Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Lalibella. Lalibella Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 60 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave LLI:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Ethiopia. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Lalibella takes about 60 minutes by Taxi / Hotel Shuttle. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is ETB. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
How to Get Into Lalibella
You have two main options for getting from Lalibella Airport into town:
- Taxi / Hotel Shuttle: About 60 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 80 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
How to Spend Your Time in Lalibella
If you head into Lalibella, here are two things worth checking out:
Rock-Hewn Churches: Bet Giyorgis (St. George) is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. The architecture is worth seeing, even from the outside.
Rock-Hewn Churches: Northern Cluster (Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Respectful visitors are generally welcome for a quick look.
If you’d rather stay inside LLI — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Lalibela Airport Souvenir Kiosk
- Tarmac Viewing & Local Operations
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: Ben Abeba Restaurant and Seven Olives Restaurant are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Lalibella.
- At the airport: Lalibela Airport Cafe and Departure Hall Snack Kiosk will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
What to Budget for Your Lalibella Side Trip
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Lalibella might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$4 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$19 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Lalibella, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Luggage Storage Options
Specific locker facilities at LLI aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Lalibella itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at LLI, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Lalibella itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Ethiopia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, LLI has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Lalibella with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Lalibella may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.