Accra to Kumasi Road Trip: N6 Route, Stops & Times

Quick answer: Kumasi is about 250–255 km from Accra via the N6 highway. The drive usually takes 4–6 hours, depending on traffic leaving Accra and how often you stop. Popular rest stops include Linda Dor near Bunso, about 2.5 hours from Accra (Accra Street Journal). The alternative is a domestic flight of around 40–50 minutes. Leave early, travel only in daylight, and consider a driver: the US State Department notes that many accidents occur on the Accra–Kumasi highway.

Kumasi, the historic capital of the Asante Kingdom, is one of Ghana's most rewarding cities to visit. The drive there takes you from the coastal plain up through forested hills, and done well, it's a great road trip.

The route at a glance


Distance	~250–255 km (NCRC; Pelican Hotel guide)
Drive time	4–6 hours (Pelican Hotel); 4.5–6 hours (Accra Street Journal)
Main road	N6 via Nsawam, Suhum, Bunso, Nkawkaw and Konongo
Bus estimate	~5 hours (NCRC)
Flight	~40–50 minutes, Accra–Kumasi (FlightsFrom)
Best departure	Early morning, to clear Accra before peak traffic

Stage by stage

Accra to Nsawam and Suhum

The first stretch takes you north out of Accra. Leaving early avoids the heaviest congestion. The Pelican Hotel's guide notes traffic is usually heavier entering or leaving Accra at peak hours. Accra Street Journal lists fuel stations at Nsawam and Suhum as frequent stopovers for private drivers.

Bunso and Linda Dor

About 2.5 hours from Accra, the Linda Dor rest stop near Bunso Junction is, according to Accra Street Journal, "the most famous stop for intercity buses". It has washrooms, a fuel station, a bakery, a pharmacy and a mini-mart. Expect it to be busy around midday.

Nsutam and Nkawkaw

Accra Street Journal also mentions the Asafoagyama rest stop near Nsutam, which is known for traditional dishes, and roadside food vendors in Nkawkaw. The road climbs through the Kwahu area here.

Konongo to Kumasi

The Paradise rest stop around Konongo is, per Accra Street Journal, less than 1.5 hours from Kumasi, which makes it a good final break before you enter the city.

Food budget

Accra Street Journal suggests most rest-stop meals cost GH₵40–100 (2025 prices) and that many joints take cash only, so carry small cedi notes.

Drive or fly?

	Drive	Fly
Time	4–6 hours	40–50 min flight, plus airport time
Flexibility	Stop where you like	Fixed schedules
Car at the other end	Yes	You'll need local hire in Kumasi
Airlines	n/a	Africa World Airlines and Passion Air listed on FlightsFrom; Starbow schedules also published

Kumasi's airport was upgraded and commissioned as Prempeh I International Airport in May 2024, according to the Ghana News Agency. Domestic flights from Kumasi arrive at Terminal 2 in Accra (FlightsFrom).

A popular combination is to fly one way and drive the other, or to fly in and hire a car with a driver locally. See our guide to car hire in Kumasi and Takoradi.

Safety on the N6

The US State Department says "many accidents occur on the highway from Accra to Cape Coast and from Accra to Kumasi".
The UK FCDO advises travelling during daylight on longer trips, and not stopping if people at the roadside try to flag you down.
Overtaking heavy lorries on two-lane sections needs care and patience.
Rest every two hours or so. The rest stops above are well spaced for this.

What to do in Kumasi

Manhyia Palace Museum: the former palace of the Asantehene, with royal regalia and history. Herit360 lists opening hours of Mon–Sat 9am–5pm and an entry fee of around GH₵50–80, but confirm locally.
Kejetia Market: often described as one of West Africa's largest markets, about 2 km from Manhyia (Herit360).
Lake Bosomtwe: Ghana's natural crater lake, about 30 km south-east of Kumasi and roughly 50 minutes to an hour by car (Wikivoyage).
Bonwire: a kente-weaving village about 18 km north-east of Kumasi (traveling-to.com).

