Quick answer
Addis Ababa to Hawassa is about 275 km and around 4½ hours by private car, on a fully paved road via Mojo, Ziway and Shashemene. A whole car with driver and fuel starts from $150 one way, the same for 1 to 4 people; your exact price is confirmed in your quote.
Get a fixed price for this Ask us for a fixed priceWhat’s included
- Car, fuel, tolls, parking and driver
- Pickup at Bole airport or your hotel
- Stops whenever you want
- A security check on the road before you go
- Same price for 1 to 4 people
Not included: Hotel · Meals · Park and boat fees
On the way
- MojoWhere the road leaves the expressway and heads south into the Rift Valley.
- Lake ZiwayThe first of the Rift Valley lakes, a good place to stretch your legs.
- ShashemeneThe last town before Hawassa, about 25 km to go.
- Lake HawassaThe lakeside, the fish market and the town's hotels.
How booking works
- You writeWhere, when, how manyFour quick questions or one WhatsApp message, in English. Not sure of your dates yet? That's fine.
- We quoteOne fixed priceIn US dollars, whole car, fuel and driver included. No payment now.
- You confirmWe're waiting for youYour driver's name, photo and plate the evening before. At arrivals with your name, or at your door.
Questions people ask us
Why does one way cost nearly as much as a return?+−
Your driver drives back to Addis empty, so a one-way trip costs close to a round trip. If you're coming back, ask for both in one quote.
Can the driver stay with us in Hawassa?+−
Yes. Tell us how many days and we quote the driver staying with you, door to door.
Can we stop on the way?+−
Yes, as often as you like: coffee, photos, the lakes.
How do I pay?+−
In US dollars or the same amount in your own currency. No payment now: the price is fixed before you ride.
Live road updates29 September 2026
- Addis AbabaOpen, calm
- BishoftuOpen, 1 hour away
- The southOpen, we drive it weekly
- Tigray & parts of AmharaNot right now: ask us
