Accra to Bolga Bus: Fares, Schedule, Operators & Booking Guide (2026)
The Accra to Bolga bus is one of Ghana’s longest intercity routes and one of the most important. Bolgatanga — the capital of the Upper East Region, known simply as Bolga by everyone who has ever lived there or visited — sits about 800 kilometres north of Accra near the border with Burkina Faso. This is a journey that takes you the full length of Ghana from south to north: out of the coast, through the forest belt, across the savannah, past Tamale, and all the way up into the red laterite landscape of the Upper East.
People make this trip every week — students going back to university, traders moving goods between Accra markets and the north, families heading home for festivals and funerals, NGO workers, and travellers continuing through to Burkina Faso. It is a long, serious road trip that requires the right operator, the right departure time, and realistic expectations about how many hours you will be on the bus. This guide lays all of that out clearly.
How Far is Accra from Bolgatanga by Road?
The road distance from Accra to Bolgatanga is approximately 790 to 820 kilometres depending on the specific route. The main highway goes north from Accra through Kumasi, then continues north through Tamale, Walewale, and into Bolgatanga.
The journey takes between 13 and 18 hours depending on the operator, traffic out of Accra, and the number of rest stops along the way. Rome2Rio puts the STC journey time at 13 hours 29 minutes, but most travellers and operators will tell you to budget at least 15 to 16 hours for a realistic travel day, including stops. If you hit heavy traffic leaving Accra or a slow Kumasi stretch on a Friday, add another hour or two on top of that.
This is why every experienced traveller on this route says the same thing: take the earliest bus you can get, or take the night bus. There is no middle ground that works well on this particular corridor.
The Road Route: Accra to Bolga Explained
The main route goes: Accra → Kumasi → Tamale → Walewale → Bolgatanga
Each leg has its own character:
Accra to Kumasi is the first major stretch — about 250 kilometres on the Accra–Kumasi highway passing through Nsawam, Suhum, and Nkawkaw. This stretch is well-paved and busy. Getting out of Accra is the variable — Friday afternoons and weekday mornings can add 45 minutes to an hour before you even clear the outskirts of the city.
Kumasi is the main rest stop for most operators on this route. The bus pulls in for 20 to 40 minutes — long enough to eat, use the facilities, and stretch your legs. Kumasi is roughly the halfway point geographically but only about 4 to 5 hours into the journey.
Kumasi to Tamale is the longest single stretch — about 380 kilometres of road that takes you from the forest zone of Ashanti into the Guinea savannah of the north. The landscape changes noticeably as you go: trees get shorter and more scattered, the air gets drier, and the horizon opens up. Tamale is Ghana’s third-largest city and the regional capital of the Northern Region. Most buses make another rest stop here.
Tamale to Walewale is a shorter drive of about 90 kilometres. Walewale is a small town where some buses make a final brief stop before the last push north.
Walewale to Bolgatanga takes about an hour and brings you into the Upper East Region. The landscape here is distinctly northern — red laterite soil, baobab trees, and the dry harmattan air that coats everything in dust during the dry season.
Bus Operators on the Accra to Bolga Route
Four main operators serve the Accra to Bolga bus route in 2026. Here is what you need to know about each one.
1. VIP Jeoun Transport
VIP Jeoun is the most popular and most widely used operator on the Accra to Bolga bus route. They run air-conditioned 42-seater coaches with multiple daily departures and two service tiers — Executive Coach and Standard Tour. VIP is recognisable by their red coaches and is found at the Circle VIP Terminal in Accra.
VIP Jeoun raised its fares in April 2026 — the first review since April 2024 — following a rise in fuel prices, with diesel reaching GHS 17.10 per litre and petrol at GHS 13.30 per litre.
The Accra to Bolgatanga Executive Coach fare is now GHS 410, and the Standard Tour fare is GHS 330, effective April 8, 2026.
VIP also runs services from Accra to Navrongo (GHS 420) and Paga (GHS 420), which are towns beyond Bolgatanga continuing toward the Burkina Faso border. If you are heading past Bolga, check whether a direct VIP service goes to your final destination.
Accra terminal: Circle VIP Terminal, Kwame Nkrumah Interchange area, Accra.
Bolgatanga arrival: VIP Terminal, Bolgatanga.
VIP departures include: 5:00 AM, 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 PM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM. Not all of these go to Bolgatanga — confirm which specific departures serve the Bolga route when booking.
Book online at vipbustickets.com via MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash, or AirtelTigo Money.
2. Intercity STC Coaches
STC is Ghana’s oldest and most trusted bus company with over a century of operation. On the Accra to Bolga bus route, STC runs air-conditioned full-size coaches with a fixed departure schedule and online booking. STC is widely regarded as the safest operator on Ghanaian roads and the most structured in terms of timetabling.
