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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Ethiopia
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Ethiopia
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Ethiopia
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Ethiopia?
Ethiopia, a land of ancient history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes, offers a unique travel experience. While guided tours and public transport are available, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom to explore this fascinating country at your own pace. From the bustling capital of Addis Ababa to the remote corners of the Simien Mountains, a car allows you to discover Ethiopia's hidden gems.
Ultimate Freedom and Flexibility. With a rental car, you are not bound by tour schedules or public transport routes. You can explore at your own pace, stopping wherever and whenever you like.
Access to Remote Locations. Many of Ethiopia's most stunning attractions, such as the Danakil Depression or the rock-hewn churches of Tigray, are difficult to reach without a private vehicle. A rental car makes these remote destinations accessible.
Comfort and Convenience. Travelling long distances in Ethiopia can be challenging. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to navigate the country, especially if you have luggage or are travelling with family.
Immersive Cultural Experiences. Driving through Ethiopia allows you to interact with local communities and experience the country's rich culture firsthand. You can visit local markets, attend festivals, and explore traditional villages.
Driving in Ethiopia: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph (varies)
Languages
Amharic
Average petrol price
£0.70 per litre or £2.65 per gallon (approximate)
Speed limit outside the city
80-100 km/h or 50-62 mph (varies)
Currency
Ethiopian Birr
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Score
6.5/10
Dialling Code
+251
Driving in Ethiopia can be an adventurous experience, but it's essential to be aware of local rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the road.
1. Road Conditions Road conditions vary greatly throughout Ethiopia. Major highways are generally paved, but many secondary roads are unpaved and can be rough, especially during the rainy season. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for off-road adventures.
- Be prepared for potholes and uneven surfaces.
- Drive cautiously, especially at night.
2. Traffic Laws Traffic laws are often not strictly enforced, but it's important to drive responsibly. Be aware of pedestrians, animals, and other hazards on the road.
- Seatbelts are required, but not always used.
- Using a mobile phone while driving is discouraged.
3. Local Customs Ethiopian drivers often use their horns to communicate. Be prepared for frequent honking, especially in urban areas.
- Be patient and courteous on the road.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
4. Police Checkpoints Police checkpoints are common throughout Ethiopia. Be prepared to show your driver's license and vehicle registration.
- Cooperate with the authorities.
- Keep your documents readily available.
Top drives in Ethiopia:
Exploring Ethiopia by car is an unforgettable adventure, offering the chance to discover the country's diverse landscapes and cultural treasures.
From the rugged Simien Mountains to the ancient monasteries of Lake Tana, a road trip in Ethiopia is a journey through time and nature. Be prepared for challenging road conditions, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
Car Rental Prices in Ethiopia – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
Not commonly available
Classic:
from £25 / $30 / €28
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €58
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €70
Automatic:
from £35 / $44 / €40
SUV:
from £45 / $56 / €52
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in Ethiopia
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (October to May): Prices start at approximately £45 / $56 / €52 per day*
Low season (June to September): Discounts available from around £30 / $38 / €35 per day. This is the rainy season.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Ethiopia
Renting a car in Ethiopia can be an expensive endeavour, but with careful planning, you can save money and still enjoy the freedom of exploring the country on your own. Here are some tips to help you reduce your car rental costs.
1. Book Early.: Booking your rental car in advance can often result in lower prices, especially during peak season. Try to book several weeks or even months before your trip to secure the best rates.
2. Compare Prices.: Use online comparison websites to compare prices from different car rental companies. This will help you identify the cheapest deals and avoid overpaying.
3. Choose the Right Car.: Opt for a smaller, more fuel-efficient car if you don't need a lot of space or power. This will save you money on both rental costs and fuel consumption.
4. Decline Optional Extras.: Car rental companies often try to upsell you on optional extras like insurance or GPS navigation. If you don't need these extras, decline them to save money.
5. Refuel Before Returning.: Always refuel your rental car before returning it to the rental company. This will save you from paying inflated refuelling charges.
6. Check for Discounts.: Enquire about discounts for students, seniors, or members of certain organisations. You may be able to save a significant amount of money by taking advantage of these discounts.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Ethiopia?
Before you can rent a car in Ethiopia, you'll need to meet a few essential requirements. Make sure you have the following items ready before you head to the rental counter.
Valid Driver's Licence. You'll need a valid driver's licence from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is also recommended, especially if your licence is not in English.
Minimum Age. Most car rental companies in Ethiopia require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have higher age restrictions for certain types of vehicles.
Credit Card. You'll need a valid credit card in your name to pay for the rental and cover the security deposit. Debit cards may not be accepted.
Passport. A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Ethiopia as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, overall
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 10.01.2025
Exploring Ethiopia was amazing! Having a car gave us such freedom to discover hidden gems.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 16.04.2025
Pretty good, honestly
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 29.01.2025
Such a spontaneous weekend! Ethiopia's beauty unfolded effortlessly, thanks to our wheels.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 14.12.2024
Pretty relaxed, actually
David Wilson
Reviewed: 20.07.2025
Ethiopia exceeded expectations! Having our own transport was key, though the food portions in some places were surprisingly small. Incredible landscapes and friendly people.
Kai Jensen
Reviewed: 06.01.2025
Ethiopia was breathtaking! Driving through the countryside was so easy, and we saw incredible landscapes and charming villages. Having our own car made exploring so much more flexible and rewarding. Highly recommend a road trip!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 20.11.2024