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Getting around in Ghana – Lonely Planet

Families enjoying the sand at Labadi Beach in Accra

Ghana is famed for its beaches and coastal cities, but exploring the rest of the country is easy, whether you’re drifting along the golden shoreline or heading inland to northern national parks.

Traveling through the country as a visitor can be challenging because there are so many unspoken rules, but with the right information, you’ll soon be on your way.

Whether you choose to hop around using a ride-share service or cover the miles on a long-distance bus, here’s what you need to know about getting around in Ghana.

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Public buses are the backbone of travel in Ghana

The public buses run by Ghana’s State Transport Corporation (STC) are a safe and affordable choice for short-haul and long-distance travel around the country, and they’re comfortable even for longer journeys. The four-hour trip from Accra to Cape Coast costs about C85 one way, so getting from place to place won’t take a huge bite out of your travel budget.

You can purchase tickets online for some trips, but most tickets are sold at the bus station – get there early before tickets sell out. Check the STC website to see which routes are running and which stations buses depart from (many cities have multiple bus stations, so make sure you head to the right one). Note that there’s an extra charge for luggage.

Planes are a good option if your time is limited

Africa World Airlines (AWA) and Passion Air operate domestic flights within Ghana, with routes fanning out from Accra. Both airlines have several flights daily to Takoradi, Tamale and Kumasi, and Passion Air also offers flights to Wa, Ho and Sunyani. While flying costs more than going by bus, and there’s also an environmental cost to consider, traveling by air is the fastest way to travel from region to region, and it’s usually a seamless process, with flights operated using small Embraer and Bombardier aircraft.

It’s easy to travel along Ghana’s beach-filled coastline by public bus © Max Milligan / AWL Images RM

Traveling by car is an option for confident drivers

Driving in Ghana is not for the fainthearted, but you can rent a car and drive yourself as long as you have an international driver’s permit in addition to your home license. It’s also possible to hire a car with a driver for US$100 to US$150 per day plus fuel. Road conditions in Ghana are not the best, so expect potholes, unfinished road surfaces, and lots of…

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