Houphouët-Boigny Bridge

When you visit Abidjan in Ivory Coast, you cannot miss the Houphouët-Boigny Bridge, an essential piece of urban infrastructure that spans across the beautiful Ébrié Lagoon. As you explore the area, you will quickly see why this impressive structure is so vital: it serves as a critical road and rail bridge, seamlessly connecting the two halves of Abidjan. Standing by the lagoon, you can take in the full view of this remarkable girder bridge, which features a distinctive hollow box and double deck design.

Structural design enthusiasts and curious travelers alike will appreciate observing how the bridge spans the water over eight individual sections, with each span measuring 46.5 meters, or 153 feet, in length. Altogether, the entire structure reaches a total length of 372 meters, which equals approximately 1,220 feet. Whether you are observing the double deck layout carrying both road traffic and rail transport across the Ébrié Lagoon or simply taking in how it unites the city, viewing the Houphouët-Boigny Bridge offers you an authentic look at the structural backbone connecting Abidjan.

It is a striking sight to include on your journey through Ivory Coast as you marvel at this functional 372-meter landmark spanning the lagoon.

What to see at Houphouët-Boigny Bridge

• Connects the two halves of Abidjan across the Ébrié Lagoon
• Functions as a dual-purpose road and rail transit bridge
• Features a double deck, hollow box girder engineering design
• Extends across a total length of 372 meters (1,220 feet)
• Comprises eight distinct spans measuring 46.5 meters (153 feet) each

Visiting tips

Take time to view the bridge from the shore of the Ébrié Lagoon to appreciate how its double-deck design carries both road and rail transport across the city.

How long: 30-60 minutes · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Houphouët-Boigny Bridge is easy to reach on Abidjan’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Abidjan travel guide.