Things to do at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

A variety of activities are offered in Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. There are various activities to be enjoyed at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

Restaurants & Cafés

The airport in Addis Ababa, Bole International, does not have a large food court, but there are good food options for travellers.

There are vegetarian menus,s and one of the most visited Ethiopian and international restaurants at the airport is Cravings Restaurant & Bar. It is a popular food among tourists who like to go through 3 square meals before heading to the airport.

Ideal for shorter flights, London Café & Satellite Restaurant offers sandwiches or burgers, quick bites and coffee alongside pastries.

If you're a fan of foreign restaurants looking to try their burgers or pizzas, then you are in for Burger King and Pizza Hut. They are a convenient spot to have lunch before taking off to go on the road and a convenient place to get a quick bite before flying.

The freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee and the artisanal coffee, which are sold as souvenirs at Harro Coffee, are must-try items for all coffee lovers.

Shops & Lifestyle Stores

It is mainly duty-free shopping and authentic Ethiopian souvenirs at Addis Ababa Airport which are Ethiopian.

Duty-free shops include Alfarag Duty Free, Flemingo Duty Free and Sheba Duty Free that have perfumery, cosmetics, chocolates, spirits and travel accessories as well as electronics.

Ethiopian souvenirs, leather souvenirs and Ethiopian coffee souvenirs such as Ethiopia Tourist Trading Enterprise, The Real Leather Shop, Genet Solomon Souvenir Shop, Harro Coffee are sold in Ethiopia souvenirs shops. These shops sell last-minute souvenirs to be bought before an international flight.

Lounges & Relax Spots

In Terminal 2, there are a number of luxury lounges, which are suitable for people who wish to use them for a bit of relaxation.

A buffet meal and premium drinks will be offered to Business Class passengers; Wi-Fi and shower/prayer rooms are available, and the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony will be served at Sheba Cloud Nine Lounge.

Sheba Platinum & Star Gold Lounge is for frequent travellers, and ShebaMiles members will be able to enjoy additional space for children, additional relaxation areas and refreshments in ShebaMiles Silver Lounge.

Lounge packages feature luxurious furnishings, meals and drinks, Internet and business services, and this has a more relaxed ambiance of the Plaza Premium Lounge.

Other Activities and Unique Features

The world-famous Ethiopian coffee culture is one of the best attractions to visit when travelling around Addis Ababa. For those who are planning to travel from outside of Ethiopia, the traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony can be experienced during their stay in the coffee lounges of several of the airport's rooms, giving them an opportunity to taste Ethiopian culture before leaving.

The airport also has complimentary Wi-Fi, banking and currency exchange counters, gift shops and convenient waiting areas and ATMs to make long layovers easier.

Suggested Layover Itineraries

3-hour layover

Make all transfers, have a cup of coffee in the Harro Coffee or London Café, shop duty-free and relax by your departure gate.

5–6 hour layover

Enjoy the lounge facilities, eat at Cravings Restaurant & Bar and shop for Ethiopian souvenirs and coffee before travelling to your next flight.

8+ hour layover

Visitors with a visa and time can visit Addis Ababa city. Otherwise, relax in one of the airport lounges, enjoy some true Ethiopian food, get some souvenirs and enjoy the traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony.

Airport Facilities Overview

Duty-Free Shopping

Ethiopian goods such as coffee, leather, handicrafts, perfume, cosmetics, confectionery or any type of travel product can be bought from duty-free shopping centres such as Ethiopian Alfarag Duty Free, Flemingo Duty Free and Sheba Duty Free.

Restaurants and Dining Overview

Cravings Restaurant & Bar, London Café & Satellite Restaurant, Burger King and Pizza Hut provide full meals or snacks, with freshly brewed Ethiopian Coffee.

Lounges

Premium travellers have access to membership of Sheba Cloud Nine Lounge, Sheba Platinum & Star Gold Lounge, ShebaMiles Silver Lounge and the Plaza Premium Lounge (if eligible).

Ground Transportation

It's easy to reach the city centre of Addis Ababa from the airport as taxis, hotel transfers or private hire cars are available.

Traveller Essentials

The airport has various facilities such as free Wi-Fi ("ADD Free WiFi"), ATMs, currency exchange, banks, tourist information, first aid, restaurants, cafés, duty-free and gift shops, accessibility assistance, and car parking throughout the airport.

Quick Facts

  • Airport Code: ADD
  • Official Name: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
  • Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Distance from City Centre: Approximately 6 km
  • Main Airline Hub: Ethiopian Airlines
  • Passenger Terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
  • Major Lounges: Sheba Cloud Nine Lounge, Sheba Platinum & Star Gold Lounge, ShebaMiles Silver Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge
  • Popular Dining: Cravings Restaurant & Bar, London Café & Satellite Restaurant, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Harro Coffee
  • Shopping: Alfarag Duty Free, Flemingo Duty Free, Sheba Duty Free, Ethiopian Tourist Trading Enterprise, The Real Leather Shop
  • Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the airport ("ADD Free WiFi")

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