Getting around Gambia
There are currently no scheduled domestic passenger flights within The Gambia due to the country's small size.
Road travel is the main way of getting around The Gambia, with most destinations accessible by car, taxi, minibus or shared bush taxi.
The country's principal roads connecting Banjul, Serrekunda, Brikama and the coastal resorts are paved and can be busy, especially around urban areas. Police and military checkpoints are common throughout the country. These are normally routine, and travellers may be asked to show identification or vehicle documents. Visitors travelling independently should carry passports or copies of their identification documents at all times.
Road quality in The Gambia varies considerably between the main coastal routes and more remote inland areas. Roads linking Banjul, Serrekunda, Brikama and the Atlantic resort areas are generally paved and in reasonable condition, though potholes, congestion and uneven surfaces are common in places.
Conditions become more variable further inland. Some major trunk roads are surfaced, but secondary and rural roads may be poorly maintained, narrow or affected by sand, erosion and seasonal flooding during the rainy season. Unpaved roads can become difficult to use after heavy rain, particularly in remote areas away from the main river crossings.
Street lighting is limited outside the main urban areas, and extra caution is advised when driving at night due to pedestrians, livestock, bicycles and vehicles operating without proper lights. During the rainy season, temporary flooding and damaged road surfaces can significantly increase journey times in some regions.
The Gambia's road network is broadly divided into primary trunk roads, secondary roads and local access roads.
Primary trunk roads connect the country's main towns, border crossings and ferry points, including routes linking Banjul, Serrekunda, Brikama, Farafenni and Basse Santa Su. These roads form the main transport corridors running along both sides of the Gambia River.
Secondary roads connect smaller towns, regional centres and rural districts to the main trunk road network. Local roads provide access to villages, agricultural areas and smaller communities throughout the country.
Car hire is available in The Gambia, particularly around Banjul International Airport and the main tourist areas along the Atlantic coast. Both local operators and a small number of international rental companies operate in the country, though vehicle choice can be more limited than in larger destinations.
Hiring a vehicle can provide greater flexibility for exploring areas beyond the coastal resorts, and Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for some rural routes, particularly during the rainy season.
Drivers are generally required to be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driving licence. An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside a national licence. Before hiring a vehicle, travellers should confirm insurance coverage, fuel policies and the type of assistance provided in the event of a breakdown.
Taxis are widely used in The Gambia, particularly around Banjul, Serrekunda and the Atlantic coastal resort areas. Tourist taxis, usually painted green, are commonly used by visitors staying in beach resorts and hotels. These taxis can often be hired for short journeys, airport transfers or full-day excursions. They are generally unmetered, so fares should be agreed before the journey begins.
Standard local taxis are generally cheaper than tourist taxis and are used mainly by residents for everyday travel within towns and cities. Shared taxis and minibuses are also common and operate on fixed routes between urban areas and villages. These shared services can be crowded but are inexpensive and widely used nationwide.
Long-distance shared taxis connect towns and rural communities across The Gambia and into neighbouring Senegal. Vehicles are usually older station wagons or minibuses carrying multiple passengers and luggage. Departures normally take place once vehicles are full rather than according to fixed timetables.
Ride-hailing services such as Gamride and 1Bena operate in parts of the country, particularly around the Greater Banjul area. In addition, many hotels and guesthouses can arrange taxi bookings through WhatsApp or by telephone.
Cycling is possible in The Gambia, particularly along the flatter coastal areas and quieter rural roads. The country's relatively small size and generally level terrain make it manageable for recreational and long-distance cycling, especially during the dry season.
In the Greater Banjul area, traffic can be busy and road conditions uneven, so cyclists should ride cautiously. Outside the urban centres, cycling offers a slower way to experience villages, farmland and riverside scenery, though facilities such as dedicated cycle lanes are extremely limited.
Mountain biking and organised cycling tours are available through some local operators, particularly for visitors interested in birdwatching, village visits and nature tourism. Due to the heat, cycling is generally more comfortable during the cooler morning and late afternoon hours.
Air-conditioned long-distance coaches are limited in The Gambia, but shared taxis and minibuses are the main form of long-distance public transport. These services connect Banjul and the coastal areas with inland towns, including Farafenni, Soma, Kuntaur and Basse Santa Su.
Vehicles usually depart from garages or transport hubs once full rather than operating according to fixed timetables. Journeys can be slow due to frequent stops, road conditions and ferry crossings, but fares are inexpensive and the services are widely used by local residents.
Traffic in The Gambia drives on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are generally 25km/h (16mph) in urban areas and 70km/h (43mph) outside towns, unless otherwise indicated by signs.
Seat belts are required for front-seat occupants, and the use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited unless using a hands-free system. Drink-driving laws apply, and police checkpoints are common on major roads and around urban areas.
Drivers should carry a valid driving licence, vehicle registration documents and proof of insurance at all times. An International Driving Permit is recommended for foreign visitors driving in the country.
Breakdown and roadside assistance services are most readily available around Banjul, Serrekunda and the main coastal tourist areas, while support in remote inland regions may be slower and more basic.
Travellers using hired cars should contact the rental company first in the event of a breakdown, as many operators provide roadside assistance or recovery services. Before starting longer journeys, drivers are advised to carry water, a charged mobile phone and basic emergency supplies, particularly when travelling inland.
Foreign drivers may use a valid national driving licence in The Gambia for short visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended, particularly for visitors hiring vehicles.
Drivers must carry their passport or another form of identification, vehicle registration documents and proof of insurance at all times while driving. Visitors using their own vehicles should also ensure they have valid insurance documentation covering The Gambia.
Rental vehicles should carry the hire agreement and any additional documentation required for cross-border travel into Senegal or other neighbouring countries.
Urban transport in The Gambia is centred mainly around shared taxis, minibuses and private taxis. In the Greater Banjul Area, which includes Banjul, Serrekunda, Bakau and surrounding districts, minibuses and shared taxis operate on fixed routes and are widely used by local residents for everyday travel.
Banjul itself is relatively small and can partly be explored on foot, though most visitors rely on taxis when travelling between the capital, ferry terminal and coastal resort areas. Serrekunda, the country's largest urban area, is busier and more congested, with traffic building up around markets and major junctions during peak periods.
Tourist taxis are common around hotels, beaches and visitor areas along the Atlantic coast. Fares are usually negotiated before departure, as meters are not used. Ride-hailing services such as Gamride and 1Bena also operate in parts of the Greater Banjul Area.
Walking is practical in some resort areas and town centres during daylight hours, though pavements can be uneven or absent in places. Due to heat and limited street lighting, walking long distances after dark is less common outside the main tourist districts.
The Gambia River plays an important role in domestic transport, particularly in areas where road connections are limited or where crossings are required between the north and south banks. Ferries, pirogues and small boats are widely used by both residents and travellers.
The busiest ferry route operates between Banjul and Barra at the mouth of the river and forms an important transport link for vehicles and passengers travelling between the capital and northern Gambia or Senegal. Delays and queues can occur, especially during busy travel periods.
Further inland, smaller ferries and river crossings connect communities along the river. River transport is also used for tourism, with boat excursions and cruises operating from several locations, particularly for birdwatching, fishing and wildlife trips.
Safety standards and facilities on smaller boats can vary, and travellers are advised to use reputable operators where possible.
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