Who else is transiting ACC right now?
Key Facts
- Airport: Kotoka Airport (ACC)
- Country: Ghana
- Layover window: 24 hours
- Recommended time outside: 18–20 hours — treat it as a mini trip
- Visa & Entry: Ghana requires a visa for most non-African nationalities. e-Visa at visa.mfa.gov.gh ($100 USD for US/UK/AUS). ECOWAS nationals visa-free.
Insider tip
Accra is more relaxed and walkable than Lagos. The airport is very close to the tourist belt — Osu, Labadi Beach, and the National Museum are all within 30 minutes.
Getting to Accra City Centre
| Mode | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi / Uber | $10–20 | 20–40 min |
| Trotro (minibus) | $0.30 | 30–50 min |
Top Accra: Where to Go
Labadi Beach
20 min from city centreBest beach in Accra — 10 minutes from KIA. Reggae and highlife bands play on weekends. GHS 10 entry.
National Museum of Ghana
25 min from city centreKente cloth, Asante goldweights, and tribal masks from across Ghana. GHS 5 entry, low crowds.
Makola Market
30 min from city centreAccra's central market — fabric, yam, and spice stalls across several streets. Go with a purpose and a local guide.
Eat Like a Local in Accra
Kelewele (spiced fried plantain with ginger and cayenne) from a street stall near Osu — Ghana's finest street snack, GHS 10.
24-Hour Itinerary
Day 1 — Morning
Check into hotel near city centre
Book a hotel within 15 min of the main sights. Luggage storage available at most hotels even before check-in.
Day 1 — Midday
Accra signature experience
Use your first afternoon for the city number 1 must-see. Tiredness catches up later.
Day 1 — Evening
Local dinner and evening market or rooftop bar
Evening markets, floating markets, and night bazaars are peak atmosphere. Do this on day 1.
Day 2 — Morning
Second neighbourhood exploration
Mornings offer better light for photos, cooler weather, and fewer tourists at popular sites.
Day 2 — Late Morning
Airport transfer — allow 3 hrs before flight
Build in buffer for morning traffic. International check-in closes 45–60 min before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 24-hour layover in Accra?
It depends on your passport and the destination. Many countries (Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE, Qatar, South Korea, Taiwan) offer free transit visas for 4-24 hour layovers. Schengen countries usually require a visa even for short stops. Check the visa note specific to this guide before you book.
Is 24 hours enough to leave Kotoka Airport?
For 3-hour layovers, leaving airside is risky. For 6+ hour layovers, you can comfortably see one neighbourhood. For 12-24 hour layovers, you can experience the city properly. Always factor in immigration queues (30-90 min) and security on return (60-90 min).
What is the best way to get from Kotoka to Accra city centre?
Most major hub airports have an express train or metro link that is faster and cheaper than taxis. For short layovers, prioritise the train (no traffic risk). For overnight or late arrivals, a pre-booked transfer is safer.
Is there luggage storage at Kotoka?
Most major airports have official luggage storage at USD 8-20 per bag per day. For cheaper rates, Radical Storage partner shops in the surrounding city charge USD 5-7 per bag per day — book on-app before you land.
Connect with other travellers at ACC
Getting out of Kotoka Airport
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Things to do in Accra
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Accra and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse AccraJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Trains & buses from Accra
Compare overland routes — often cheaper, more scenic and skip the airport queue.
Flights from Accra
Compare 400+ airlines departing Kotoka Airport
Hotels near Accra Airport
With 24 hours, a day-use hotel room is worth it — shower, sleep, and recharge before your next flight.
Other layover guides for Accra
Planning a longer stay in Accra?
Read our full destination guide — hotels, attractions, visa tips, and more.
Accra Destination Guide →