🇨🇮 Flights to Abidjan
Cheap Flights to Abidjan from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to F\u00e9lix-Houphou\u00ebt-Boigny International Airport (ABJ). Dream Fare specialises in C\u00f4te d’Ivoire routes with the best prices for Abidjan — the Manhattan of West Africa and one of the continent’s most dynamic economic capitals.
Airlines to Abidjan
All Airlines Flying London to Abidjan
Abidjan has strong connections via major European hubs, reflecting its importance as a key West African business destination. We compare every option to find your best price.
Baggage Allowances — London to Abidjan
| Airline | Cabin Bag | Hold Baggage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels Airlines | 1 bag up to 12kg | 1 x 23kg | Included on standard fares |
| Air France | 1 bag up to 12kg | 1 x 23kg | Included on standard fares |
| Turkish Airlines | 1 bag up to 8kg | 2 x 23kg | Generous two-piece standard economy |
| Royal Air Maroc | 1 bag up to 10kg | 1 x 23kg | Extra bags purchasable at booking |
| Ethiopian Airlines | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Best two-piece allowance on the route |
When to Visit
Best Time to Visit Abidjan
Abidjan has a humid tropical coastal climate with two distinct rainy seasons typical of West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea coast. C\u00f4te d’Ivoire shares the same time zone as the UK — no jet lag.
Best Season
Nov — February
The driest and most comfortable period, with the Harmattan wind bringing lower humidity (22°C to 32°C). The most favourable time for both business travel and exploring Abidjan’s coastal attractions.
Festive Peak
Dec — January
A particularly busy and popular period as many UK Ivorians return home for Christmas and New Year celebrations, combining the drier season with significant family gatherings and cultural events.
Main Rainy Season
May — July
The heaviest rainfall period of the year (23°C to 30°C), with regular significant downpours typical of the Gulf of Guinea coast. Business travel continues year-round throughout this season.
Secondary Season
Aug — October
A brief cooler interlude (22°C to 28°C) within the wet season, followed by a shorter second rainy period, with generally less intense rainfall than the main May to July season.
About Abidjan
Abidjan — The Manhattan of West Africa
Abidjan is C\u00f4te d’Ivoire’s economic capital and one of the most dynamic and rapidly developing cities in Africa, earning its evocative nickname the Manhattan of West Africa from its striking skyline of glass towers rising above the Ebri\u00e9 Lagoon. As the commercial heart of one of West Africa’s largest economies, Abidjan combines world-class business infrastructure with vibrant culture, excellent cuisine and significant cultural heritage.
🏙️
Plateau Skyline & Ebrié Lagoon
Abidjan’s striking Plateau district, with its skyline of glass towers rising above the Ebrié Lagoon, has earned the city its nickname as the Manhattan of West Africa. This dramatic urban setting, combining modern architecture with lagoon waterways, makes Abidjan one of the continent’s most visually distinctive business capitals.
⛪
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (Yamoussoukro)
A short drive from Abidjan, the extraordinary Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is the largest church in the world by some measures, an astonishing architectural achievement inspired by St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, representing one of Africa’s most remarkable religious monuments.
🏖️
Assinie & Grand-Bassam Beaches
A short drive from Abidjan, the historic coastal town of Grand-Bassam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former colonial capital, combines beautiful beaches with significant architectural heritage, while Assinie further along the coast offers some of West Africa’s finest beach resorts and watersports.
🐧
Banco National Park
A protected rainforest reserve within Abidjan’s metropolitan area, Banco National Park offers visitors a remarkable opportunity to experience primary West African rainforest, complete with diverse wildlife and significant biodiversity, just minutes from the bustling city centre.
🎵
Coupe-Décalé & Music Culture
Abidjan is the birthplace of Coupe-Décalé, an internationally influential Ivorian music and dance genre that emerged in the 2000s and continues to shape West African and global Afrobeat culture, with the city’s vibrant nightlife and music venues reflecting its significant cultural influence.
🍜
Ivorian Cuisine
Attieke (fermented cassava couscous, a beloved Ivorian staple), Kedjenou (slow-cooked chicken or fish stew), fresh grilled fish from the lagoon, Alloco (fried plantain) and the renowned Côte d’Ivoire cocoa and coffee, grown in the country’s fertile interior, showcase the rich culinary traditions found throughout Abidjan.
Top Places to Visit Around Abidjan
Grand-Bassam (UNESCO)
A 45-minute drive from Abidjan, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was Côte d’Ivoire’s first colonial capital, combining beautiful beaches with significant Franco-African architectural heritage. The historic quarter and beachfront promenade offer an essential and accessible day trip from Abidjan, blending history with relaxation.
