Getting Around Cameroon
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use taxis and buses for Yaoundé and Douala. Rural: Rent a car for national parks exploration. Coast: Buses and shared taxis. For convenience, book airport transfers from Douala to your destination.
Train Travel
Camrail National Rail
Limited but scenic train network connecting major cities with daily services.
Cost: Yaoundé to Douala 10,000-15,000 CFA (~$15-23), journeys 6-8 hours.
Tickets: Buy at stations or Camrail offices, cash preferred, arrive early.
Peak Times: Avoid weekends for better seats and fewer delays.
Rail Passes
Multi-journey tickets available for frequent travelers, starting at 50,000 CFA for 5 trips.
Best For: Multiple stops between Yaoundé, Douala, and Ngaoundéré, savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Main stations or Camrail website, valid for one month.
Regional Connections
Trains link to Chad border via Ngaoundéré, with basic amenities on longer routes.
Booking: Reserve in advance for sleeping cars, especially during holidays.
Main Stations: Yaoundé Central and Douala Gare, with onward bus links.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring rural areas and parks. Compare rental prices from 40,000-70,000 CFA (~$60-105)/day at Douala Airport and major cities.
Requirements: International license, credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Full coverage advised due to road conditions, verify inclusions.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 110 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal on main roads, pay cash at checkpoints (500-2000 CFA).
Priority: Yield at roundabouts, watch for pedestrians and animals.
Parking: Free in rural areas, 500-1000 CFA/hour in cities, use guarded lots.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common in cities at 600-700 CFA/liter (~$1/liter) for petrol, diesel similar.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, essential for poor signals.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Douala, potholes and dust on rural roads.
Urban Transport
Taxis & Shared Rides
Yellow taxis ubiquitous in cities, shared rides 300-500 CFA (~$0.50-0.75), private 1000-2000 CFA.
Validation: Negotiate fares upfront, no meters, apps like Heetch emerging.
Apps: Use local ride-hailing for safer options in Yaoundé and Douala.
Moto-Taxis
Motorcycle taxis (clandos) fast for traffic, 200-500 CFA per short ride in urban areas.
Routes: Ideal for narrow streets, wear helmets if provided.
Tours: Guided moto tours available in tourist spots like Limbe.
Buses & Minibuses
SOTRACAM and private operators run city buses, intercity minibuses from 500-2000 CFA.
Tickets: Pay conductor on board, cash only, frequent but crowded.
Coastal Routes: Buses connect Douala to Kribi beaches, 3000-5000 CFA.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stations in cities for easy access, central Yaoundé or Douala for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (Dec-Mar) and major festivals.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable road conditions.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, generator power, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in cities, 3G in rural Cameroon, spotty in remote areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 3000 CFA (~$5) for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
MTN, Orange, and Nexttel offer prepaid SIMs from 1000-5000 CFA (~$2-8) with decent coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 5000 CFA (~$8), 10GB for 10,000 CFA (~$15), unlimited options available.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels and cafes, limited public access in urban areas.
Public Hotspots: Major bus stations and tourist sites offer paid or free WiFi.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps in cities, slower in rural spots, suitable for basic use.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT), UTC+1, no daylight saving time.
- Airport Transfers: Douala Airport 8km from city center, taxi 3000 CFA (~$5, 20 min), or book private transfer for 10,000-20,000 CFA (~$15-30).
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (1000-2000 CFA/day) and hotels in major cities.
- Accessibility: Limited on public transport, many sites have steps; inquire for wheelchair access.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses with carrier (extra fee), check accommodation policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on buses for 1000 CFA, not recommended on trains due to space.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Cameroon
Douala Airport (DLA) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Douala Airport (DLA): Primary international gateway, 8km south of city with taxi connections.
Yaoundé Airport (NSI): Domestic and regional hub 30km from center, bus/taxi 5000 CFA (45 min).
Garoua Airport (GOU): Northern regional airport with limited flights, for Adamawa region.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season travel (Dec-Mar) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Lagos or Libreville and taking bus to Cameroon for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Air Peace, ASKY, and Ceiba serve Douala with African connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in recommended 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities, typical withdrawal fee 1000-2000 CFA, use bank ATMs to avoid markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels, less common in markets.
- Contactless Payment: Limited, cash preferred; mobile money like Orange Money widespread.
- Cash: Essential for transport, markets, and rural areas, keep 20,000-50,000 CFA in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary, small amounts (500 CFA) for exceptional service appreciated.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport bureaus with poor rates.