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Old Djibouti Train Station

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

The Old Djibouti Train Station is a significant industrial monument and a testament to colonial history in the Horn of Africa. Built around 1900, it served as the terminus for the historic Ethio-Djibouti Railway connecting Djibouti and Addis Ababa, constructed under French management. The station building's architecture displays typical French colonial style elements, featuring high windows and a functional structure adapted to the region's hot climate. For decades, this site was the economic heartbeat of the nation, as it handled the entirety of goods traffic from the Ethiopian highlands to the Port of Djibouti. With the inauguration of the new, electrified railway line in 2017, the old station lost its original operational function. Today, the building stands as a nostalgic symbol of a bygone era of rail transport and early globalization. Preservation efforts aim to protect this architectural heritage as part of the national identity and as a potential tourist attraction highlighting the country's logistical past.

Location: Djibouti
Nearby: Negad (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	25	26	28	31	34	34	34	33	29	27	25
Rain mm	6	6	20	51	27	7	17	27	31	21	10	14

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The old Djibouti train station is a historic building that can be viewed from the outside. The interior is typically not open to the public as the tracks are still in use.

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Typical hours

As an active station, the tracks and platforms are reserved for passengers. Exterior viewing has no time restrictions.

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Photography

The old station's French colonial style façade is a popular photo subject. Avoid photographing trains or staff, as it may raise security concerns.

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Time needed

A short 10-20 minute stop is enough to view the building from outside and take photos. For a broader exploration of the area, allow 30 minutes.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with a walk along the Djibouti port or to the nearby Place Mahmoud Harbi. The National Museum of Djibouti is also close by.

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Getting there

The station is centrally located in Djibouti City near the port. You can reach it on foot from the center or by taxi from the airport.

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Insider tip

Visit the station early morning when the light is soft and fewer trains run. Politely ask railway staff if you can peek into the historic waiting room.

Geography

Coordinates

11.58900, 43.14400

Facts

Construction of the railway line to Ethiopia began in 1897.
The station served as the primary logistics hub for over 100 years.
The building features French colonial architecture from the turn of the century.
The distance of the railway to Addis Ababa is approximately 784 kilometers.
In 2017, operations were replaced by a new standard-gauge railway line.
The station is located in downtown Djibouti City near the port area.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Djibouti City<1 km · NExplore →

Parc de l'Unité2 km · SWExplore →

Djibouti Port Oil Jetty2 km · EExplore →

Ambouli Oasis2 km · WExplore →

Djibouti Steel Mill4 km · SWExplore →

Djibouti Free Zone Building4 km · WExplore →

PK12 Industrial Zone4 km · WExplore →

Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore5 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Old Djibouti Train Station (1)

atre des Salines🎭 culture

This theatre serves as a cultural venue for performances and performing arts in the region.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the old train station still in use?

No, it is a historical monument; the new station is located outside the city.

Can you visit the interior of the station?

Mostly viewed from the outside; access to the interior is often restricted.

What is the history of the station?

It was part of the legendary Addis Ababa to Djibouti railway line.

Is it worth visiting for architecture fans?

Yes, it showcases pleasant architecture from the French colonial era.

Are there old trains to be seen?

Sometimes old wagons or remains of the tracks can still be seen there.

Old Djibouti Train Station: where is it located?

Old Djibouti Train Station is located in Djibouti.

Old Djibouti Train Station: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

Old Djibouti Train Station: why is it worth visiting?

The Old Djibouti Train Station is a significant industrial monument and a testament to colonial history in the Horn of Africa.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →