Getting around
Low
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: tandfonline.com, walkingcitieslab.com
Overall2.1/10Harder to get around than about 85% of cities
Good to know
Good to Know
- Walking in Accra is necessary and cheap but not safe or pleasant—narrow, uneven sidewalks; poor lighting; crowding; and petty theft in busy areas. For visits to most neighborhoods, rideshare is safer and cost-effective.
- Bolt and Uber are reliable in central Accra (Osu, East Legon, Cantonments). Both experience surge pricing during rush hours and rainy days. Drivers will call after accepting to confirm your destination; be ready to answer.
- Trotro (minibus) fares are extremely affordable (GHS 3–10 per trip) and serve everywhere, but vehicles are crowded, no schedules are posted, and petty theft is common. Best for budget travelers comfortable with informal transport.
- Renting a car from Avis, Budget, or Hertz starts ~$72 USD/day for economy cars. Self-drive is possible but traffic, narrow streets, and aggressive driving make hiring a driver (~$30/day historically) a safer choice for many.
- Drivers in Accra may decline Bolt/Uber rides to peripheral areas (Kasoa, Tema, McCarthy Hill) due to lack of return fares. Plan extra time or pre-arrange rides to outlying neighborhoods.
- For safety at night or solo travel, use Bolt or Uber (in-app GPS tracking, license-plate verification). Avoid hailing street taxis after dark.
- Air conditioning in rideshare is often a paid add-on and not guaranteed. Bring a portable fan for comfort.
Car Rental
- Providers
- Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, Europcar, WopeCar (local app-based platform). Pickup available at Kotoka International Airport, Accra City, East Legon.
- Notes
- Driving in Accra is challenging due to heavy traffic, narrow streets, and pedestrian activity. Self-drive is possible but not recommended for unfamiliar drivers. Chauffeur/driver-hire option available (~$30/day historically, rates vary). Book in advance for better rates. Discounts available for weekly/monthly rentals. Vehicle age restrictions and young-driver surcharges may apply.
Short Term Daily Rates
Small/Economy Car
- Small/Economy Car
- GHS 750
Medium Car
- Medium Car
- GHS 900
SUV
- SUV
- GHS 1,850
Van
- Van
- GHS 1,820
Walkability
- Overview
- Accra's walkability is challenging. Sidewalks are often narrow, uneven, and obstructed by street vendors and poor drainage. Walking is the primary mode of transport by necessity rather than choice for most residents.
- Pedestrian Safety
- Pedestrian safety is a significant concern. Nearby half of road incidents occur during crossings, with most crashes concentrated during weekday peak hours. Street lighting is inadequate, and accessibility features for persons with disabilities are largely absent.
- Getting Around Tier
- low
- Getting Around Tier Rationale
- Accra has poor pedestrian infrastructure and safety, with walking done out of necessity and formal public transit limited, though ride-hailing apps offer some alternative to car ownership.
- Practical Notes
- Walking is affordable and widespread (over 70% of residents walk daily for at least part of their journey), but infrastructure is automobile-oriented. Central areas like Osu are more walkable than peripheral neighborhoods. Crowding and petty theft in busy areas require caution.
Bike Scooter Rental
- Status
- Limited availability
- Notes
- No established bike-sharing or scooter-rental infrastructure found. Informal rentals may be available through some resorts or tourist operators, but this is not a reliable or widespread option. Cycling safety concerns (night riding dangerous, limited bike parking) make this impractical for nomads.
Public Transit Fares
Trotro Minibus
- Range
- GHS 3–10 (approximately $0.27–$0.89 USD) for typical intra-city trips
- Typical Fares Short Distance
- GHS 5.70
- Typical Fares Medium Distance
- GHS 10
- Notes
- Fares set by unions; no fixed schedules or timetables. Vehicles depart when full. No trotro tickets issued. Crowded, petty theft risk—keep valuables secure. Accessible everywhere but less reliable for specific times.
- Description
- Most common public transport. Minivans (14-24 seaters) serving short intra-city distances. Cash payment to conductor.
Inter City Buses
- Providers
- STC (State Transport Company), VIP, Metro Mass Transit
- Typical Fare Range
- GHS 30
- Notes
- Air-conditioned, reserved seating. Book in advance. Depart from main bus station east of Obetsebi Lamptey Circle.
Metro Mass Transit
- Typical Fare Range
- GHS 7.00
- Notes
- More comfortable and safer than trotros. Less frequent than trotros. Departs from fixed stations.
- Description
- Government-operated buses. More formal, flexible schedules than trotros, but slower (stops along route).
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this walkability & transport research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Accra
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.