Travel to Gambia
Flying to Gambia
The main international gateway to The Gambia is Banjul International Airport (BJL), also known as Yundum International Airport, located approximately 24km (15 miles) south-west of Banjul near the coastal resort areas. Most visitors arrive here, particularly those heading to Kololi, Kotu, Bakau and other Atlantic coast destinations.
Direct and seasonal flights connect The Gambia with several European cities, especially during the northern winter tourism season. Airlines operating routes to Banjul include carriers from the United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium, Morocco and Türkiye, alongside regional West African services. Charter flights also play an important role in bringing holidaymakers to the country during the peak tourist season.
Visitors travelling from regions without direct services usually connect through hubs such as Dakar, Casablanca, Istanbul or Brussels. Regional flights link Banjul with several West African cities, although schedules can be limited and subject to change.
Airport facilities include bureaux de change, ATMs, cafés, car hire services and mobile phone SIM card vendors. Taxis are available outside the terminal, and many hotels and tour operators arrange airport transfers in advance. Journey times to the main coastal resorts generally range from 20 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and destination.
Flight times:
From London to Banjul: 6 hours 30 minutes (direct).
Departure tax:
Passengers arriving in or departing from The Gambia are required to pay an Airport Security Fee at Banjul International Airport. The fee is US$20 and can also be paid in euros, British pounds or local currency.
Visa credit cards are accepted, though card payment systems may occasionally be unavailable, so carrying cash is advisable. Payment is made at designated kiosks within the airport. Children aged one year or under and transit passengers are exempt from the fee.
Travel by rail
There are no international or domestic passenger rail services in The Gambia.
Driving to Gambia
The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal on three sides, and it is possible to enter the country overland from several border crossings. The busiest and most commonly used routes connect the Gambian coast and inland towns with southern Senegal, including onward travel towards Dakar or the Casamance region. Border crossings may involve lengthy waits and vehicle checks.
Getting to Gambia by boat
The Gambia can be reached by sea via the Port of Banjul, the country's main maritime gateway. Located on St Mary's Island near the mouth of the Gambia River, the port primarily handles cargo traffic, though occasional cruise ships and private yachts also call at Banjul.
Some regional travellers arrive by small boats or ferries from neighbouring Senegalese communities along the river and coastal areas, although these services are generally informal and schedules can be unpredictable.
Cruise ships:
Cruise ships occasionally call at Banjul, particularly smaller expedition and regional cruise vessels operating West African itineraries.
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