Transport in Ivory Coast

Concessioned, municipal and largely informal transport systems operate alongside one another in Ivory Coast. In Grand Abidjan, the public transport operator (SOTRA) runs, among other services, MonBus, MonBato, Urbain+, Market Bus, Wibus, Express and Navette. SOTRA services are also available in selected inland cities. Informal minibuses (gbaka), shared taxis (wôrô-wôrô), metered taxis (taxi-compteur), motorcycle taxis, private buses and traditional boats such as pinasses fill gaps, but differ in safety, price, reliability and government oversight. A bus station (gare routière) is a place where many intercity journeys by coaches or minibuses begin. SOTRA fares usually range from 150 to 500 West African CFA francs (FCFA), depending on the service. MonBus costs 200 FCFA, line 610 250 FCFA, MonBato costs 150 to 200 FCFA, Urbain+ costs 200 FCFA, Wibus costs 300 FCFA, and Express and Navette cost 500 FCFA. For Market Bus, the 200 FCFA fare is supplemented by at least 100 FCFA for one piece of luggage. Monthly subscriptions cost 3,000 FCFA for pupils, students and interns, 7,500 FCFA for civil servants and 15,000 FCFA for private users. A permanently valid subscription costs 19,000 FCFA; Wibus, Express and Prestige subscriptions range from 20,000 to 28,000 FCFA, depending on the product. Many of these subscriptions are valid from Monday to Saturday, except from 09:00 to 11:00. Depending on the case, SOTRA requires a national identity card (CNI), a universal health coverage card (CMU), an identity certificate, a passport or driving licence, as well as proof of the relevant status. The lagoon operator (STL) runs six stations and four lagoon lines in Grand Abidjan. A short trip costs 500 FCFA and a longer trip costs 1,000 FCFA; subscriptions are available through STL GO or NORIA. Private pinasses provide a functional alternative, but their safety standards, formality, travel times and prices may vary considerably. Intercity transport is handled mainly by private operators and by coaches or minibuses departing from bus stations. The departure point, luggage rules, fare, delays and actual travel time depend on the operator and the specific bus station. The National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) is responsible for civil aviation; the airport operator (AERIA) runs Abidjan Airport. According to the road agency (AGEROUTE), the road network covers around 81,996 kilometres, including approximately 7,500 kilometres of paved roads and 74,500 kilometres of unpaved roads. The paved total includes about 250 kilometres of motorway; 4,513 kilometres belong to the international or regional network. There are also 17 ferry connections. The road network carries approximately 90 percent of traffic. Rain, long intercity journeys and travel on unpaved roads increase the demands on tyres, brakes, lights, windscreen wipers and following distance. The Abidjan–Ouagadougou–Kaya railway line is 1,260 kilometres long in total, of which 776 kilometres are in Ivory Coast. There are 35 stations and 18 stops in the country. According to the latest available official information, passenger services have been suspended since 2020. Freight services remain active and moved around 738,274 tonnes in 2023. In February 2026, the rail operator (SITARAIL) placed four GL30 locomotives into service to modernise freight capacity. There is no confirmed date or confirmed fare for a resumption of passenger services. A metro is not yet a regular transport option for current journeys. Depending on the project status, planned Line 1 between Anyama, Port-Bouët and the airport is expected to be approximately 37.4 to 37.5 kilometres long; official figures mention either 20 or 24 stations and expected commissioning by the end of 2028. The bus rapid transit system between Yopougon and Bingerville is also under construction. These services should therefore not be planned as existing connections. For private vehicles, a driving licence, vehicle registration, technical inspection and third-party liability insurance are key requirements. The driving-licence points system is active; at zero points, a licence may become invalid and may have to be surrendered. The technical inspection centres in Boundiali and Adzopé were closed in March 2026, while mobile inspections were suspended pending clarification of their regulatory compliance. Since July 1, 2026, the technical-inspection sticker has been mandatory according to a notice from the Ministry of Transport. The current status of the responsible inspection centre should therefore be checked before travelling. The applicable road-traffic rules govern road signs, right of way, speed limits and the conduct of all road users. Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts; motorcycles and other two- or three-wheeled vehicles are subject to helmet requirements. Driving without a licence, technical inspection or insurance, as well as dangerous driving under the influence of alcohol or while using a phone, can have legal and practical consequences. Since 2025, two- and three-wheeled vehicles may not use Boulevard Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan; signage and checks should be verified before travelling. Violations can be reported through the transport reporting service (ALERTE TRANSPORT). Walking is a common way to get around everywhere, but pavements, safe crossings and right-of-way rules vary locally. Traffic law treats people pushing a bicycle or motorcycle, wheelchair users and people on roller skates as pedestrians. Cycling is legally recognised but remains largely informal; there is no evidence of a nationwide network of protected cycle lanes. Bicycles, motorcycles and motorcycle taxis should therefore not be treated as equivalent, because their traffic risks, licensing requirements and uses differ. The risk of road accidents is high. Official figures for January and February 2026 report 519 accidents, 164 deaths and 1,934 injuries. For 2024 and 2025, respectively, 5,549 and 5,583 motorcycle or three-wheeler involvements in accidents were recorded; the associated death figures were 1,201 and 1,125. From January to July 2026, 419 accidents involving motorcycles and 711 involving three-wheelers were reported, along with 81 motorcycle or two-wheeler drivers or passengers killed. Common dangers include excessive speed, dangerous overtaking, driving on the wrong side, insufficient following distance, alcohol, phone use, overloading and unsafe informal services. Transport affects the environment through emissions, fossil fuels, congestion and a partly outdated vehicle fleet. A government renewal policy links road safety and emissions reduction. An electric-mobility project by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MINEDD) and a 2024 implementation framework provide, among other measures, incentives through the end of 2026, a target of five percent electric SOTRA buses by 2035 and 2,000 public charging points by 2035. Projects for electric two- and three-wheelers are also starting, but nationwide access to electric vehicles and charging points has not been established.