How Much Does a Trip to Ghana Cost from America? (Full Breakdown)

A complete 2025 cost guide for budget, mid-range & luxury travelers — covering flights, accommodation, food, transport, and everything in between.

Planning a trip to Ghana from the United States? Smart move. Ghana is one of West Africa’s most accessible, welcoming, and historically rich destinations — and in 2025, more Americans are making the journey than ever before.

But before you book that flight, you’re probably asking the one question everyone asks: how much is this actually going to cost me?

In this guide, we break down every major cost category — flights, accommodation, food, local transport, activities, visas, and the hidden extras most people forget — across three trip durations (7 days, 10 days, and 2 weeks) and three budget tiers. By the time you’re done, you’ll know exactly how much to set aside for your Ghana adventure.

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Quick Cost Summary: Ghana Trip from the USA

Here’s the at-a-glance breakdown. All figures are per person and include round-trip flights from the East Coast USA.

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1. Flights from the USA to Ghana

Flights are almost always your biggest single expense. From the US to Accra’s Kotoka International Airport (ACC), round-trip economy tickets typically range from $700 to $1,600, depending on your departure city, airline, and how far in advance you book.

Round-Trip Flight Costs by Departure City

Departure City	Budget Economy	Average Economy	Business Class
New York (JFK/EWR)	$700 – $950	$1,100 – $1,400	$3,500 – $5,000
Washington D.C. (IAD)	$800 – $1,100	$1,200 – $1,500	$3,800 – $5,500
Atlanta (ATL)	$900 – $1,200	$1,300 – $1,600	$4,000 – $6,000
Los Angeles (LAX)	$950 – $1,300	$1,400 – $1,700	$4,500 – $7,000
Houston (IAH)	$900 – $1,200	$1,300 – $1,600	$4,000 – $5,500

Which Airlines Fly to Ghana?

Popular options include Ethiopian Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Turkish Airlines, and Royal Air Maroc. Most routes involve at least one connection — commonly in London, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Addis Ababa, or Casablanca.

United Airlines now operates a nonstop route from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Accra on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, making it the most convenient option for East Coast travelers.

When to Book for the Best Prices

• Book 3–4 months in advance for the best economy fares — waiting too long can double the price
• Low season (October–November, February–March) offers the cheapest flights of the year
• Peak season (December–January and July–August) — expect to pay 30–50% more
• Avoid booking within 2 weeks of departure — prices can jump to $2,000+
• Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) tends to be cheaper than weekends

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2. Ghana Visa & Entry Requirements

Americans need a visa to enter Ghana. In 2025, Ghana uses an e-visa system, which makes the application process straightforward — you apply online before your trip.

Visa Type	Processing Time	Cost (USD)
Single Entry (Tourist)	Standard (5–7 business days)	$60 – $100
Single Entry (Tourist)	Expedited (2–3 business days)	$100 – $150
Multiple Entry	Standard	$150 – $200

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3. Accommodation Costs in Ghana

Ghana has a wide range of accommodation options at every price point. Accra, being the capital and main tourist hub, tends to be pricier. Outside the capital — Cape Coast, Kumasi, the Volta Region — you’ll get noticeably better value for money.

Budget: $15–$60 per night

Budget travelers can find hostel dormitories starting around $15–$25/night in Accra, and simple guesthouses for $30–$60. Outside the capital, beachfront guesthouses in Cape Coast run $50–$80 and comfortable rooms in Kumasi around $35–$55. Budget options typically include basic air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and private or shared bathrooms.

Mid-Range: $70–$180 per night

Mid-range hotels in Accra’s popular areas — Osu, East Legon, Airport Residential — run $80–$180/night, offering pools, reliable Wi-Fi, and breakfast. Airbnbs are a strong mid-range option, especially for stays of a week or longer. A well-appointed apartment with a kitchen costs $70–$120/night and saves additional money on dining.

Luxury: $200–$400+ per night

Ghana’s luxury hotel scene has grown significantly. In Accra’s upscale Airport Residential and Cantonments neighborhoods, top-tier hotels charge $250–$400/night with full amenities including pools, fine dining, and international standards. The Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, and Labadi Beach Hotel are among the standout options.

Budget Tier	Accra (per night)	Cape Coast / Kumasi (per night)
Budget	$20 – $60	$30 – $70
Mid-Range	$80 – $180	$50 – $100
Luxury	$200 – $400	$100 – $200

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4. Food & Drink Costs in Ghana

This is where Ghana really delivers value. Whether you’re eating jollof rice from a roadside chop bar or dining at an upscale Accra restaurant, food is one of the most affordable parts of any Ghana trip.

Budget Eating: $5–$15 per day

Eating like a local is both the cheapest and most delicious option. A plate of waakye (rice and beans), jollof rice, banku with tilapia, or kelewele (spiced fried plantains) from a street food vendor or chop bar typically costs just $1–$4. You can eat three filling, authentic meals a day for under $10 if you stick to local spots.

