Travel & Lodging

Flight

Getting to Ethiopia

Airport: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) is the main international gateway. From Washington, DC: Ethiopian Airlines offers a nonstop flight from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Addis (~13 hrs). Other options include Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways with one layover. Recommended Arrival & Departure: Arrive by Wednesday or Thursday, January 27-28, 2026 at the earliest to rest before the festivities. Plan to leave / departure by Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Hotel

Lodging in Ethiopia

We’re thrilled to share that we’ve arranged a special room block at the Sheraton Addis, where our wedding reception will take place! After some back-and-forth with hotel management, we were able to secure a discounted rate for our guests. The Sheraton Addis is one of the most iconic hotels in Ethiopia. Set in the heart of Addis Ababa between the National Palace and the city’s rolling hills, it’s known for its beautiful grounds, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service. (Fun fact: it’s hosted world leaders and celebrities from around the globe!) We highly recommend this hotel for both comfort and convenience; it’s the preferred accommodation for our wedding and will make getting to and from events super easy. Room Block Details Dates: Wednesday, January 28 – Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Room Types: Single and Double Occupancy Guest Benefits • Complimentary buffet breakfast • Shuttle service to/from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport • High-speed wireless internet • Fruit basket upon request • Access to fitness center & running track • Access to Aqua Club (sauna, jacuzzi, swimming pool) Please reach out to get the booking link. We can’t wait to celebrate with you in beautiful Addis Ababa!

Travel Note

Getting around in Addis Abeba

Getting around Addis Ababa as a tourist is simple, with various transportation options, but VIP Taxi Ethiopia stands out for those seeking premium, reliable service. VIP Taxi offers a fleet of luxury vehicles, including Teslas, Mercedes, and high-end SUVs, designed to cater to international visitors and local elites. The service starts at 200 birr (around USD 2), with an additional charge of 150 birr (about USD 1.30) per kilometer. You can book a ride by calling 8678. For those planning ahead, you can reach VIP Taxi via WhatsApp for easier communication. Keep in mind that any delay in response could be due to the time difference between Ethiopia and your home country. To learn more or make reservations in advance, visit the link below. Other transportation options include yellow city taxis, where you’ll need to negotiate the fare since they don’t typically use meters, and ride-hailing apps like Ride and ZayRide, which offer consistent pricing. Shared minibus taxis run on fixed routes and are very affordable, though they can be tricky for tourists. Addis Ababa’s light rail system offers an inexpensive alternative, though it has limited coverage. Walking is another option in central areas like Piazza and Bole, and renting a car with a driver is also available for those seeking more flexibility. However, VIP Taxi is the best option for a hassle-free experience in Addis Ababa for tourists looking for comfort, reliability, and ease.