Public transportation apps, curated for travelers visiting Ethiopia.
Addis Ababa public transport combines the light rail, city buses, newer operators and a large informal minibus network.
A new Android app for tracking and paying on participating Addis Ababa buses, including supported Velocity services.
There is no mature app that maps, tracks and sells tickets for the whole system. Menged is the only current app worth mentioning because it provides live tracking and digital fare features for participating buses, including Velocity services. It launched recently, has limited adoption and does not represent every bus, minibus or light-rail route. The rider app is currently Android only, and its wallet top-up flow can depend on telebirr, which makes it an optional experiment rather than a required visitor download.
Carry small birr notes because cash and on-site ticketing remain important. Ask the accommodation or station staff for the current route, stop and direction, since informal routes and boarding points can change without appearing online. AddisMapTransit has not been maintained recently and openly describes incomplete coverage, so it is not recommended. Google Maps can help identify major places but should not be treated as an authoritative minibus planner.
For a first trip, airport transfer, luggage, night journey or tight appointment, RIDE or Feres will usually be easier than decoding public transport. On any crowded vehicle or platform, secure the phone and valuables and avoid displaying more cash than needed.
No single transit app stands out for visitors in Ethiopia. The guidance above explains what to try and what to do when it does not work.
Bento recommends one transit app in Ethiopia, checked in 2026.
These apps need data
Guac eSIM covers Ethiopia with plans from $0.58 per GB. Install it before you land and activate instantly.
App rides in cities, cash for the gaps, and official tickets for major sites
Ride apps in major cities, cash backups, and landmarks for every pickup
M-PESA for local payments, two ride apps, and verified safari bookings
Licensed rides where available, offline medina pins, and official train tickets
Set up rides and payment fallbacks before landing, then follow live security advice
Set up local rides and payment fallbacks, then recheck border and health rules