Car hire for this trip

Chauffeur-driven

For a one-way or return trip with a driver, ask for a fixed quote that covers:

fuel and distance
the driver's overnight allowance and accommodation if you're staying
the return journey, if it's one-way for you, since the driver still has to get back
tolls and parking

Self-drive

KAYAK's Accra averages (checked October 2026): about $72–80/day for small and medium cars and about $165/day for an SUV.
Check mileage limits, as the round trip is over 500 km.
Ask whether you can drop the car in Kumasi. Some firms with branches in both cities may allow one-way hire. Ultimate Car Rentals, for example, lists branches in Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi on its website, but terms vary and we cannot confirm one-way policies.
Bring your licence plus a 1949 IDP.

Packing for the drive

Water and snacks
Small cedi notes for food and tips
Phone charger and an offline map
Copies of your passport and driving documents for checkpoints
A light jacket. The car's air-conditioning can be chilly, and Kumasi evenings can be cooler than the coast.

Sample plan

Time	Plan
05:30–06:00	Leave Accra
~08:30	Breakfast or comfort stop at Linda Dor, Bunso
~10:30	Short stop near Konongo
~11:30–12:00	Arrive in Kumasi; check in
Afternoon	Manhyia Palace Museum
Next day	Kejetia Market, then Lake Bosomtwe

Not driving? The coach option

If you'd rather not drive or pay for a driver, intercity coaches run the route. The Pelican Hotel's guide names STC, VIP Jeoun Transport and OA Travel & Tours, with fares generally between GH₵80 and GH₵120. Accra Street Journal adds that most coaches schedule one or two rest stops of 20–30 minutes, often at Linda Dor or Asafoagyama. It's a good budget choice, though you'll still need transport once you arrive in Kumasi.

Driving in Kumasi itself

Kumasi is a big, busy city, and the area around Kejetia Market is famously congested. If you've driven yourself up from Accra, it's often easier to park at your hotel and use a local driver, a taxi or a ride-hail app to get around the centre. traveling-to.com notes that Uber and Bolt both operate in Kumasi.

Timing your visit can make it special. Herit360 suggests planning around an Akwasidae festival, which falls every 42 days, for the full royal experience at Manhyia. Check the dates before you travel, as roads near the palace will be busier on those days.

Making a loop of it

Kumasi doesn't have to be an out-and-back trip. The NCRC distance chart puts Cape Coast to Kumasi at about 200 km. That makes a satisfying triangle: Accra to Cape Coast on the coast road, Cape Coast up to Kumasi, then back down the N6 to Accra. Spread over four or five days, with nights in Cape Coast and Kumasi, it takes in the castles, the forest and the Asante heartland without any single day being too long.

When to go

Accra Street Journal recommends November to March, Ghana's dry season, for the best road conditions. The FCDO notes that heavy rainfall can cause flooding and disrupt road travel, including in and around Accra, so in the rainy months leave extra time and check conditions before setting off.

Whichever season you choose, set off with a full tank. Fuel stations are plentiful along the N6, but queues at the popular ones near rest stops can be long around midday.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to drive from Accra to Kumasi?

Typically 4–6 hours for about 250 km on the N6, depending on traffic and stops.

What is the best rest stop between Accra and Kumasi?

Linda Dor near Bunso is the best known, with washrooms, food and fuel, according to Accra Street Journal.

Is it better to fly or drive to Kumasi?

Flying takes about 40–50 minutes in the air. Driving lets you stop along the way and gives you a car at the other end. Many visitors do one of each.

Is the Accra–Kumasi road safe?

It's a busy highway, and the US State Department notes frequent accidents on it. Drive in daylight, rest regularly, or hire an experienced driver.

Can I hire a car in Accra and drop it in Kumasi?

Some firms with branches in both cities may offer this. Ask about one-way fees in writing.

Find your car

Browse chauffeurs and self-drive firms in Accra, or arrange local hire on arrival via our Kumasi listings.

Information checked 13 October 2026.

Sources (12)

Accra to Kumasi Road Trip: The N6 Route, Rest Stops & Car Hire