Getting Around Accra: Your Essential Guide to Transport in the Capital

Accra is a vibrant, energetic city, and getting around is all part of the experience! Whether you’re visiting Ghana for the first time, returning home or simply exploring somewhere new, knowing how to navigate the capital makes all the difference.

From the trusty trotro to taxis and ride-hailing apps, there’s a way to get around Accra for almost every budget and travel style. Just remember, in Accra, a short distance doesn’t always mean a short journey!

Trotro – The Heart of Local Travel

You haven’t truly experienced Accra until you’ve heard a trotro mate shouting “Circle! Circle! Circle!” while hanging out of a minibus. Trotros are the backbone of public transport in Ghana. These shared minibuses follow established routes, picking up and dropping off passengers along the way. They’re affordable, widely used and a great way to experience everyday life in the city.

The only challenge for newcomers is knowing which one to take and where to get off. Don’t be afraid to ask the mate or another passenger for help.

Following Ghana’s September 2026 transport fare adjustment, approved intra-city fare categories range from approximately GH₵5.50 to GH₵36.80, depending on the route.

viewGhana tip: Carry smaller Ghana cedi notes and coins. And if you can, grab a window seat. You’ll catch the breeze and enjoy some of the best views of everyday Accra.

Taxis – Flexible and Negotiable

Traditional taxis remain a familiar sight across Accra, particularly around markets, transport stations and busy roadside junctions.

Unlike ride-hailing apps, private taxi fares are usually negotiated directly with the driver. The golden rule? Agree on the price before setting off.

Don’t be surprised if the first price sounds a little ambitious, especially if the driver suspects you’re visiting from abroad. A friendly conversation and a bit of local knowledge can go a long way.

Shared taxis are another option, where you pay for a seat alongside other passengers travelling in the same direction. They’re particularly useful for shorter local journeys.

Ride-Hailing Apps – Uber, Bolt and Yango

Sometimes you just want to get into a car, enjoy the air conditioning and arrive at your destination without negotiating. That’s where Uber, Bolt and Yango come in. These apps offer estimated fares, journey tracking and convenient door-to-door transport. They’re particularly useful when visiting unfamiliar neighbourhoods, travelling with luggage or heading out in the evening.

However, prices and waiting times vary depending on traffic and demand. We’d recommend installing at least two apps and comparing fares before booking.

Good to know: Drivers may call to confirm your pickup point. Using a familiar landmark can make finding each other much easier.

Read our guide to ride-hailing services in Ghana for more information about the different providers.

Know where you’re going? Save it to My Plans

Found a restaurant in Osu, an attraction in East Legon or somewhere interesting to explore this weekend? Use the viewGhana app to discover places and save your favourites to My Plans.

Keep your destinations together so you spend less time searching and more time enjoying Ghana.

Find it. Save it. Go experience it.

Explore places on viewGhana

Okada – Motorbike Taxis for the Adventurous

If you’ve spent enough time sitting in Accra traffic, you’ve probably watched an Okada weave past and thought, “Maybe that’s the way to go!”

Okadas are motorbike taxis used for short journeys, particularly where traffic makes travelling by car frustratingly slow.

They’re not for everyone, and safety should always come first. If you choose to use one, make sure you have a properly fitting helmet and avoid unnecessary risks.

Safety first: Commercial motorcycle transport has been subject to changing regulations in Ghana. Check the current rules and avoid unlicensed or unsafe operators.

Tricycles – The Famous Yellow Yellow

While they’re not common in central Accra, travel north to places such as Tamale and you’ll encounter the famous Yellow Yellow.

These three-wheeled vehicles are widely used for short local journeys and offer a different experience from travelling around Accra. If you’re exploring Ghana beyond the capital, they’re another part of everyday life worth discovering.

Prefer to Walk?

Not every journey needs a car. Some of Accra’s most interesting experiences are discovered on foot, particularly around markets, beachfronts and neighbourhood streets.

Walking through parts of Osu or Jamestown gives you a different perspective on the city. You’ll notice small food spots, street vendors and everyday moments that are easy to miss from a car.

Just remember that Accra isn’t consistently pedestrian-friendly. Pavements can be uneven or missing, traffic can be busy and the sun can be intense.

viewGhana tip: Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and avoid long walks during the hottest part of the day.

Travelling Beyond Accra? Take an Intercity Bus

If you’re heading to Kumasi, Cape Coast, Takoradi or Tamale, you don’t necessarily need to hire a car.

Ghana has established intercity coach services, including STC and VIP Jeoun, connecting major towns and cities.

They’re a practical alternative to driving, particularly for longer journeys. Just remember to check departure terminals, ticket prices and schedules before travelling.

We’ve recently updated our STC Intercity Bus Guide with routes, booking information, fares and practical tips for travelling across Ghana.

Accra Traffic – Plan Your Day Wisely

One thing every Accra resident knows is that traffic has a mind of its own.

You can leave East Legon expecting a quick trip to Osu and suddenly find yourself wondering whether you should have packed lunch! Major routes around Circle, Tetteh Quarshie, Spintex and Kaneshie can become heavily congested, particularly during commuting hours.

Our advice? Group your activities by location. Visit nearby attractions, restaurants and events together rather than spending your entire day crossing the city.

And if you’re visiting during December, allow extra time for concerts, parties and other popular events.

Five Tips for Getting Around Accra

1. Carry some cash. Particularly useful for trotros and shared taxis.
2. Compare ride-hailing fares. Uber, Bolt and Yango can offer different prices for the same journey.
3. Know your landmarks. Sometimes a familiar junction or shop is easier to find than a street address.
4. Allow extra time. Accra traffic can turn a short journey into a long one.
5. Plan your destinations. Keep nearby places together and think about your return journey before heading out.