Lalibela is 340 kilometres north of Addis Ababa, at an altitude of around 2,600 metres in the Lasta mountains. The road journey is long and the roads are rough; almost everyone arrives by air.
By air. Ethiopian Airlines operates multiple daily flights from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to Lalibela Airport (IATA: LLI), a small airstrip about 25 kilometres from town. The flight takes around 50 minutes. Ethiopian Airlines also runs direct services from Axum and Gondar, making it easy to combine Lalibela with a northern circuit of Ethiopian historic sites. Book in advance during peak season (October–January); flights sell out.
By road. A bus service runs from Woldia, the nearest major junction town, to Lalibela — roughly four hours on a challenging mountain road. Woldia is connected to Addis Ababa by overnight bus (around twelve hours from the capital). Shared minibuses also run from Woldia but are less predictable on schedule. A hired 4WD with driver is the most comfortable overland option and can be arranged through tour operators in Addis.
From the airport. Lalibela Airport is 25 kilometres from town on a paved road. Minibuses meet most flights; the fare is fixed and the journey takes about 40 minutes. Hotels can arrange airport transfers for a fee. Do not pay more than the stated minibus rate unless you have good reason.