Ghana
Driving in Ghana: licences, car rental and road rules
Rent a car if you’re comfortable driving on the left, have a valid US licence plus an International Driving Permit, and plan trips only in daylight; otherwise use a driver or ride‑hailing.
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Key facts
- Driving side
- Left‑hand traffic
- Minimum agecheck
- 18 years (check)
- International Driving Permitcheck
- Required for US licences (check)
- Speed limitscheck
- Urban 50 km/h, rural 80 km/h, highways 100 km/h (check)
Quick decision
If you have a US driver’s licence, obtain an International Driving Permit, and are comfortable with left‑hand traffic, you can rent a car for day trips and coastal drives. If you prefer not to drive, book a driver (US$80–130 /day) or use Uber/Bolt in Accra.
Car rental costs and fuel
Rental agencies in Accra and Kumasi charge roughly US$40–70 per day for a compact car, insurance extra US$10–15. Fuel is sold at about GH₵6 ≈ US$1.20 per litre (check). Expect a full‑tank return to avoid refuelling fees.
| Item | Typical price (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Compact car (per day) | US$40–70 |
| SUV (per day) | US$70–110 |
| Insurance add‑on | US$10–15 per day |
| Fuel (per litre) | US$1.20 |
| International Driving Permit | US$20–30 |
Road rules and safety tips
Drive on the left, overtake on the right, and keep a safe distance; many rural roads lack markings. Seat‑belt use is mandatory for all passengers. Police checkpoints are common; carry your licence, IDP and passport. Night driving is discouraged due to poor lighting and stray animals.
- Carry your US licence, IDP, and passport at all times.
- Observe speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h outside, 100 km/h on highways.
- Avoid driving after sunset; plan stops before dark.
- Use reputable rental firms; inspect the car for damage before signing.
- Keep emergency contact numbers: local police (999) and your embassy.
Additional notes
Road conditions improve on major routes (Accra‑Cape Coast, Accra‑Kumasi) but can be rough in remote areas. GPS works in cities but may be unreliable in the north; carry a paper map if venturing off‑road.
Questions people ask
What should I know about driving and car rental in Ghana?
You need a US licence plus an International Driving Permit, drive on the left, and limit travel to daylight hours; rentals cost US$40–70 per day.
How much does it cost?
Compact cars US$40–70 /day, insurance US$10–15 /day, fuel about US$1.20 per litre; an IDP is US$20–30.
When should I plan for it?
Book rentals at least 48 hours before arrival, especially in high season (Dec–Feb). Arrange drivers or ride‑hailing for city trips on the day.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
Yes, Ghana requires an IDP for visitors with a foreign licence; obtain it before departure.
Is night driving safe?
Generally not; many roads lack lighting and wildlife is common after dark. Plan to stop before sunset.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- secondaryWikivoyage – Ghana
Ask about Ghana
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