Getting Around Eritrea

Air

Eritrea is a small country and there are no passenger services between major settlements.

Road

All foreign tourists have to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Tourism in Eritrea to travel outside Asmara. These are usually issued within 24 hours. 

Side of the road

Car Hire

You can book cars through the all major travel agents and local hire companies.

Taxi

Taxis are unmetered and can be found in the major towns and cities and at Asmara airport. The airport route is relatively expensive compared with single journeys in the city. Taxis usually carry multiple passengers, but for a higher fee travellers can hire a taxi for themselves. Fares are higher at night (usually double) and should be negotiated in advance.

Bike

Although Eritreans love bicycle racing, there are no hire bikes in Eritrea. Towns and cities, including the centre of Asmara, are small enough to walk around comfortably.

Regulations

Seatbelts are required when driving or seated in the front of a car, but not on buses.

Breakdown services

There are no breakdown services in Eritrea, so make sure you have sufficient spare parts and supplies if travelling off the main roads or away from major towns and cities.

Documentation

International driving licences are valid in Eritrea; you should also carry your national licence.

Rail

A steam railway built which fell into disrepair during the ‘Struggle’ for independence has been lovingly restored by former employees and now operates only as a tourist route. The 2,300m (7,500ft) climb from the coast to Asmara was built by the Italians in 1911 and later extended it to the city of Keren in the north of the country. It takes about 10 hours.

The railway currently offers trips for organised tours from anywhere between Asmara and Massawa. The route, from the highland plateau to the Red Sea coast, surely ranks as one of the world’s most unforgettable railway journeys, but to do it, you must pay several hundred dollars, so group bookings are the norm.

Water

It is possible to hire boats in Massawa for travelling to or sailing around the Dahlak Islands, but services are scarce and should be arranged in advance through a local travel agent, such as Travel House International, who can provide a complete list of boat operators, including speedboats and dhows on which to visit the islands.