I recently found myself at Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra, Ghana, and let me tell you, it was quite the adventure! As Ghana’s main gateway and one of West Africa’s busiest airports, the vibe was electric from the moment I stepped off the plane.

Named after Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, this airport really knows how to leave a lasting impression.

This trip to Ghana in 2024 was my second time there, and wow, I noticed some changes! My first visit was back in 2021, and I still remember being totally blown away by the sheer size and design of Kotoka International Airport. It was like walking into a futuristic hub compared to what I’d seen before. Coming from Cameroon, the difference was striking. Ghana has really stepped up its game in terms of development. It feels like they’ve been putting in serious work to boost their infrastructure, and it shows.

Here’s a breakdown of my two experiences:

Accessibility and Transportation to the Kotoka International Airport

Kotoka is conveniently located about 10 kilometers from Accra’s city center, which makes getting to and from the airport super easy. I had a few options at my disposal:

• Taxis: Plenty of them were waiting outside the terminal. I’d been warned to agree on the fare before the ride, so I did just that—no surprises here!
• Hotel Shuttles: Some hotels offer shuttle services, which is super convenient, especially if you don’t feel like negotiating with taxi drivers.
• Tro-Tros: For the more adventurous, Ghana’s famous shared minibuses are an option, though I decided to save that experience for another day. Tro-tros, the shared minibuses, can be a cheap option, but they don’t drop you right at the airport—they end at the main road, which is quite a walk from the terminal. While you’ll save money, they make a lot of stops, so the journey can take much longer. If you go this route, be prepared for a bit of a trek to reach the airport. My advice? Pack light and get ready for some exercise!
• Car Rentals: These are available if you feel like braving the streets of Accra behind the wheel yourself. Personally? I passed on this one because I cannot drive and its very expensive.

What option did I use to the airport?

Back in 2021, my big Ghanaian friend was my airport hero—picking me up and dropping me off made everything super convenient. Fast forward to 2024, I was flying solo and decided to use an Uber. Let me tell you, it wasn’t exactly cheap! If you’re staying far from the airport, it can get really expensive. So here’s my top tip: book a place near the airport for a day or two before your flight. Accra’s traffic is no joke, and you could easily end up spending too much on the ride—or worse, missing your flight altogether!

How is Terminal 3 at the Kotoka International Airport: A Shiny, Modern Surprise

Kotoka’s Terminal 3 is sleek and modern, and it really stands out. First on my list after arriving? Food! There’s a solid mix of local and international options, so whether you’re craving Ghanaian jollof or something familiar, you won’t go hungry.

After fueling up, I wandered around to explore the shopping options. There’s everything from luxury duty-free goods to charming local crafts—I couldn’t resist picking up a few souvenirs but couldn’t bring them back home because of their prices. Thankfully I could touch them and imagine holding them. I left them back where I met them before I left though I was tempted to steal one. My best advice to avoid this pricey temptation is to buy from the cheap markets or the street stalls.

Facilities: Banking, Wi-Fi, and More

On the practical side, ATMs and currency exchange services were easy to find, so I didn’t have to stress about getting my hands on some local cash. I recommend bringing US dollars with you to Ghana since the Ghanaian cedi is fairly close in value to the dollar. However, be mindful of the exchange rates at the airport—they tend to be high, as is typical. I wouldn’t suggest exchanging a large amount of money there. Personally, I only exchanged 100 USD, which worked out just fine for the essentials!

The Wi-Fi? It worked like a dream—fast, free, and everywhere. It made it easy to check emails, post that obligatory “I’m in Ghana!” selfie, and stay connected throughout the airport. I was very impressed by this.

Check-in was refreshingly smooth, especially in Terminal 3, where I saw some passengers taking advantage of the self-service kiosks. It wasn’t there in 2021 or at least I didn’t notice it.

Security was tight, but efficient—no long, stressful lines here. Once through, I found myself in the waiting areas, which were bright, airy, and full of charging stations—perfect for keeping my devices powered up. I spent the few minutes before my flight watching my usual sermons from Prophet T.B. Joshua, Joyce Meyer and Pastor Joseph Prince.

Lounges and Waiting Areas at Kotoka International airport: Comfort All Around

While I didn’t get to experience the exclusive business class lounges, they looked amazing from what I saw—think cozy seating, showers, and refreshments.

The general waiting areas in Terminal 3 were spacious, well-lit, and had everything you’d need for a comfortable wait. The waiting room at Kotoka International Airport, especially in Terminal 3, is modern, spacious, and well-designed for comfort. The area is well-lit, with large windows that allow natural light to flood in, creating an airy and relaxing atmosphere. There are plenty of comfortable seats, many of which are equipped with charging stations for passengers to plug in their devices. The space is thoughtfully organized, with some sections offering more privacy and quiet for those who prefer to relax or work.

If there’s one thing Kotoka does right, it’s cleanliness. The restrooms were sparkling clean, and the common areas were well-maintained. It’s nice when an airport prioritizes cleanliness, and it made my time there much more pleasant.

Customer Service: Friendly and Helpful

The staff at Kotoka were friendly, professional, and always ready to help. I never felt lost, and their clear signage and helpful information desks made navigating the airport a breeze.

Kotoka International Airport is quite large, but I was impressed with how easy it was to navigate. The signs were clear and easy to identify, making it surprisingly smooth to find my way around—especially for an African airport. It felt modern and well-organized!

While baggage handling was smooth for me, I’d heard stories of occasional delays during busy hours. To play it safe, I kept my essential items in my carry-on, just in case my checked luggage decided to take its time.

The Downsides: Crowds and Limited Public Transport

Kotoka isn’t without its flaws. During peak travel times, the airport can get pretty crowded, which makes moving through the terminals a bit slow. Also, while taxis are abundant, public transport options are pretty limited—tro-tros aren’t for everyone, and it can feel overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the system.

Final Thoughts: Kotoka is a Great Gateway to Ghana

All in all, Kotoka International Airport exceeded my expectations. The modern Terminal 3, friendly staff, and solid facilities make it a great starting point for any journey. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, Kotoka is a welcoming and convenient gateway to Ghana. I left the airport excited for my adventure, and I can honestly say Kotoka set the perfect tone for an unforgettable trip!

You can read the 11,000 reviews of the airport on Google here and access the airport’s website here.

Welcome again to my travel blog, where I share my adventures and insights from airports around the globe! From the stunning designs of Changi Airport in Singapore to the vibrant atmosphere of Freetown International Airport in Sierra Leone and other airports, I’ve experienced it all. Join me as I explore various airports, highlighting their unique features, facilities, and the travel experiences they offer. Whether you’re looking for tips on navigating busy terminals or just want to indulge your curiosity about air travel, you’ll find plenty of engaging stories and practical advice here. Buckle up and let’s take off on this journey together, exploring airports in Tanzania and beyond!