STC’s Bolgatanga service arrives at the Bolgatanga STC Yard near the central market. Their Accra departure points are the Tudu Station in central Accra and the Achimota Station at New Achimota Lorry Park.
STC runs departures to the north at 7:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM from Accra.Confirm which of these serve Bolgatanga directly when booking — the northern corridor schedule includes multiple destinations.
STC Accra to Bolgatanga fare 2026: Approximately GHS 300 to GHS 350. Rome2Rio lists STC tickets at $25–$30 USD for this route.Confirm the current GHS fare at stcticketing.gov.gh as prices are subject to review.
Contacts: 0557943605 | 0557943606 | Tudu: 0573100340 | Achimota: 0245376833
Book at stcticketing.gov.gh via Visa, MasterCard, or mobile money.
3. OA Travel and Tours
OA Travel and Tours is the third major player on this corridor. They operate executive coaches with overnight and early-morning departures, making them a popular choice for travellers who want to use the night hours and arrive in Bolga in the morning. OA is widely used by traders and long-distance travellers between Accra and the northern regions.
OA Travel is described as comfortable and widely used by traders and long-distance travelers, offering executive coaches with overnight and early-morning departures.
OA tickets are primarily purchased at the terminal or via mobile money reservation — full online booking is more limited than STC. Their Accra terminal is in the Circle/Kwame Nkrumah Interchange area.
OA Travel Accra to Bolgatanga fare 2026: GHS 280 – GHS 380 depending on service class and time of travel.
4. Metro Mass Transit
Metro Mass Transit is Ghana’s state-subsidised public bus service and the most affordable option on the Accra to Bolga bus route. Metro Mass fares are between GHS 300–350, making them competitive with STC but at a lower comfort level — their buses are more basic, less air-conditioned, and slower due to more frequent stops.
Metro Mass operates the Bolgatanga to Accra and Accra to Bolgatanga route as part of its national network. Their Accra terminal is at Kaneshie Awudome Road. Metro Mass is a practical budget option for travellers who are not prioritising comfort or speed but want a reliable, government-operated service.
Metro Mass tickets are cash-only at lorry parks — no online booking available.
Metro Mass contacts: 0576464654 | 0308249333
Accra to Bolga Bus Fares 2026: Quick Comparison
| Operator | Service Class | Fare (GHS) | Approx. USD | Online Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIP Jeoun | Executive Coach | GHS 410 | ~$28 | Yes — vipbustickets.com |
| VIP Jeoun | Standard Tour | GHS 330 | ~$22 | Yes — vipbustickets.com |
| Intercity STC | Standard / AC Coach | GHS 300 – 350 | ~$20 – $24 | Yes — stcticketing.gov.gh |
| OA Travel | Executive / Standard | GHS 280 – 380 | ~$19 – $26 | Limited |
| Metro Mass Transit | Standard | GHS 300 – 350 | ~$20 – $24 | No — cash at terminal |
Note: VIP Jeoun confirmed their April 8, 2026 fare increase is the first revision since April 2024, triggered by fuel price rises. All other fares are subject to similar reviews. Always confirm the current fare at the terminal or on the operator’s website before travel — prices on this route can shift between reviews.
Accra to Bolga Bus Schedule 2026
The Accra to Bolga bus is a long enough journey that your departure time has a direct impact on when you arrive and how you feel when you get there.
| Departure Time | Operator | Type | Approximate Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM | VIP Jeoun | Day service (earliest) | Evening same day |
| 7:00 AM | STC, VIP Jeoun | Morning service | Late evening same day |
| 3:00 PM | STC | Afternoon service | Early morning next day |
| 5:00 PM | STC, OA Travel | Evening departure | Early morning next day |
| 8:00 PM | VIP Jeoun | Night service | Morning next day |
The 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM departure is the best option if you want to arrive in Bolga in the evening while it is still light and you have energy to get settled. The night buses — departing at 5:00 PM or 8:00 PM — are efficient if you are comfortable sleeping on a bus and want to arrive in the morning ready to start your day.
OA and STC operate overnight coaches for passengers who prefer evening departures.
Where to Board in Accra: Terminal Guide
This is one of the most common points of confusion for first-time travellers on this route. The operators depart from different terminals across Accra.
| Operator | Accra Terminal | Location |
|---|---|---|
| VIP Jeoun | Circle VIP Terminal | Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, Circle area |
| Intercity STC | Tudu Station | Opposite Kimbu SHS, central Accra |
| Intercity STC | Achimota Station | New Achimota Lorry Park, Achimota |
| OA Travel | Circle area | Confirm exact terminal when booking |
| Metro Mass | Kaneshie Terminal | Kaneshie Awudome Road, Kaneshie |
Call the operator to confirm your exact terminal and boarding time before leaving home. For a 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM departure, you need to know exactly where you are going the night before — figuring it out on the morning of travel while looking for a taxi in the dark is not the way to start an 800-kilometre bus trip.
