Getting Around Cote D'Ivoire

In many cases, travelling to smaller places means being dependant on minibusses. They are terribly uncomfortable, it means waiting for hours; they won't leave until they are completely filled. Usually, you are sitting together with about 16 people, packed together like a can of sardines. The drivers drive like madmen; very dangerous.
On the other hand, it is a great way to get to know African people and African way of life.

In all major cities you'll find BIG BUS stations.
These busses are much more reliable than tro-tros or taxis.
Normally they leave in time and they aren't that crappy as the other vehicles.
Sometimes you'll have air-conditioning and they often stop, so you can go to the toilet or buy a snack and drink.

When you’ve got the possibility to do a boat ride, don’t hesitate.
In remote areas it’s an ideal opportunity to spot animals while they’re resting at the shore, or when they jump from tree to tree. When you can’t swim be sure you wear a lifejacket, because at the rainy season the rivers are very rough.
Have fun.

I've travelled by bus, train and car! I don't really recommend the bus 'it's a risky business'...you sort of know when you leave but never when you arrive. Like the man sitting next to me said 'si Dieu le veut', 'God willing', he was talking about reaching our destination. The roads are hazardous and the drivers a bit crazy to say the least. I left Abidjan and did 360 kilometers to Bouake, a once in a life time experience...the people, me and the chickens...we made it safely! I returned by train and it took 10 hours to cover 360 kilometers...that says it all! I drove to Man and San Pedro. The road to Man is 'good', one has to watch out for oncoming traffic and holes, if you drive with the knowledge that there are some crazy people out there it is well worth it. To San Pedro the road was 'great', but there too be very careful. I don't recommend driving at night.

Travel - International

AIR: Airlines serving Côte d'Ivoire include Air Afrique, Air France, Egyptair, Lufthansa, Swissair, KLM and Air Burkina. Côte d'Ivoire has a shareholding in Air Afrique.

Approximate flight times: From Abidjan to London is 6 hours, to New York is 12 hours.

International airports: Abidjan (ABJ) (Félix Houphouët-Boigny) is 16km (10 miles) southeast of Abidjan (travel time - 25 minutes). Buses, taxis and coaches are available to the city. Airport facilities include duty-free shop (24 hours), restaurant, shops, bank, post office and car hire (Avis).

Note: This airport is being renovated and has acquired extra facilities including video information screens and larger arrival and departure areas. Work should be complete in mid-2001.
Yamoussoukro (ASK) (San Pedro) has recently been upgraded to international standard.

Departure tax: CFAfr3000 for African destinations and CFAfr5000 for all other departures.

SEA: There are no regular passenger sailings but cargo liners provide limited accommodation for passengers travelling from Europe.

RAIL: There are two through trains with sleeping and restaurant cars from Abidjan to Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) daily (travel time - 25-27 hours). Those intending to travel should be aware that the Burkina Faso rail network is under constant threat of closure because of financial difficulties; check with the appropriate authorities before finalising arrangements.

ROAD: There are road links of varying quality from Kumasi (Ghana) and from Burkina Faso, Guinea and Liberia and Mali. Borders close at night. Bus: Frequent services operate to Accra (Ghana) and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). There is a service approximately once a week to Bamako (Mali); the journey can be very long (36-96 hours). Bush taxis also operate on these routes.

I flew American Airlines from Dallas DFW to Paris CDG, then flew Air France from Paris CDG to Abidjan ABJ. From Dallas to Abidjan, it was approx. 22 hours travel time. I would recommend using the same carrier from origination to destination. Be sure to NOT bypass the guard stations inside the airport. It is not uncommon to have men in airport uniforms offer to stamp your passport 'for a small price' (especially the American trourist - US passports and currency are in high-demand on the underground market). If you choose to do this to bypass the lines, you take a high risk of having your passport checked without a valid Ivorian entry visa.
Most people in Ivory Coast walk or ride bicycles. Those that have them, drive cars; however, the rules of driving are a lot less structured than those in the USA. Stripes and traffic signals have no meaning in the cities. Drivers Beware!! Taxis are also available but, again, be sure you don't get ripped off if you have the look of being a tourist.

I used local transport at all times - since I was the only tourist I was usually offered the more spacious seat up near the driver rather than being squashed next to a basket of chickens at the back. Around Man region we hired a car and driver for very little money to take us to some outlying villages.

If you are sick and tired of the minibus, hire a taxi. It is not expensive, and you can stop in places if you ask.