The central business district of Abidjan, home to government buildings, banks, hotels, and the iconic Cathédrale Saint-Paul.

About Le Plateau (City Center)

Le Plateau is Abidjan's historic administrative and financial heart, perched on a promontory overlooking the Ébrié Lagoon. The district features striking modernist skyscrapers alongside French colonial buildings, with the towering Cathédrale Saint-Paul designed by Italian architect Aldo Spirito as its most recognizable landmark.

Travelers visit Le Plateau for business meetings at major West African corporate headquarters, government appointments, and to experience the architectural contrasts of Abidjan. The district empties considerably after business hours, transforming from a bustling commercial hub to a quieter area in the evenings.

The Plateau Market and surrounding streets offer shopping for local crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. The district also provides excellent views of the lagoon and serves as a convenient base for exploring other neighborhoods by taxi or water bus.

Nearby Landmarks

Cathédrale Saint-Paul Ébrié Lagoon Plateau Market Parc National du Banco

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $10-20
Time 20-45 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $8-12
Time 20-45 min

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit the airport terminal and head to the taxi/transport area outside arrivals.
2. Take a shared taxi (wôrô-wôrô) or private taxi heading toward Le Plateau via Boulevard VGE.
3. Cross the Pont Général de Gaulle bridge over the lagoon into Le Plateau.
4. Ask to be dropped at your specific destination within the business district.
5. The journey takes 20-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $10-20 20-45 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $8-12 20-45 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After midnight, taxis remain the only viable option. Negotiate the fare before departing — expect 5,000-10,000 CFA francs for the airport-to-Plateau trip at night. Ride-hailing apps like Yango operate in Abidjan and can be more reliable for late-night pickups. The airport taxi rank has vehicles available for late arrivals.

Luggage Tips

Standard sedan taxis can handle 2 large suitcases comfortably. For more luggage, request a larger vehicle or minivan taxi. Keep bags in sight and in the trunk rather than on the roof. The road to Le Plateau is paved but can be bumpy in sections — secure fragile items.

Accessibility

Accessibility infrastructure in Abidjan is limited. Most taxis are standard sedans without wheelchair adaptations. The roads between the airport and Le Plateau are paved but sidewalks can be uneven or nonexistent. Pre-arrange accessible transport through your hotel if needed, as there is no dedicated accessible taxi service.