Getting Around The Gambia
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use gelly-gelly minibuses and yellow taxis for Banjul and Serekunda. Rural: Rent a car for upcountry exploration. River: Ferries and boats for crossings. For convenience, book airport transfers from Banjul to your destination.
Bush Taxi Travel
Shared Bush Taxis
Main intercity transport connecting Banjul to Serekunda, Brikama, and upcountry with frequent departures from stations.
Cost: Banjul to Serekunda D50-100, journeys 30-60 min between coastal towns, longer for rural routes.
Tickets: Pay cash on board, no advance booking; shared vehicles fill up before leaving.
Peak Times: Early mornings and late afternoons busiest; travel before dark for safety.
Multi-Trip Options
Organized tour operators offer multi-stop transport passes for D500-1000 covering several days of travel.
Best For: Multiple village visits over a week, savings for 4+ stops with guided elements.
Where to Buy: Local agencies in Banjul, hotels, or apps like local tour platforms with easy activation.
Ferry & Boat Services
Government ferries cross the Gambia River between Banjul and Barra, with pirogue boats for shorter trips.
Booking: No reservations needed for ferries (D20-50), book boat tours in advance for reliability.
Main Crossings: Banjul-Barra ferry runs 24/7, key for northern access, expect queues.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for flexible rural and beach exploration. Compare rental prices from $30-60/day at Banjul Airport and coastal resorts.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Full coverage essential due to road conditions, verify inclusions for off-road use.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, no major highways with strict enforcement.
Tolls: Minimal, occasional checkpoints; no vignettes required for standard vehicles.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and livestock, right-of-way at unmarked junctions to the right.
Parking: Free in most areas, paid in Banjul resorts $2-5/day; avoid leaving valuables visible.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available in towns at $1.00-1.20/liter for petrol, $0.90-1.10 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, essential for rural dirt roads.
Traffic: Heavy in Serekunda markets, potholes common outside cities; drive cautiously at night.
Urban Transport
Yellow Taxis & Rideshares
Abundant in Banjul and Serekunda, metered or negotiated fares D50-200 for short trips within cities.
Validation: Agree fare upfront, no meters always; apps like local taxi services emerging.
Apps: Use Bolt or local equivalents for safer rides, trackable with fixed pricing.
Bike & Scooter Rentals
Bike hires in coastal areas like Kololi for $5-10/day, with paths along beaches and eco-trails.
Routes: Flat terrain ideal for cycling in Kombos, guided tours for nature spots.
Tours: Beach and village bike tours available, combining exercise with cultural visits.
Gelly-Gelly Minibuses
Informal minibuses ply urban routes in Serekunda and Banjul, operated by private drivers.
Tickets: D10-30 per ride, pay conductor; shout stop to alight at destinations.
Routes: Connect markets and beaches, crowded but cheap; avoid peak heat hours.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near transport hubs in Serekunda for easy access, coastal areas for beaches.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (Nov-Apr) and major events like Independence Day.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-affected travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for AC, mosquito nets, and proximity to taxis before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G coverage in urban and coastal areas, 3G in rural The Gambia with improving networks.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Africell, Qcell, and Gamcel offer prepaid SIMs from $5-10 with solid coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for $10, 10GB for $15, unlimited for $25/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, resorts, and some cafes; limited in rural areas.
Public Hotspots: Airports and major markets have free or paid public WiFi.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps in cities, sufficient for maps and messaging.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0, no daylight saving time observed.
- Airport Transfers: Banjul Airport 30km from Serekunda, taxi D300-500 (45 min), or book private transfer for $20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at hotels and airport ($5-10/day), limited in transport stations.
- Accessibility: Taxis and ferries basic, many sites like villages have steps; plan for assistance.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed in taxis with fee (D100+), check resort policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes can be carried on bush taxis for D50, easier on ferries.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to The Gambia
Banjul International Airport (BJL) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Banjul International (BJL): Primary hub, 30km west of capital with taxi connections.
Yundum Domestic: Small airstrip for regional flights, mainly charters to Senegal.
Bakau Airstrip: Limited private use, convenient for coastal access but few commercial options.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (Nov-Apr) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Dakar and taking bus/ferry to The Gambia for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Air Senegal, Royal Air Maroc, and Turkish Airlines serve Banjul with African/European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and ground transport when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in recommended 24 hours before, airport processes slower.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities, fees D50-100, use bank machines to avoid high tourist markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa accepted in resorts, Mastercard less common; cash preferred elsewhere.
- Contactless Payment: Limited, growing in urban hotels; mobile money like Orange Money common.
- Cash: Essential for taxis, markets, and rural areas, carry D500-2000 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not mandatory, 5-10% in restaurants for good service, small change for porters.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport bureaus with poor exchanges.