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Yamoussoukro
A few hours from Abidjan in the official political capital, this is one of the largest churches in the world, an astonishing architectural achievement inspired by St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The scale and craftsmanship of this religious monument make it an essential and unforgettable visit for travellers interested in extraordinary architecture.
Banco National Park
A protected rainforest reserve within Abidjan’s metropolitan area, offering a remarkable opportunity to experience primary West African rainforest, complete with diverse wildlife, just minutes from the bustling city centre. This accessible natural escape provides essential insight into the region’s ecological richness.
Assinie Beach Resorts
A scenic drive along the coast from Abidjan, Assinie offers some of West Africa’s finest beach resorts, watersports and lagoon activities, popular with both Ivorian and international visitors seeking a relaxed coastal escape combined with excellent hospitality infrastructure.
Plateau District
Abidjan’s striking business and government centre, with its iconic skyline of glass towers earning the city its Manhattan of West Africa nickname. Walking through this dynamic district, alongside the Ebrié Lagoon waterways, offers visitors an essential introduction to Abidjan’s remarkable urban energy and economic significance.
Cocody District & National Museum
A more residential and leisurely district of Abidjan, home to the Côte d’Ivoire National Museum, showcasing the country’s rich artistic and ethnographic heritage, including traditional masks, sculptures and ceremonial objects from across the nation’s diverse ethnic groups.
Travel Tips
Abidjan Travel Guide
🛂
Visa for Côte d’Ivoire
UK citizens require a visa to enter Côte d’Ivoire. Apply online through the official e-visa portal before travel, with processing typically taking several days. Dream Fare can advise on current requirements for both business and tourist travel to Abidjan.
💰
Currency & Money
Côte d’Ivoire uses the West African CFA Franc (XOF). Cards are increasingly accepted in major Abidjan hotels and business establishments, though cash remains important for markets and local transport. ATMs are widely available in central Abidjan. Bring some cash for smaller transactions.
✈️
Getting to Abidjan
Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport is approximately 15km from the city centre, with reliable taxi and private transfer options available. Many business travellers arrange hotel pickup in advance, particularly given Abidjan’s significance as a major West African business hub.
🚕
Getting Around Abidjan
Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely used in Abidjan, with the city’s lagoon geography making water taxis a practical and scenic option for crossing between districts. For business and tourist excursions, hiring a local driver is recommended for the smoothest experience.
🌡️
Weather in Abidjan
Abidjan has a humid tropical coastal climate, warm year-round (22°C to 32°C). November to February offers the driest and most comfortable conditions, while May to July brings the main rainy season, with a shorter secondary rainy period in the autumn. Côte d’Ivoire shares the same time zone as the UK.
🤝
Culture & Business Etiquette
Abidjan has a sophisticated, internationally connected business culture, with French as the predominant language of commerce and administration. Professional, formal dress is expected for business meetings. The city’s vibrant arts and music scene, including the influential Coupe-Décalé genre, reflects its dynamic cultural identity.
Flights to Abidjan FAQ
How do I fly from London to Abidjan?
Brussels Airlines via Brussels and Air France via Paris are among the most established routings to Abidjan. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul and Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca also offer good connections. Dream Fare will find the best routing for your business or leisure travel dates.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Côte d’Ivoire?
Yes. UK passport holders require a visa to enter Côte d’Ivoire. Apply online through the official e-visa portal before travel, with processing typically taking several days. Dream Fare can advise on current visa requirements for your trip to Abidjan.
Why is Abidjan called the Manhattan of West Africa?
Abidjan earned this nickname from its striking skyline of glass towers rising above the Ebrié Lagoon, particularly in the Plateau business district, creating one of the most visually distinctive and modern cityscapes in West Africa, reflecting Côte d’Ivoire’s significant economic development.
Is Abidjan a good business destination?
Yes. Abidjan is one of West Africa’s most important economic hubs, with a sophisticated business infrastructure, significant international corporate presence and strong commercial ties to Europe and the wider region, making it an essential destination for business travellers focused on West African markets.
What is the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace and where is it?
Located in Yamoussoukro, a few hours from Abidjan, this is one of the largest churches in the world, an extraordinary architectural achievement inspired by St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It represents one of Africa’s most remarkable religious monuments and is an essential excursion for visitors to Côte d’Ivoire.
How much do return flights from London to Abidjan cost?
Return flights from London to Abidjan start from approximately £519 with Dream Fare. Brussels Airlines via Brussels and Air France via Paris are typically among the most reliable options. Contact us on 020 8264 0018 for the latest fares.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.