Verified Facts

Official NameRepublic of Djibouti
CapitalDjibouti
Population1.1 million
Area23,200 km² (8,958 sq mi)
LanguagesArabic, French
CurrencyDjiboutian franc (Fr)
TimezoneUTC+03:00
RegionAfrica / Eastern Africa
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

Economic Indicators

GDP per Capita (PPP)$7,810 (2024)
Inflation Rate2.1% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$78 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend28.8% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data

The cost of transportation in Djibouti can vary greatly, with a monthly transit pass costing around $25 USD and taxi start rates at approximately $2 USD, while fuel costs around $1.20 USD per liter.

Quick Facts

Monthly Transit Pass($25 USD)
Taxi Start Rate($2 USD)
Fuel (per liter)($1.20 USD)
Ride-Hailing Available(Yes — Little Cab, Talixo)
CurrencyDJF

Getting Around Overview

Djibouti's transportation network is relatively underdeveloped, with limited options for getting around the country. The most common modes of transportation are taxis, minibuses, and city buses, which operate in the capital city and other major towns. The quality of public transit is generally poor, with overcrowding and lack of reliability being common issues. Most people in Djibouti rely on private vehicles or taxis to get around, while others use minibuses and city buses for shorter trips.

The road network in Djibouti is limited, with many roads being unpaved and in poor condition. However, the government has been investing in infrastructure development, including the construction of new roads and the improvement of existing ones. Despite these efforts, transportation costs in Djibouti can be relatively high, especially for fuel and vehicle maintenance. Additionally, the lack of a comprehensive public transportation system makes it difficult for people to get around without relying on private vehicles or taxis.

Public Transportation

Transport TypeSingle Fare (USD)Monthly Pass (USD)Notes
City Bus$0.50$15Limited coverage, overcrowding common
Metro / SubwayN/AN/ANot available
Minibus / Shared Taxi$1-$2N/ARoutes limited to major towns
Commuter TrainN/AN/ANot available

Taxi & Ride-Hailing

ServiceBase Fare (USD)Per km (USD)Typical City Ride (USD)Notes
Metered Taxi$2$0.50$5-$10Availability limited outside major towns
Ride-Hailing App$3$0.50$5-$10Little Cab, Talixo available
Airport TransferN/AN/A$20-$30To city center, fixed rate

Fuel & Driving Costs

ItemCost (USD)Notes
Gasoline (per liter)$1.20
Diesel (per liter)$1.10
Car Rental (per day)$40-$60Economy car, limited availability
Parking (per hour, city)$1-$2Limited parking options
Toll Roads (typical)$5-$10Limited toll roads, mostly for highways

Intercity & Long-Distance

Route TypeCost Range (USD)Notes
Intercity Bus (4-5 hrs)$10-$20Limited routes, poor road conditions
Domestic Flight$100-$200Typical route, limited availability
Train (long-distance)N/ANot available

Transport Tips

  • To save money on transportation, consider using minibuses or city buses for shorter trips.
  • Use ride-hailing apps like Little Cab or Talixo for convenient and relatively affordable transportation.
  • Always negotiate taxi fares before starting your journey, as meters are not always used.
  • Be aware of poor road conditions and limited infrastructure when driving or taking public transportation.
  • Consider renting a car for longer trips or for more flexibility, but be aware of limited availability and high costs.
  • Use official taxi services or reputable ride-hailing apps to ensure safety and reliability.
Related Cost Guides: Cost of Living Overview · Monthly Budget · Rent & Housing · Economy · Djibouti vs Eritrea · Djibouti vs Somalia