Travelling Ghana by Road: A Review of STC Intercity Bus Services

Travelling across Ghana by road is how most people move between regions. The country’s road network is generally good, especially on major routes linking cities and regional capitals. However, once you leave the main highways and head into more rural areas, the experience can change quickly. Potholes, temporary road repairs and uneven surfaces can sometimes turn a smooth journey into one where your vehicle feels like each wheel is moving independently.

If you would rather spare your car — and your nerves — travelling by bus is often the more practical option. Services such as Intercity STC allow you to move across the country with a greater sense of peace of mind, particularly on longer journeys.

There is also a very Ghanaian practicality to how STC operates. On one occasion, a relative visiting during the Christmas period travelled by STC and arrived with fresh goat meat from Koforidua, transported as a parcel. Beyond passenger travel, STC’s parcel delivery service is widely used to move goods between regions, making it part of everyday life for many households.

Whether you are heading north to Tamale, visiting family in another region, or planning a multi-city trip, buses remain the lifeblood of Ghana’s road transport system. While trains are part of the conversation and worth discussing separately, road travel continues to be the most accessible option for most journeys.

Within cities, trotros are ideal for short distances. Some travellers also use them for longer journeys because they are inexpensive, but comfort is limited. For those looking for a more direct, comfortable and structured option, Intercity STC Coaches Limited remains one of the most recognisable names in long-distance road travel in Ghana.

Who Are Intercity STC and Where Do They Travel To?

Intercity STC Coaches Limited, commonly known as STC Intercity, is Ghana’s national intercity bus service. Its origins date back to 1909, when it was established as a government transport department. Over time, it evolved into the State Transport Corporation and now operates as Intercity STC Coaches Limited.

Today, STC provides domestic and international coach services, connecting major cities and regions across Ghana. Its network includes key destinations such as Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Sunyani, Cape Coast and Tamale, making it a practical option for both everyday travel and longer road trips.

Beyond Ghana, STC also operates routes into West Africa, including services to Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Burkina Faso. This regional reach makes STC one of the few bus operators offering cross-border road travel from Ghana, particularly for travellers who prefer land transport over flying.

In addition to passenger services, STC plays an important role in parcel and cargo delivery, allowing individuals and businesses to send goods between regions using the same network of routes.

How Much Are STC Tickets and Where Can You Book Them?

STC fares are generally fixed and published, making them easier to budget for compared to some other forms of road transport. Prices may change depending on demand and season, but typical one-way fares include:

• Accra to Kumasi – from around GHS120 (approximately 4 hours)

• Accra to Tamale – from around GHS240 (approximately 10 hours)

• Accra to Takoradi – from around GHS95 (approximately 4 hours)

• Accra to Sunyani – from around GHS140

Tickets can be booked in several ways:

• Online via the official STC website: https://stc.gov.gh/book

• In person at STC terminals across the country

• By phone, using STC’s booking hotlines:

  • 057 310 0375

  • 055 794 3605

  • 055 794 3606

While online booking is available, some travellers still prefer purchasing tickets directly at the station, especially during busy travel periods such as holidays and festive seasons.