A long layover in Gore is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Gore Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of GOR:
- Can you legally enter Ethiopia? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-minute journey each way by Local Taxi/Bajaj, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the ETB. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some ETB in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
The Best Way Into Gore from GOR
From GOR, the Local Taxi/Bajaj gets you to Gore in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Local Taxi/Bajaj offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Money & Budget Tips
Quick budget math for your Gore layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$4 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$19 |
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Exploring Gore on a Layover
If you head into Gore, here are two things worth checking out:
Gore Local Market Exploration is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Great for picking up a quick snack or souvenir between flights.
Stroll Through Gore Town Center is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at GOR, check out Gore Airport Terminal Viewing Area or Basic Refreshment Kiosk to keep yourself occupied.
Best Bites Near GOR
- In the city: Gore Hotel Restaurant and Traditional Ethiopian Coffee House are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Gore.
- At the airport: Airport Snack & Coffee Stand and Bottled Water & Beverage Vendor will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at GOR may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Gore’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and GOR is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Gore and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Resting at the Airport
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at GOR.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Gore genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.