By Air

• Bole International Airport (ADD - Addis Ababa) – The largest airport, with flights from Europe, North America, and Asia.
• Dire Dawa International Airport (DIR - Dire Dawa) – Best for travelers heading to eastern Ethiopia and Harar.
• Bahir Dar Airport (BJR - Bahir Dar) – Ideal for visiting Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls.
• Lalibela Airport (LLI - Lalibela) – The main entry point for Ethiopia’s famous rock-hewn churches.

By Land

• Ethiopia shares land borders with Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, and South Sudan.

• Many travelers rent a car in Kenya or Sudan and drive into Ethiopia, but border crossings require special permissions.

Addis Ababa & The National Museum

The capital city, featuring historical museums, vibrant markets, and Mount Entoto views.

Lalibela & The Rock-Hewn Churches

A UNESCO World Heritage site, home to 11 medieval churches carved into the rock.

Gondar & Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Castles)

A historic city, famous for its ancient castles and Ethiopian Orthodox monasteries.

Simien Mountains National Park

A stunning highland region, perfect for trekking, wildlife spotting, and dramatic landscapes.

Axum & The Obelisks

One of Ethiopia’s oldest cities, known for its ancient ruins and biblical connections.

Danakil Depression & The Erta Ale Volcano

A unique desert region, featuring lava lakes, sulfur springs, and salt flats.

Bahir Dar & Lake Tana

A scenic lake city, home to island monasteries and the Blue Nile Falls.

Harar & The Walled City

A historic Islamic city, famous for its colorful alleyways and night-time hyena feeding ritual.

Ethiopia has modern highways, rugged mountain roads, and desert tracks, so choosing the right car depends on your travel plans.

Popular rental options include:

• Toyota Land Cruiser – A powerful 4x4 for mountain travel, remote areas, and national parks.
• Mitsubishi Pajero – A rugged SUV for long-distance drives and off-road routes.
• Suzuki Escudo – A compact SUV for city driving and short countryside trips.
• Toyota HiAce – A minivan for group travel and road trips to historical sites.

Most travelers choose SUVs or 4x4s, especially if visiting Lalibela, Danakil, or Simien Mountains.

• Ethiopia accepts international driver’s licenses and foreign licenses in English.

• If your license is not in English, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

• You must carry your original driver’s license and passport while driving.

• The minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old, but some companies require 25 years old for premium vehicles.

• Some rental providers charge extra fees for drivers under 25.

• Ethiopia has some toll roads, mainly on highways connecting major cities. Payments are made in Ethiopian Birr (ETB).

• Speed limits are enforced, with police checkpoints on highways.

• Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.

• Roads in rural areas can be rough, so a 4x4 is recommended for long-distance travel.

• Avoid driving at night in remote areas, as lighting and road conditions vary.

1. Addis Ababa to Lalibela (Historic Route)

A breathtaking mountain drive, taking you to Ethiopia’s famous rock churches.

2. The Simien Mountains Drive (Gondar to Debark)

A scenic highland road, leading to some of Africa’s best trekking trails.

3. The Rift Valley Lakes Route

A nature-filled drive, passing through Lake Awasa, Lake Abijatta, and Lake Shala.

4. Bahir Dar to Gondar (Northern Ethiopia Trail)

A cultural and historical journey, featuring royal castles and scenic landscapes.

5. Harar to Dire Dawa

A colorful eastern route, taking you through ancient cities and unique cultural sites.

• Book early for the best rates, especially during high travel season (October-April).

• Compare rental providers to find the lowest prices.

• Choose an SUV or 4x4 if you plan to drive in mountain or desert regions.

• Check if your rental includes full insurance, as road conditions can vary.

• Use secured parking lots, especially in Addis Ababa and major tourist cities.

Renting a car in Ethiopia is the best way to explore, but finding a reliable and affordable rental service can be challenging. With Rentascar.com, you get:

• Best Prices & No Hidden Fees – We compare top rental companies in Ethiopia to offer you the cheapest car hire deals.
• Trusted Rental Providers – Our network includes international brands and reliable local companies.
• Easy Pickup & Drop-off – Rent your car at Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Bahir Dar, or major city centers.
• Best Car Selection for Ethiopia’s Roads – Choose compact cars for cities, SUVs for road trips, and 4x4s for mountain travel.
• 24/7 Customer Support – Our team speaks English and Amharic, so you always get help when needed.
• Local Travel Tips & Assistance – Get driving advice, route suggestions, and must-see places to make your trip easier.

With Rentascar.com, renting a car in Ethiopia is affordable, easy, and stress-free. Book now and start your adventure! 🚗🇪🇹