Mid-Range Dining: $20–$50 per day

Mid-range restaurants in Accra serve a mix of Ghanaian, continental, and international cuisine for around $8–$20 per meal. A dinner for two at a popular Osu or Cantonments restaurant with drinks comes to roughly $25–$40. This budget level gives you variety and comfort without overspending.

Luxury Dining: $60–$150+ per day

Fine dining in Accra has elevated considerably in recent years. High-end hotel restaurants and rooftop dining spots can cost $40–$80 per person for a full meal with drinks. Building a few luxury dining experiences into your itinerary is worth it — the quality is genuinely impressive.

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5. Getting Around Ghana: Local Transport Costs

Once you land in Accra, how you get around depends on your comfort level and budget. Here’s a complete breakdown.

Transport Type	Typical Cost	Best For
Tro-tro (shared minibus)	$0.50 – $2 per ride	Budget travelers, local experience
Shared taxi	$2 – $5 per ride	Short city trips on a budget
Uber / Bolt	$5 – $15 per ride	Mid-range, Accra city travel
VIP bus (intercity)	$5 – $15 per route	Accra ↔ Kumasi ↔ Cape Coast
Private car + driver	$60 – $100 per day	Luxury, flexibility, multi-stop days
Domestic flight	$80 – $150 one-way	Accra to Tamale / Northern Ghana

Uber and Bolt both operate in Accra and are reliable, metered, and air-conditioned — the go-to for most mid-range travelers. For intercity travel, VIP bus services like VIP Jeoun connect Accra to Kumasi and Cape Coast comfortably and affordably.

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6. Activities & Attractions in Ghana

Most entrance fees in Ghana are very reasonable by Western standards. Budget roughly $10–$20/day if you’re visiting one or two attractions daily.

Attraction	Location	Entry Fee (USD)
Cape Coast Castle	Cape Coast	$10 – $15
Elmina Castle	Elmina	$10 – $15
Kakum National Park (canopy walk)	Cape Coast region	$15 – $20
Mole National Park (safari)	Northern Ghana	$5 entry + $25–$40 guided walk
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park	Accra	$5
Boti Falls	Eastern Region	$5 – $8
Aburi Botanical Gardens	Aburi Hills	$3 – $5
Ashanti Cultural Centre	Kumasi	$5 – $10
Wli Waterfalls	Volta Region	$5 – $8

Guided tours, unique cultural experiences like chocolate-making workshops, traditional naming ceremonies, or community immersion programs can add $30–$80 to individual days but are often the most memorable parts of any Ghana trip.

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7. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is non-negotiable for a trip to Ghana. Medical care quality varies significantly by facility, and emergency evacuation coverage alone is worth the cost of a comprehensive policy.

Expect to pay $50–$150 for a solid travel insurance policy covering a 1–2 week trip, depending on your age and coverage level. Look for a policy that includes emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and baggage loss.

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8. Full Cost Breakdown: 7-Day Ghana Trip

All figures below are per person, including round-trip economy flights from the US East Coast.

Cost Category	🎒 Budget	🏨 Mid-Range	✨ Luxury
Round-Trip Flight	$750 – $950	$950 – $1,200	$3,500 – $5,000
Accommodation (6 nights)	$120 – $300	$480 – $900	$1,500 – $2,400
Food & Drink (7 days)	$50 – $100	$150 – $280	$420 – $700
Local Transport	$20 – $50	$80 – $150	$300 – $500
Activities & Entrance Fees	$50 – $100	$100 – $200	$300 – $600
Visa + Yellow Fever Vaccine	$210 – $350	$210 – $350	$210 – $350
Travel Insurance	$60 – $80	$70 – $100	$100 – $150
Miscellaneous / Shopping	$50 – $100	$100 – $200	$300 – $600
ESTIMATED TOTAL	$1,310 – $2,030	$2,140 – $3,380	$6,630 – $10,300

Full Cost Breakdown: 10-Day Ghana Trip

Cost Category	🎒 Budget	🏨 Mid-Range	✨ Luxury
Round-Trip Flight	$750 – $950	$950 – $1,200	$3,500 – $5,000
Accommodation (9 nights)	$180 – $450	$720 – $1,350	$2,250 – $3,600
Food & Drink (10 days)	$70 – $140	$200 – $380	$600 – $1,000
Local Transport	$30 – $70	$120 – $200	$500 – $800
Activities & Entrance Fees	$70 – $140	$140 – $280	$400 – $800
Visa + Yellow Fever Vaccine	$210 – $350	$210 – $350	$210 – $350
Travel Insurance	$70 – $100	$80 – $120	$120 – $180
Miscellaneous / Shopping	$70 – $150	$150 – $300	$400 – $800
ESTIMATED TOTAL	$1,450 – $2,350	$2,570 – $4,180	$7,980 – $12,530

