Long layover in Addis Ababa? How to leave the airport, whether your ticket includes a hotel, and how to stay 6–10 minutes from Bole Airport with free 24-hour pickup.
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is one of Africa's busiest connecting hubs, and many Ethiopian Airlines passengers find themselves with a long layover or an overnight connection here. If you have more than a few hours between flights, getting out of the terminal for a shower, a proper bed and a hot meal can make the rest of your journey far easier.
Here is what to know before you book.
Can I leave the airport during my layover?
To leave the airport you pass through Ethiopian immigration, so you need a passport and visa status that allow entry to Ethiopia. Rules depend on your nationality, so check the official Ethiopian immigration e-visa website or your airline before you travel. If you cannot enter the country, you will need to stay airside.
Does my ticket include a transit hotel?
Some long connections on Ethiopian Airlines include airline-arranged transit accommodation, depending on your fare and connection time. Ask Ethiopian Airlines directly whether your ticket qualifies. If it does not, or you prefer to choose your own hotel, booking a room near the airport is simple and affordable.
How close should my hotel be?
Addis Ababa traffic can be slow at busy times, so a hotel close to Bole Airport saves you stress. Sun View Hotel is 3.1 km from the airport, about 6 to 10 minutes by car, on Namibia Street in Bole near Edna Mall.
How to stay at Sun View Hotel during a layover
1. Send us your flight number and arrival time on WhatsApp (+251 966 269 861), by phone or by email.
2. Our driver meets you at Bole International Airport. Airport pickup and drop-off are free, 24 hours a day.
3. Rest, shower and eat. Breakfast is included with overnight stays, and our restaurant and bar are on site.
4. We drive you back to the airport in time for your next flight. You can leave your bags at the 24-hour front desk if you go out exploring.
Short layover? Ask about a day-use room
If you only need a few hours to rest between flights, we offer day-use rooms. Message us on WhatsApp with your flight times for the rate and availability.
What does it cost?
Overnight rooms at Sun View Hotel start at USD 35 per night, with breakfast, free Wi-Fi and the free airport shuttle included. Check-in is from 12:00 PM (noon) and you can arrive any time after that, day or night, because the front desk is open 24 hours. If you land before noon, book the previous night so your room is ready when you arrive.
Things to do on a longer layover
With a full day in Addis Ababa you can visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, Holy Trinity Cathedral or Entoto Natural Park, or simply enjoy Ethiopian coffee and food around Bole. Our team is happy to suggest a plan that gets you back to the airport on time.
Planning a layover in Addis Ababa? See our airport and layover page at sunviewhoteladdis.com/bole-airport-hotel or message us on WhatsApp, and we will have a driver waiting.
Here is what to know before you book.
Can I leave the airport during my layover?
To leave the airport you pass through Ethiopian immigration, so you need a passport and visa status that allow entry to Ethiopia. Rules depend on your nationality, so check the official Ethiopian immigration e-visa website or your airline before you travel. If you cannot enter the country, you will need to stay airside.
Does my ticket include a transit hotel?
Some long connections on Ethiopian Airlines include airline-arranged transit accommodation, depending on your fare and connection time. Ask Ethiopian Airlines directly whether your ticket qualifies. If it does not, or you prefer to choose your own hotel, booking a room near the airport is simple and affordable.
How close should my hotel be?
Addis Ababa traffic can be slow at busy times, so a hotel close to Bole Airport saves you stress. Sun View Hotel is 3.1 km from the airport, about 6 to 10 minutes by car, on Namibia Street in Bole near Edna Mall.
How to stay at Sun View Hotel during a layover
1. Send us your flight number and arrival time on WhatsApp (+251 966 269 861), by phone or by email.
2. Our driver meets you at Bole International Airport. Airport pickup and drop-off are free, 24 hours a day.
3. Rest, shower and eat. Breakfast is included with overnight stays, and our restaurant and bar are on site.
4. We drive you back to the airport in time for your next flight. You can leave your bags at the 24-hour front desk if you go out exploring.
Short layover? Ask about a day-use room
If you only need a few hours to rest between flights, we offer day-use rooms. Message us on WhatsApp with your flight times for the rate and availability.
What does it cost?
Overnight rooms at Sun View Hotel start at USD 35 per night, with breakfast, free Wi-Fi and the free airport shuttle included. Check-in is from 12:00 PM (noon) and you can arrive any time after that, day or night, because the front desk is open 24 hours. If you land before noon, book the previous night so your room is ready when you arrive.
Things to do on a longer layover
With a full day in Addis Ababa you can visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, Holy Trinity Cathedral or Entoto Natural Park, or simply enjoy Ethiopian coffee and food around Bole. Our team is happy to suggest a plan that gets you back to the airport on time.
Planning a layover in Addis Ababa? See our airport and layover page at sunviewhoteladdis.com/bole-airport-hotel or message us on WhatsApp, and we will have a driver waiting.
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