Questions about Ethiopia Driver
Everything travellers ask us before they book: prices, cars, airport pickups, payment and where we drive. Last updated 10 October 2026. For questions about travelling in Ethiopia itself, see Ethiopia answered.
About us
What is Ethiopia Driver?
A family-run private driver service based in Bole, Addis Ababa. We do airport pickups at Bole, a driver by the day around Addis Ababa, whole-car trips across the south of Ethiopia, and we can book your hotels and domestic flights in birr for you.
Are you open at night and at weekends?
Yes. We're open 24/7, every day, so we can meet any flight. Night pickups cost a little more.
Who are your services for?
Foreign travellers visiting Ethiopia: first-time visitors, couples, families, business travellers and people on a layover in Addis Ababa.
Prices and payment
How much does a private driver cost in Ethiopia?
Our starting prices are per car, not per person: Bole airport pickup from $30, a driver around Addis Ababa for up to about 10 hours from $75, a Bishoftu day trip from $80, Addis to Hawassa from $150 one way and Addis to Arba Minch from $250 one way. Your exact price is confirmed in your quote.
What is included in the price?
Fuel, tolls, parking, and the driver's food and lodging on trips outside Addis. The price you agree in your quote is the price you pay.
How do I pay?
You pay us in US dollars or your own currency. If we book hotels or domestic flights for you, we pay them in birr and you pay us one amount.
Why does a one-way trip cost more than half of a return trip?
Because the car still has to come home. After a one-way trip to Hawassa or Arba Minch, the driver drives back to Addis with an empty car, which costs fuel and another working day.
Cars and drivers
What cars do you use?
Sedans and SUVs. A sedan takes up to three people with normal luggage. An SUV costs a little more and suits four or more people, big suitcases or a multi-day trip to the south. Tell us how many people and bags you have and we'll suggest the right car.
How do I find my driver at Bole airport?
Your driver waits outside the arrivals exit with a sign showing your name. The evening before, we send you the driver's name and the car's plate number, so you can check both before you get in. If your flight changes, just message us on WhatsApp.
Can the driver stay with me all day?
Yes. With a driver by the day, the same car takes you to each stop and waits outside, so you never look for a taxi. This is also how layover outings work: the drives from and back to Bole are part of the day.
Where we drive
Where do you drive?
Addis Ababa, Bishoftu's crater lakes, the Rift Valley lakes (Ziway, Langano, Abijatta-Shalla), Hawassa, Arba Minch and the Bale Mountains. Our cars are based in Addis Ababa. We don't take travellers to the north (Amhara, Tigray, Afar) while official advice warns against travel there.
Do you drive at night outside Addis?
No. On long roads we leave early in the morning and plan to be off the road by about 3 pm. Late in the day, livestock and unlit vehicles are much harder to see. Inside Addis we drive around the clock.
How long is the drive to Arba Minch?
About 8 to 10 hours. You choose: one long day leaving Addis at dawn, or two easier days with a night in Hawassa on the way.
Can you take me to Harar?
Our cars are based in Addis, and the long road east isn't advised right now, so the best way is to fly to Dire Dawa. Message us and we can book the flight and help you plan the rest.
Do you check that the road is safe?
Yes. Before every trip outside Addis we check the route with our drivers across the country, then decide the route and departure time with you. Please check your own government's travel advice too.
Booking
How do I book?
Message us on WhatsApp (+251 71 806 6787), email hello@ethiopiadriver.com, or use the quote form on this site. Tell us where, when and how many people, and we reply with one fixed price for the whole car.
Can you book my hotels and domestic flights?
Yes. We can book hotels and Ethiopian Airlines domestic flights for you in birr, and line up your airport rides around the flight times.
Still have a question?
Message us on WhatsApp and we'll answer, day or night. See also about us and services and prices.