Where You Arrive in Bolgatanga
VIP Jeoun arrives at their Bolgatanga terminal in the city.
STC arrives at the Bolgatanga STC Yard near the central market. This is well-known in the city and any driver or keke rider will know it.
OA Travel arrives at their own terminal or a point near the central market area — confirm when booking.
Metro Mass drops at the Metro Mass terminal in Bolgatanga.
From any of these arrival points, the city centre, hotels, and the market are a short keke (motorised tricycle) or taxi ride away. Bolgatanga is a compact city and getting around on arrival is straightforward.
How to Book the Accra to Bolga Bus Online
Booking with VIP Jeoun (Step by Step)
- Go to vipbustickets.com
- Enter Accra as departure and Bolgatanga (Bolga) as destination
- Select your travel date
- Choose your service class — Executive Coach (GHS 410) or Standard Tour (GHS 330)
- Select your preferred departure time from the available schedule
- Choose your seat
- Pay via MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash, or AirtelTigo Money
- Receive your e-ticket via SMS or email
- Present your ticket at the Circle VIP Terminal — no printing required
Booking with STC (Step by Step)
- Go to stcticketing.gov.gh
- Select Accra to Bolgatanga and your travel date
- Choose your departure time (7:00 AM, 3:00 PM, or 5:00 PM — confirm which serves Bolga)
- Select your seat from the seat map
- Enter your name and phone number
- Pay via Visa, MasterCard, or mobile money
- Download your e-ticket
- Present at Tudu or Achimota terminal
General booking tips:
- Book at least 2–3 days ahead for regular travel periods
- Book 1–2 weeks ahead for Christmas, Easter, August holidays (many northern Ghana students return home), and Eid celebrations — which are significant in the Upper East and surrounding regions
- The 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM VIP departures are the first to sell out — do not leave these for the last minute
- Confirm your specific terminal when booking — STC has two Accra options and the wrong one adds significant travel time
The Three Rest Stops: What to Expect on the Road
Most buses on the Accra to Bolga route make three main stops:
Kumasi (approximately 4–5 hours from Accra): The main stop. Most operators pull in here for 20 to 40 minutes. This is your best opportunity to eat a proper meal, use clean facilities, and buy water. There are food vendors right at the bus park and restaurants a short walk away. Do not skip eating at Kumasi — the next stop is a long way.
Tamale (approximately 9–10 hours from Accra): The midway break in the north. Buses usually stop in Kumasi, Tamale, and Walewale. Tamale is a larger city and the stop here is shorter — usually 15 to 20 minutes. Use the facilities and top up on water.
Walewale (approximately 11–12 hours from Accra): The final brief stop before Bolgatanga. Short — 10 to 15 minutes — but enough to stretch your legs before the last hour of the journey.
Carry snacks, water, and a power bank regardless of these stops. 800 kilometres is a long way and the quality of food at roadside stops is variable.
Accra to Bolga by Bus vs. Flying: The Honest Comparison
Domestic flights from Accra to Tamale operate via Africa World Airlines. There is no direct flight to Bolgatanga — the nearest airport is in Tamale, still 161 kilometres south of Bolga.
| Factor | Accra to Bolga Bus | Flight to Tamale + onward |
|---|---|---|
| Total journey time | 13 – 18 hours | ~2 hrs (flight) + 2 hrs (Tamale to Bolga) = 4–5 hrs total |
| Fare | GHS 330 – 410 (bus) | GHS 900 – 1,500+ (flight) + GHS 100–150 (Tamale to Bolga) |
| Luggage | Generous allowance | 15–20 kg limit, excess charged |
| Convenience | Board in city centre | Airport is 15 km from Accra city centre |
| Arrival point | Central Bolgatanga | Tamale Airport, then onward transport needed |
| Best for | Most travellers, traders, students | Time-critical or premium business travel |
Flying makes sense only if your time has a very high monetary value. For most Ghanaians and budget-conscious travellers, the Accra to Bolga bus saves GHS 600 to 1,000 per trip compared to flying. For traders with goods, the bus is the only realistic option — airlines do not accommodate the volumes of cargo that move on this corridor.
Beyond Bolgatanga: Continuing North
Bolgatanga is close to Burkina Faso. Travelers can connect via the Paga border to Ouagadougou using local buses or taxis.
Paga is about 15 kilometres north of Bolgatanga and is the main Ghana–Burkina Faso border crossing. From the Paga border, buses and shared taxis run to Navrongo, Po, and Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso.
STC also runs an Accra to Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) service on selected days — Monday, Wednesday, and Friday — departing at 2:00 PM, with a fare of GHS 420. If Ouagadougou is your final destination, this direct STC service avoids having to arrange your own onward connection from Bolga to Paga.
