From Takoradi, Ghana’s laid-back surf coast at Busua is an easy drive. Here’s the route and what the western beaches hold.
GHThe CarRentalGH Team Updated 18 October 2026 · 6 min read
Representative photo via Wikimedia Commons — replace with your own
For anyone in Takoradi, the relaxed surf beaches of Busua are an easy drive west along the coast — a complete change of pace from the busy harbour city. Busua’s long sweep of sand, gentle surf and easygoing beach bars, plus the nearby lagoon village of Butre and the old harbour of Dixcove, make it the perfect short escape, and a car makes the most of it.
The route and distance
Takoradi to Busua is roughly 30 to 40 kilometres, about an hour’s drive west along the coast, turning down toward the shore. The main road is good, with the final approach to the beach on smaller roads.
Takoradi to Busua — car hire across Ghana with CarRentalGH Photo via Wikimedia Commons — replace with your own
Busua, Butre and Dixcove
Busua — the main beach: swimming, Ghana’s friendliest surf, and beach bars.
Butre — a pretty lagoon village a short hop away, with a hilltop fort’s ruins.
Dixcove — a working fishing harbour with the historic Fort Metal Cross above it.
Surfing — Busua is the home of Ghanaian surfing, with boards to rent.
The right car
A saloon handles the main road; an SUV suits the final beach tracks and a family with gear. A driver lets you enjoy the day without the drive back. Our full Busua guide covers the beaches.
Takoradi as a base
Takoradi makes a convenient base for the western beaches and the wider region; our Takoradi car hire page covers local hire, and from here Nzulezu and Axim are within reach too.
Hiring for the trip
Tell us your dates, your group size, and whether you want a driver or self-drive, and we’ll match the right vehicle and confirm one clear price. No payment on the website.
Distances and times are approximate and reviewed October 2026; conditions vary. Rates are guide figures, quoted as one confirmed trip including the driver’s costs where applicable.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Takoradi to Busua?
About 30 to 40 km, roughly an hour's drive west along the coast, turning down toward the beach on smaller roads for the final approach.
What's at Busua?
Busua's main beach with swimming and Ghana's friendliest surf, the nearby lagoon village of Butre, and the Dixcove fishing harbour with its old fort. They're close together.
What car should I hire for Busua?
A saloon handles the main road; an SUV suits the final beach tracks and a family with gear. A driver lets you enjoy the day without the drive back.
Can I do Busua as a day trip from Takoradi?
Yes, easily, at about an hour each way — though its laid-back pace makes a relaxed weekend tempting.
Is Takoradi a good base for the western beaches?
Yes — Busua, Butre, Dixcove, and further afield Nzulezu and Axim are all within reach. See our Takoradi car hire page.
GH
The CarRentalGH Team
Written by the CarRentalGH team in Accra. We rent cars, run airport pickups and drive clients across all sixteen regions of Ghana every week, so these guides come from the road, not a desk.
