Getting Around Eritrea
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use minibuses and taxis in Asmara. Rural: Rent a car for highland exploration. Coast: Buses and ferries to Massawa. For convenience, book airport transfers from Asmara to your destination.
Bus Travel
National Bus Network
State-run buses connect major cities like Asmara to Keren and Massawa with daily services.
Cost: Asmara to Massawa $5-10, journeys 4-6 hours on rough roads.
Tickets: Buy at bus stations or on board, cash only in USD or ERN.
Peak Times: Early mornings for departures, arrive early for seats.
Minibus Services
Private minibuses (arib) offer flexible routes for $3-8 per trip, faster than standard buses.
Best For: Short intercity hops, shared with locals for authentic experience.
Where to Catch: Main markets in Asmara or roadside stops, no fixed schedules.
Ferry Connections
Ferries link Massawa to Dahlak Islands and mainland ports, seasonal services available.
Booking: Arrange through local agents or ports, costs $10-20 round trip.
Main Ports: Massawa harbor for coastal and island access, check tides.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for remote areas like Danakil Depression. Compare rental prices from $50-80/day at Asmara Airport and hotels.
Requirements: International license, passport, deposit in USD, minimum age 25.
Insurance: Full coverage mandatory due to poor roads, includes 4x4 options.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, no highways.
Tolls: None, but checkpoints require permits for border areas.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and livestock, right-of-way at intersections.
Parking: Free in most areas, secure spots at hotels $2-5/night.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel scarce at $1.50-2/liter for petrol, carry extra jerry cans for long trips.
Apps: Offline Google Maps essential, GPS signals spotty in highlands.
Traffic: Light outside Asmara, watch for potholes and animals on roads.
Urban Transport
Asmara Buses & Minibuses
Local buses cover the city, single ride $0.50, day pass $2, informal minibuses common.
Validation: Pay conductor on board, no tickets issued usually.
Apps: Limited, use local advice or maps for routes in central Asmara.
Bike Rentals
Bikes available in Asmara for $5-10/day from hotels or markets.
Routes: Flat paths in city center, avoid outskirts due to traffic.
Tours: Guided bike tours of Italian architecture in Asmara available.
Taxis & Local Services
Shared taxis (taxis brousse) operate in Asmara and Massawa for $1-3 per ride.
Tickets: Negotiate fares, fixed rates in city centers.
Coastal Links: Taxis to beaches from Massawa ports, $5-10 for short trips.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stations in cities for easy access, central Asmara for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (Oct-Apr) and major events.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for remote area travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for generator power, water supply, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
3G coverage in Asmara and main roads, limited 2G in rural Eritrea.
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 in urban areas.
Local SIM Cards
EriTel offers prepaid SIMs from $10-20 with basic coverage in cities.
Where to Buy: Asmara airport, shops, or offices with passport required.
Data Plans: 1GB for $5, 5GB for $15, top-ups via vouchers.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels and some cafes in Asmara, limited elsewhere.
Public Hotspots: Internet cafes in cities charge $1-2/hour.
Speed: Slow (2-10 Mbps) in urban areas, unreliable for video.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3, no daylight saving.
- Airport Transfers: Asmara Airport 5km from city center, taxi $10 (15 min), or book private transfer for $15-25.
- Luggage Storage: Available at hotels ($2-5/day) and bus stations in major cities.
- Accessibility: Limited ramps, historic sites in Asmara have steps, plan accordingly.
- Pet Travel: Pets restricted, check with transport providers before travel.
- Bike Transport: Bikes can be carried on buses for $2-5, local rentals preferred.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Eritrea
Asmara International Airport (ASV) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Asmara International (ASV): Primary hub, 5km from city with taxi connections.
Massawa (MSW): Domestic and limited international, 20km from town, bus $5 (1 hour).
Assab (ASA): Southern airport with regional flights, basic facilities for desert access.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (Oct-Apr) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Addis Ababa and bus to Eritrea for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Erythrean Airlines and FlyEgypt serve Asmara with African and Middle East connections.
Important: Factor in visa fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in limited, arrive early for airport procedures.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Limited in Asmara, no foreign card support, carry USD cash.
- Credit Cards: Rarely accepted, use cash for all transactions.
- Contactless Payment: Not available, cash-only economy.
- Cash: USD preferred for tourists, change to ERN at hotels, keep $100-200 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary, small amounts $1-2 for exceptional service.
- Currency Exchange: Official rates poor, use Wise for planning, exchange at banks.