From the airport to the city centre Djibouti
Ambouli's small international airport, recently renovated and modernized, offers smooth arrival and departure conditions. All the usual formalities can be completed fairly quickly. There's also a small information desk and a few snack bars. Unfortunately, there is no public transport to the city center (6 km), so cabs are a must. During the day, the official prices, posted at the airport exit, are between FDJ 3,000 and FDJ 4,000. In the evening, fares may be higher. The journey to Place Ménélik takes just 15 minutes.
Arrival by train Djibouti
After a ten-year hiatus, the legendary line linking Djibouti to Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia has been replaced by a new electrified railroad. Inaugurated in 2018, the 750-kilometer line is designed for freight and passenger transport, and now links the two capitals in a total of 10-12 hours (not including the night in Dire Dawa), compared with 7 days in the past and 3 days currently by road. There is a departure from Nagad (about 15 km from the capital) on odd-numbered days, at 9 a.m. (arrival in Dire Dawa at 3 p.m., then Addis Ababa the following day). Ticket information and purchase (between FDJ 3,200 and FDJ 8,200, depending on category) at Nagad or Al Gamil station in town. It is advisable to arrive at Nagad station two hours before departure.
Arrival by boat Djibouti
A ferry (vehicles and passengers) provides the Djibouti-Tadjourah-Obock link. It makes four weekly rotations with Tadjourah and two for Obock. Ask at the port of Escale or at the tourist office, to know which rhythm was adopted (often stopped during July and August). Fast shuttles and dhows run between the capital and these two cities for the transport of goods. The former carry qat daily and have little room for passengers. But nothing prevents you from trying. You can also discuss the price of a slow crossing on a more picturesque dhow. For all these attempts, go to the port of Escale, in Djibouti. In a dhow, count about 500 FDJ for the crossing. If you have more money, you can take the shuttles of the travel agencies that link the city to Tadjourah (Sables Blancs), to Obock, to the Musha islands, depending on the demand. To be booked with the agencies.
Public transport Djibouti
Minibuses link Djibouti-Ville to some of the country's major towns: Tadjourah, Ali Sabieh, Dikhil, Yoboki and the Ethiopian border, Damerdjog. They're pretty cheap: FDJ 1,500 for Tadjourah, for example. Minibuses also link a number of towns: Dikhil-Ali Sabieh, Ali Sabieh-Ali Addé and Hol Hol, for example. Bush cabs are much less common. They are either minibuses or cabs that cover less-frequented routes. They sometimes cover virtually lost routes, chartered by a group of people, or on days and times more or less fixed according to need. The biggest problem is knowing when and where to take them. Only the locals know, and you'll have to find out on the spot, at the last minute. If you're on your own... it'll be expensive and you'll have to talk hard. The Djibouti Tourist Office can help you find the right people. In Djibouti-Ville, the departure station for buses and minibuses is at Place Mahmoud Harbi (also called Place Rimbaud). There is no fixed timetable; vehicles leave when they are full. But it's always best to get there early in the morning.
With a driver Djibouti
There are a lot of them, and they're very visible (especially around Menelik Square) with their green and white bodywork, and they never fail to signal their presence with a honk or a "eh chef! They're the only way to get from the center or the hotels to the airport. An average trip costs between FDJ 500 and FDJ 1,000 in the city center, and up to FDJ 3,500 for longer distances, such as from the city center to the airport (daytime, 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.). Rates are increased by 50% at night and often at weekends. Don't hesitate to discuss the price. Djibouti's urban cabs leave the capital on request and take you to Weah, Arta, Doraleh or Khor Ambado, for example. But be warned, they are expensive - very expensive. A round trip to Arta-Ville costs around 8,000 FDJ. It's imperative to negotiate the price carefully. There are so many cabs around that you can play the competition off against each other.
By car Djibouti
A car is essential for exploring the country; you might consider renting one to visit the sites along the RN1 or Tadjourah, Lake Assal or Randa. Elsewhere, you'll need a 4x4 with or without a driver. But if you want to go into the bush, you need to be an experienced 4x4 driver and really know the terrain. It's always best to go with a local guide. Rental rates are still quite high, for both sedans and 4x4s. For the latter, you really need to be an expert in certain areas. For individual travel, the easiest thing to do is join a group that charters a vehicle and a guide (as required). If there are several of you, renting a vehicle naturally becomes the most suitable solution, at a reasonable rate in relation to the price per person. Djibouti-Ville's travel agencies all have their own vehicles, or are in contact with a rental company. As far as formalities are concerned, a French driving license is sufficient for a short stay and for the first six months following arrival in Djibouti. The RN1 linking the capital to the Ethiopian border is by far the busiest road, mainly used by large numbers of lorries, so be careful when overtaking. The road is of good quality. The Unité road, which leads to Tadjourah, is also asphalted, but rather deserted. Arta and Randa are also within easy reach. No worries about petrol supplies, but it's best to fill up from Djibouti-Ville and bring your own full jerry cans of petrol into the bush. Outside the RN1 and the main towns, i.e. along the tracks, there are no filling stations. Beware of animals on the road (herds of goats, dromedaries), which are a danger to drivers. We advise against driving at night outside Djibouti-City.
Accessibility Djibouti
Keen to comply with the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Djiboutian government recently (2018) created the National Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Actions to improve the living conditions of people with disabilities (visual, cognitive, motor, auditory) are gradually developing, but have not yet led to any notable improvements in public transport and facilities.
