for easy access, coastal areas for relaxation.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (Oct-Mar) and major events like port festivals.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for heat-related travel adjustments.
- Amenities: Check for AC, WiFi, and proximity to transport before booking in hot climate.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in cities, 3G in rural Djibouti including coastal areas, spotty in deserts.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Evatis and Telesom offer prepaid SIMs from $10-20 with reliable coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for $15, 10GB for $25, unlimited for $30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, cafes, and ports, limited in rural spots.
Public Hotspots: Airport and main squares offer free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally 10-50 Mbps in urban areas, suitable for maps and messaging.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Djibouti-Ambouli Airport 5km from city center, taxi $5-10 (10 min), or book private transfer for $20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airport and hotels ($3-5/day), limited in rural areas.
- Accessibility: Taxis and minibuses basic, 4x4 rentals better for uneven terrain, few ramps in historic sites.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed in taxis with fee ($5-10), check hotel policies for restrictions.
- Bike Transport: Bikes can be carried on minibuses for $2-5, rentals include transport options.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Djibouti
Djibouti-Ambouli Airport (JIB) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Djibouti-Ambouli (JIB): Primary international gateway, 5km south of city center with taxi connections.
Obock Airport (OBC): Small airstrip for domestic flights, limited service 100km north.
Tadjoura Airstrip: Basic for charters to coastal areas, convenient for remote Djibouti.
Booking Tips
Book 1-2 months in advance for dry season (Oct-Mar) to save 20-40% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Addis Ababa or Dubai and taking bus/ferry to Djibouti for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Flydubai, Ethiopian Airlines, and Air France serve JIB with regional connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and desert heat for luggage when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in recommended 24 hours before, airport fees apply.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities, withdrawal fee $2-5, use bank machines to avoid high tourist markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels, limited elsewhere; cash preferred.
- Contactless Payment: Emerging in urban spots, Apple Pay and Google Pay in major hotels.
- Cash: Essential for taxis, markets, and rural areas, keep $50-100 in small USD notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but 5-10% appreciated in restaurants and for guides.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport bureaus with poor exchanges.