GETTING AROUND - ABIDJAN
Several bus routes run throughout the city and are cheap and reliable, they can often get crowded. Adjame bus station is a busy place where many travel to different West African cities. Public transport can be difficult in the city and there is no fixed schedule making it difficult to calculate arrival times. There are different types and classes of buses in Abidjan, some are faster than others and the fees for these buses vary.
By TrainThe city of Abidjan is the site of the region’s only railway; the Abidjan-Ouagadougou line with stations located at Treichville, Abobo, and Adjame. This line only offers two trains, the Gazelle, and the Belier, linking the two capitals in about 40 hours. The most recent project in the city is the recent Abidjan Metro system which will offer a 20-mile loop around the city. The suburban train will link the North-West to the East and North of the city.
By CarRenting a car when visiting Abidjan is a good idea if you plan to travel to other destinations on the Ivory Coast. The roads in the city are in good condition, when traveling out of the city you will be stopped at various official and unofficial checkpoints. Driving around in the city is not necessary with the public transportation options available in Abidjan.
By TaxiTaxis are abundant in the city, there are two kinds; the taxi-meter (orange, or red-orange) which travel throughout the city, and woro-woro (yellow and green, blue and orange) which is limited to certain neighborhoods. The metered taxis can operate anywhere in the city, and these will be the most common choice for most visitors. These are the most expensive option and a ride from the airport to the city center will cost around 5,000 CFA. You can try to haggle and get the price down to 2,500-3,500 CFA.
The other taxis operate in certain neighborhoods, for example, green taxis will be present in Koumassi and Treichville, yellow taxis in the Cocody municipal areas, and blue in Marcory, Yopougon, and Abobo. These are mostly shared taxis and are a lot cheaper, but only travel in those neighborhoods. Uber and Yango ride-hailing apps are available in Abidjan.
On FootThe city center of Abidjan and other neighborhoods are walkable with options to visit some great restaurants, shops, and attractions located within walking distance. There are several paved streets and boulevards linking the towns.
By BoatAbidjan is one of the largest ports in West Africa, a container transshipment port that has been in operation since 1951. The Vridi Canal is a 49-foot deep canal where boats with large draughts can dock in the deep water.
There are ferries in the city that cross the lagoon from one side of the city to the other, they travel to Plateau, Treichville, Yopougon, and Cocody Blockaus via the Ebrie lagoon. This is a wonderful boat ride and a great way to see the city’s skyline and catch a delightful sunset.