Kumasi Airport (KMS) Guide 2026
Kumasi Airport (IATA: KMS) serves Ghana's second-largest city and the cultural capital of the Ashanti Region. Located just 5 km from the city centre, the airport primarily handles domestic flights connecting Kumasi with Accra. The city is famous for the Manhyia Palace, Kejetia Market (one of the largest open-air markets in West Africa), and its rich Ashanti cultural heritage. The airport has undergone upgrades to improve capacity and passenger experience.
Airport Overview
| IATA Code | KMS |
| Location | Kumasi, Ashanti Region |
| Distance to City Centre | 5 km |
| Terminals | 1 |
| Annual Passengers | ~200,000 |
| Runways | 1 (1,981m) |
| Operator | Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) |
| Flight Types | Domestic (Accra connections) |
Getting There & Away
| Transport | Destination | Cost (GHS) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Kumasi Centre / Adum | GHS 30-60 | 10-20 min | Negotiate at airport taxi rank |
| Uber/Bolt | Kumasi Centre | GHS 15-30 | 10-20 min | Available, fewer drivers than Accra |
| Taxi | Kejetia / Central Market | GHS 30-50 | 15-25 min | Heart of the city |
| Hotel Shuttle | Various | Free-GHS 50 | Varies | Arrange with hotel in advance |
Kumasi is compact and the airport is close to the city. Most destinations are 15-25 minutes away by car.
Terminal Facilities
- Check-in: Counters for Africa World Airlines and PassionAir
- Lounge: Small VIP lounge available
- Food & Drink: Basic snack bar and refreshments
- WiFi: Available but speed varies
- ATMs: GCB Bank and Ecobank
- Parking: Free car park adjacent to terminal
Kumasi Airport has basic facilities compared to Accra Terminal 3. Bring your own snacks and entertainment. The airport is being improved under the Ghana airports upgrade programme.
Airlines & Routes
| Airline | Destination | Frequency | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Africa World Airlines | Accra (ACC) | Multiple daily | 50-60 min |
| PassionAir | Accra (ACC) | Daily | 55-65 min |
Ticket Prices: One-way fares between Kumasi and Accra range from GHS 400-800 depending on booking time and demand. Book early for the best rates.
Accra to Kumasi: Fly vs Drive
| Option | Duration | Cost | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 50-60 min | GHS 400-800 | Comfortable, quick |
| Private Car | 4-5 hours | GHS 300-500 fuel | Flexible, scenic |
| VIP Bus (STC/VIP Jeoun) | 5-6 hours | GHS 100-180 | Air-conditioned, comfortable |
| Shared Minibus (Trotro) | 5-7 hours | GHS 60-80 | Crowded, budget option |
Accommodation Near the Airport
Mid-Range
- Golden Tulip Kumasi City — 3 km, best hotel in Kumasi, pool and restaurant ($100-160/night)
- Lancaster Hotel — 4 km, modern business hotel, good food ($70-110/night)
- Miklin Hotel — 5 km, established hotel in Adum ($60-90/night)
Budget
- Hotel Georgia — 3 km, clean budget option ($25-40/night)
- Noda Hotel — 4 km, good value with restaurant ($20-35/night)
- Kumasi Catering Rest House — Central, historic guesthouse ($15-30/night)
Tips for Travellers
Arrival Tips
- Kumasi Airport is small — arrival process is quick (15-20 minutes typically)
- Limited exchange facilities; bring Cedis or use an ATM
- Book Uber/Bolt in advance — fewer drivers than Accra
- Kumasi is at a higher elevation than Accra — slightly cooler, especially evenings
Departure Tips
- Arrive 1 hour before domestic flights
- Confirm your flight the evening before — delays and schedule changes occur
- Limited food options airside; eat before arriving