What Is the Addis Ababa Light Rail?

The Addis Ababa Light Rail (AALR) is a suburban guided transit system in Ethiopia’s capital. When it opened in September 2015, it made history as the first light rail system in sub-Saharan Africa, representing a significant leap in the city's urban modernization.

How many lines does Addis Ababa Light Rail have?

It currently operates two main lines: East–West and North–South that span a total of 31.6 kilometers (19.6 miles) and serve 39 stations.

The Blue Line (North-South):
Runs 16.9 km from Menelik II Square to Kaliti.

• Route: Connects Menelik II Square in the historic city center (north) to Kality in the southern industrial and residential areas.
• Key Stops: Passes through Meskel Square, Legehar, St. Paul's Hospital, Gotera (a major interchange near the ring road), and Kality.
• Use for Travelers: Essential for accessing the historic district (near the National Museum), the main bus terminal (Autobus Terra), the Ethiopian Airlines headquarters area, and the southern suburbs.

The Green Line (East-West):
Runs 17.4 km from Ayat to Tor Hailoch.

• Route: Runs from Ayat Village in the eastern suburbs to Torhailoch (commonly referred to as "Torhayloch" or "Tafo") in the west, near the ring road.
• Key Stops: Connects strategic points including Megenagna (a major business and transport junction), Meskel Square (transfer point), Leghar (close to the Ethiopian Railway Corporation), and Ethio-China Friendship Avenue.
• Use for Travelers: Ideal for reaching eastern residential areas, the CMC district, and western commercial zones.
• The Interchange: The two lines share a common 2.7 km track between Meskel Square and Lideta, allowing passengers to switch directions easily.
• Operating speed: Trains can reach up to 70 km/h
• The system was designed to accommodate high passenger volumes during peak hours.

Is Addis Ababa Light Rail affordable?
Yes. It is designed to be affordable and accessible for daily commuters.

Can tourists use the Addis Ababa Light Rail?
Yes. Tourists can use it, though it mainly serves commuters rather than tourist-specific routes.
For visitors, the Light Rail offers a unique vantage point of the city.

• Tickets: Tickets are typically paper-based and can be purchased at kiosks located at the stations.
• Connectivity: The stations are often located near major landmarks, such as the African Union headquarters and Meskel Square.

Practical Guide for Riders

Operating Hours & Frequency:
Trains run from approximately 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. During peak hours, frequency can be as short as every 10-15 minutes, though intervals may be longer during off-peak times.

Fares & Tickets:
The system is designed to be affordable for daily commuters. As of the latest available data, fares start from around X ETB. Prices are subject to change (approx. $0.10 USD), regardless of distance. Passengers must purchase a rechargeable smart card from ticket offices at stations. The card is tapped at the entry gates. Cards can be recharged with credit as needed.