VIP Jeoun also runs direct services from Accra to Navrongo (GHS 420) and Paga (GHS 420) — these are among the highest executive fares on the VIP network.
Tips for a Smooth Accra to Bolga Bus Journey
- Take the earliest departure possible — 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM clears Accra before traffic and gives you the best chance of arriving in Bolga in the early evening
- Or take the night bus — departing at 5:00 PM or 8:00 PM means you sleep through most of the journey. Carry a light shawl or jacket as buses get cold overnight
- Book online with VIP or STC — especially for the early morning slots and holiday periods. Walking up to the terminal hoping for a seat on a busy Friday is a gamble
- Go to the right terminal — confirm your boarding point before leaving home. VIP at Circle, STC at Tudu or Achimota, Metro Mass at Kaneshie. These are not close to each other
- Eat properly at Kumasi — this is your main food stop. Do not skip it thinking you will eat in Tamale — the Kumasi stop is longer and the food options are better
- Carry enough water for 4–5 hours between stops — the northern Ghana climate is hotter and drier than Accra, and dehydration on a long bus journey is a real issue
- Bring a power bank — 15 to 18 hours is a long time and your phone will not survive on its own. Not all buses have working charging sockets
- Label your luggage — bags may be moved or shifted during stops. Label bags as they may be moved during rest stops.
- Avoid Friday afternoons — this is the worst time to leave Accra regardless of destination. Mid-week departures are smoother and sometimes cheaper
- For the night bus, carry something warm — even in the dry season, the air conditioning on long-haul buses in Ghana can make the overnight hours genuinely cold
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does the Accra to Bolga bus take? Between 15 and 18 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops. Day buses that depart at 5:00 AM typically arrive in the early evening. Night buses that depart at 5:00 PM or 8:00 PM arrive in Bolgatanga in the early morning.
How much is the Accra to Bolga bus fare in 2026? VIP Jeoun’s Accra to Bolgatanga Executive Coach fare is GHS 410 and Standard Tour is GHS 330, effective April 8, 2026. STC fares are approximately GHS 300 to GHS 350. Metro Mass is in the same range but is a more basic service.
Which is the best bus for Accra to Bolga? VIP Jeoun has the most departures and a strong track record on this corridor — their Executive Coach is the most comfortable option. STC is the most structured and safest operator with reliable online booking. OA Travel is a solid alternative, particularly for overnight departures.
Where do I board in Accra? VIP Jeoun departs from Circle VIP Terminal at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange. STC departs from Tudu Station or Achimota Station. Metro Mass departs from Kaneshie. Call ahead to confirm your specific terminal and time.
Can I book the Accra to Bolga bus online? Yes — VIP Jeoun at vipbustickets.com and STC at stcticketing.gov.gh both support online booking with mobile money payment. Metro Mass is cash-only at the terminal.
Are there overnight buses from Accra to Bolga? Yes. OA and STC operate overnight coaches. VIP Jeoun also runs an 8:00 PM departure. Night buses are efficient for this route — you sleep through most of the journey and arrive in the morning.
Where do I arrive in Bolgatanga? STC buses arrive at the Bolgatanga STC Yard near the central market. VIP arrives at the VIP terminal in the city. Both are well-known landmarks in Bolga and accessible by keke or taxi.
Can I continue to Burkina Faso from Bolgatanga? Yes. Travelers can connect via the Paga border to Ouagadougou using local buses or taxis.Paga is 15 km from Bolgatanga. STC also runs a direct Accra–Ouagadougou service on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
What are the rest stops on the Accra to Bolga bus? Most buses stop in Kumasi (main meal break, 20–40 minutes), Tamale (shorter stop, 15–20 minutes), and Walewale (brief final stop, 10–15 minutes).
Is the Accra to Bolga road safe? Yes. The Accra–Kumasi–Tamale–Bolgatanga highway is Ghana’s main northern artery and is well-used and monitored. Reputable operators schedule driver breaks to manage fatigue on this long route. Use STC, VIP, or OA for reliability — avoid unregistered operators for a journey of this length.
Final Word
The Accra to Bolga bus is one of Ghana’s great long-distance journeys. It takes you from the humid Atlantic coast through the forest, across the savannah, and into the dry, dramatic Upper East. It is a full day — or a full night — on the road and it requires the right preparation. But the route is well-served, the major operators are reliable, and the people of Bolgatanga have been welcoming travellers arriving from the south for as long as buses have been running.
Book online with VIP Jeoun or STC. Take the earliest morning departure or go overnight. Pack water, food, and a power bank. Label your bags. And if you are heading on to Burkina Faso, sort your visa before you leave Accra.
Ready to book? Visit vipbustickets.com for VIP Jeoun or stcticketing.gov.gh for STC to check available seats and departure times for your travel date.