Full Cost Breakdown: 2-Week (14-Day) Ghana Trip

Cost Category	🎒 Budget	🏨 Mid-Range	✨ Luxury
Round-Trip Flight	$750 – $950	$950 – $1,200	$3,500 – $5,500
Accommodation (13 nights)	$260 – $650	$1,040 – $1,950	$3,250 – $5,200
Food & Drink (14 days)	$100 – $200	$280 – $560	$840 – $1,400
Local Transport	$50 – $100	$180 – $320	$700 – $1,200
Activities & Entrance Fees	$100 – $200	$200 – $400	$600 – $1,200
Visa + Yellow Fever Vaccine	$210 – $350	$210 – $350	$210 – $350
Travel Insurance	$80 – $120	$100 – $150	$150 – $250
Miscellaneous / Shopping	$100 – $200	$200 – $400	$600 – $1,200
ESTIMATED TOTAL	$1,650 – $2,770	$3,160 – $5,330	$9,850 – $16,300

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9. Money-Saving Tips for Your Ghana Trip

On Flights

• Use Google Flights to set price alerts and track fares 3–4 months before your trip
• Consider flying via Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc) or Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines) for more competitive prices
• Late January through March and October through November are consistently the cheapest months to fly
• Midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) tend to be cheaper than weekends

On Accommodation

• Book an Airbnb for stays of a week or more — a kitchen saves on dining, and per-night costs are lower than hotels
• Stay in neighborhoods like Labone or Cantonments for better-value mid-range options compared to tourist-heavy zones
• Plan nights in Cape Coast or Kumasi — accommodation there is 30–50% cheaper than Accra

On Food & Daily Expenses

• Eat where locals eat — chop bars and street food stalls serve the best food at a fraction of restaurant prices
• Drink fresh coconut water and local beverages instead of imported drinks
• Visit Makola Market in Accra or Kejetia Market in Kumasi for fresh produce and cheap snacks
• Negotiate respectfully — prices at informal markets and with private transport are often not fixed

On Currency & Money

• Use a Wise card or Charles Schwab debit card — both offer interbank exchange rates with zero foreign transaction fees
• Withdraw Ghanaian cedis from local ATMs — better rates than exchanging at hotels or the airport
• Avoid airport currency exchange entirely — rates there are consistently the worst you’ll find

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10. Hidden Costs Americans Often Miss

Beyond the obvious categories, a few extra expenses catch many first-time visitors off guard:

• Airport departure tax: Ghana charges roughly $70–$100 for international departures, usually included in your ticket — confirm when booking
• Tipping: Not mandatory, but tipping tour guides ($5–$15), hotel staff, and drivers ($2–$5) is expected at mid-range and luxury levels
• Local SIM card and data: A SIM with a data bundle costs about $5–$10 and saves significantly on roaming. MTN and AirtelTigo have the best coverage
• Photography fees: Some tourist sites charge $5–$20 extra for camera or video permits
• Malaria prophylaxis: Talk to your doctor before traveling — preventive medication costs $50–$150 for a two-week supply in the US
• Community contributions: If visiting local villages or attending cultural events, contributing $10–$30 to community funds is a meaningful and appreciated gesture

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11. Best Time to Visit Ghana for Your Budget

Season	Months	Flight Prices	What to Expect
Low Season	Oct – Nov, Feb – Mar	$700 – $1,000	Dry, comfortable weather in southern Ghana; fewest crowds
Shoulder Season	Apr – Jun, Sep	$900 – $1,300	Some rain in south; reasonable prices and fewer tourists
High Season	Dec – Jan, Jul – Aug	$1,200 – $1,700+	Holidays & Diaspora Month; most expensive but most festive

For the best combination of good weather and affordable prices, October–November and February–March are the sweet spots. You’ll find cheaper flights, lower hotel rates, and fewer crowds at major attractions — while still enjoying dry, warm weather in southern Ghana.

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Final Thoughts: Is a Trip to Ghana Worth the Cost?

Absolutely. For Americans looking to experience an African country that is safe, English-speaking, historically profound, and genuinely welcoming, Ghana represents extraordinary value. You’re not just spending money on a holiday — you’re walking through the corridors of the transatlantic slave trade, experiencing the warmth of Ghanaian hospitality, tasting food that you won’t find anywhere else in the world, and connecting with a country that has been calling the diaspora home for decades.

Whether you’re a budget backpacker investing $1,500 for a life-changing week, a mid-range traveler spending $4,000 for a comfortable and curated 10-day experience, or a luxury traveler ready to spend $10,000+ for the full VIP treatment — Ghana delivers.

Start planning early, book your flights at least 3–4 months out, get your yellow fever vaccine well in advance, and prepare yourself for a trip you’ll talk about for years.