Getting around Ghana is half the adventure — and knowing your options turns potential stress into smooth travel. From cheap shared “tro-tros” and intercity coaches to ride-hailing apps, hired cars with drivers and time-saving domestic flights, there’s a way to suit every budget and route. The golden rules: distances take longer than the map suggests, roads are the biggest safety risk, and a good driver is worth their weight in gold. Here’s how to get around Ghana.
Your options at a glance
| Mode | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bolt / Uber | Getting around cities | Cheap, easy, metered |
| Intercity coaches (STC/VIP) | City-to-city | Comfortable, AC, book ahead |
| Tro-tro | Local & budget | Cheapest, crowded, an experience |
| Car + driver | Touring, flexibility | Best for sightseeing routes |
| Domestic flights | Accra–Tamale/Kumasi | Saves long drives north |
In the cities: ride-hailing & taxis
In Accra and Kumasi, Bolt and Uber are the easiest, cheapest and safest way around — metered, cashless or cash, and no haggling. Regular taxis (shared “dropping” or private) work everywhere; just agree the fare before you set off. For short hops in some towns, motorbike taxis (“okada”/”yellow-yellow” up north) are quick but riskier — helmets are rare. Stick to Bolt where you can (see our safety guide).
Between cities: coaches & tro-tros
For intercity travel, comfortable coaches — STC, VIP/VVIP and similar lines — link the main cities with AC and assigned seats; book ahead and arrive early. The iconic tro-tro (shared minibus) is the cheapest way to travel and a real slice of Ghanaian life, but it’s crowded, leaves “when full,” and takes longer — great for the experience and short hops, less so for long hauls with luggage.
Touring: hire a car with a driver
For sightseeing routes — the coast loop, the Volta, the north — the best option by far is to hire a car with a driver. It’s affordable by Western standards, removes the stress of bad roads and navigation, and a knowledgeable driver becomes a guide and fixer. Self-driving is possible but challenging (road conditions, driving style, police checkpoints), so most visitors skip it. Agree the route, rate and fuel arrangement up front.
Going north: fly
Ghana is long, and the drive from Accra to Tamale takes 10–12 hours. The smart move for a northern trip (Mole, the Upper East) is a domestic flight to Tamale (about an hour) or Kumasi — several carriers fly these routes daily. It saves whole days; see our flights guide.
Tips for getting around
- Over-budget travel time — traffic and road conditions slow everything.
- Use Bolt/Uber in cities; agree taxi fares in advance.
- Hire a driver for touring and the regions.
- Fly the long northern legs to save days.
- Carry cash and a SIM (our SIM guide); avoid rushing night drives.
The bottom line
Match the mode to the journey: Bolt in the cities, comfortable coaches or a hired car-and-driver between them, a flight to the north, and a tro-tro when you want the full local experience. Build in extra time, prioritise road safety, and a good driver will make the trip. Plan routes with our itinerary and flights guides.
