Top 5 Ethiopian Taxi Apps Compared: Which Is the Best in 2025?
In Ethiopia’s fast-growing cities, especially in Addis Ababa, taxi-hailing apps have become essential for daily transportation. With increasing smartphone usage and a rising demand for convenient travel, several homegrown taxi apps now compete with traditional taxis and ride-hailing giants.
As of 2025, more Ethiopians are ditching street-side haggling for safer, more transparent digital platforms. But with so many options available, which app is best for you?
In this comprehensive article, we compare the top 5 Ethiopian taxi apps based on pricing, availability, safety, app performance, customer service, and real-world user experience.
1. Ride
Ride is one of Ethiopia’s pioneering ride-hailing platforms. Founded in 2014, it’s still the most widely used taxi app in Ethiopia, especially in Addis Ababa.
Key Features:
- Multiple ride types (Sedan, Minivan, Bajaj)
- Corporate ride options
- Scheduled rides
- Cash and wallet payments
- Female driver option (Ride Pink)
Pros:
- High driver availability
- User-friendly app
- 24/7 customer service
- Integration with Ethio Telecom’s Telebirr
Cons:
- Price surge during peak hours
- Delays during rain or holidays
Availability:
- Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Hawassa, and more expanding cities
Pricing:
Starting fare: 60 ETB
Price/km: ~15 ETB
Website: ride8294.com
2. Feres
Feres is another fast-growing Ethiopian taxi-hailing platform known for its local branding and affordable pricing strategy. It appeals to young Ethiopians, students, and budget travelers.
Key Features:
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Fair price calculator
- Wallet and card payments
- Ride history and receipts
Pros:
- Cheaper than Ride
- Clean and modern UI
- Promotional coupons available
Cons:
- Limited outside Addis Ababa
- Fewer drivers during off-peak hours
Availability:
Primarily Addis Ababa with slow expansion to regional cities.
Pricing:
Starting fare: 50 ETB
Price/km: ~12–13 ETB
Website: feresapp.com
3. ZayRide
ZayRide is a premium taxi-hailing service founded by an Ethiopian-American entrepreneur. It prides itself on international quality service with local expertise.
Key Features:
- In-app SOS button
- High-end cars available
- Corporate ride packages
- Partnered with security companies for safety
Pros:
- Great for business professionals
- High safety standards
- App available in Amharic and English
Cons:
- More expensive than others
- Only operates in select areas
Availability:
Mainly Addis Ababa and Bole International Airport routes
Pricing:
Starting fare: 75 ETB
Price/km: ~17–20 ETB
Website: zayride.com
4. Catch Taxi
Catch Taxi is a newer app gaining popularity for its reliability and minimal wait times. Though not as big as Ride or Feres, it’s growing steadily with a loyal customer base.
Key Features:
- In-app driver rating system
- Supports multiple languages
- Clean app design
- 24/7 customer support
Pros:
- Competitive pricing
- Fast response times
- Easy booking and cancellation
Cons:
- Limited fleet compared to Ride
- App may freeze on some older phones
Availability:
Addis Ababa and expanding to Oromia region
Pricing:
Starting fare: 55 ETB
Price/km: ~14 ETB
Website: Currently app-based only; official site under development.
5. YeneRide
YeneRide is a community-focused ride-hailing startup with a mission to serve underserved areas in Ethiopia, including suburban and rural towns.
Key Features:
- Bajaj and motorbike options
- Cheaper suburban pricing
- Focus on women drivers and inclusivity
Pros:
- Reaches remote areas
- Ideal for short-distance commuters
- Offers phone-based booking for non-smartphone users
Cons:
- Not available in central Addis
- Basic app design and fewer features
Availability:
Suburban parts of Addis Ababa, Debre Zeit, and rural zones
Pricing:
Starting fare: 30 ETB
Price/km: ~10 ETB
Website: App-based, with hotline for feature phone users
Comparison Table (2025)
| Feature | Ride | Feres | ZayRide | Catch Taxi | YeneRide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cities Covered | 10+ | 5+ | 3 | 3 | 5+ |
| App Rating (PlayStore) | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 3.9 |
| Avg Price/km (ETB) | 15 | 12–13 | 17–20 | 14 | 10 |
| SOS/Security Feature | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Female Driver Option | Yes (Pink) | No | No | No | Yes |
| Scheduling Rides | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Payment Options | Cash, Wallet | Cash, Card | Cash | Cash | Cash |
How to Choose the Best App for You?
Depending on your needs, here’s how to decide:
- Budget Users: Feres and YeneRide offer the cheapest options.
- Frequent Travelers: Ride has the widest availability.
- Safety-Conscious Riders: ZayRide and Ride offer the best safety features.
- Suburban/Non-Smartphone Users: YeneRide is your go-to.
- Business Professionals: ZayRide offers executive-class rides.
Bonus: Tips for Ethiopian Taxi App Users in 2025
1. Use Promotions and Coupons
Apps like Feres and Ride often run weekly promotions, especially during holidays or new launches. Keep an eye on their social media or enable notifications.
2. Verify Driver ID
Always check the driver’s name and license plate before entering any vehicle for safety.
3. Use Wallet or Telebirr
Wallet and Telebirr integration is available in Ride and Feres. Paying digitally may offer discounts or loyalty rewards.
4. Rate and Review
Help improve service quality by rating your driver after every trip.
Outbound Resources
Final Verdict: Which Taxi App is Best in 2025?
For most users in Ethiopia, Ride remains the best all-around app thanks to its reliability, driver availability, and features. However, Feres wins in affordability, while ZayRide stands out for safety and premium service.
Still, all five apps have unique advantages. With growing digital infrastructure and user demand in Ethiopia, expect these platforms to evolve quickly, possibly rivaling global giants in the near future.
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