Getting Around Gabon
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Rely on taxis and minibuses in Libreville. Rural: Rent a 4x4 for national parks and interior roads. Coast: Boats and internal flights. For convenience, book airport transfers from Libreville to your destination.
Train Travel
Trans-Gabon Railway
Limited passenger service on the 1,000km network connecting Libreville to Franceville, primarily for freight but with occasional tourist trains.
Cost: Libreville to Franceville ~€100-150 (60,000-90,000 CFA), multi-day journeys with basic accommodations.
Tickets: Book through SETRAG office in Libreville or at stations, advance reservation essential due to infrequency.
Peak Times: Services run sporadically; check schedules 1-2 weeks ahead, avoid rainy season disruptions.
Rail Passes
No standard rail passes available; opt for individual tickets or organized tours covering the full route for ~€200 including stops.
Best For: Adventure travelers exploring the interior, combines transport with wildlife viewing opportunities.
Where to Buy: SETRAG stations in Libreville or Franceville, or via eco-tour operators for guided experiences.
High-Speed Options
No high-speed trains; the railway is slow (average 40km/h) but scenic, connecting to mining areas and national parks.
Booking: Reserve 1 month in advance for peak dry season (June-Sep), limited seats on available services.
Main Stations: Libreville central station for departures, with connections to Owendo port area.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for remote areas like Lopé National Park. Compare rental prices from €50-100/day for 4x4 at Libreville Airport and city centers.
Requirements: International Driving Permit, passport, credit card, minimum age 21 with experience in rough terrain.
Insurance: Full coverage mandatory due to poor roads, includes off-road protection for national parks.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80-100 km/h rural, no major highways but main roads paved.
Tolls: Minimal, occasional checkpoints require small fees (~€5-10) for road use in remote areas.
Priority: Yield to wildlife and oncoming traffic on narrow roads, police stops common for document checks.
Parking: Free in most areas, secure guarded lots in Libreville €5-10/night.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations sparse outside Libreville at €1.00-1.20/liter for petrol, carry extra due to shortages in rural zones.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, as signals are weak in forests.
Traffic: Light but hazardous with potholes, animals, and rain; drive daylight only in interior.
Urban Transport
Libreville Taxis & Minibuses
Blue taxis dominate, fixed fares €2-5 for short rides, no formal metro but extensive minibus (taxi-brousse) network.
Validation: Negotiate fares upfront, use apps like Gabon Taxi for safer rides in the capital.
Apps: Limited but emerging ride-hailing; traditional hailing common with cash payments.
Bike Rentals
Limited bike-sharing in Libreville, €10-20/day from eco-tour outfits, suitable for coastal paths but not interior.
Routes: Paved paths along Libreville beaches and some urban areas, helmets recommended.
Tours: Guided bike tours in national parks for wildlife spotting, available through lodges.
Buses & Local Services
Minibuses connect Libreville to Port-Gentil and Oyem, €10-30 for inter-city, operated by private companies.
Tickets: Buy on board with cash, departures from central stations like Libreville's PK8.
Coastal Services: Ferry-boats link islands and ports, €5-15 for short coastal hops.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near airports or main roads in cities for easy access, central Libreville for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (June-Sep) and major eco-tours.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- 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 Libreville and Port-Gentil, spotty 2G/3G in rural areas with improving satellite options.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €10 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Azur, Libertis, and Moov offer prepaid SIMs from €10-25 with variable coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €20, 10GB for €35, unlimited for €50/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels and some cafes in cities, limited in rural lodges with generators.
Public Hotspots: Airports and major hotels offer free public WiFi.
Speed: 5-50 Mbps in urban areas, reliable for basic use but slow for streaming.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT), UTC+1, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Libreville Airport 10km from city center, taxi €15-25 (20 min), or book private transfer for €30-50.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports (€5-10/day) and hotels in major cities.
- Accessibility: Limited infrastructure, most transport not wheelchair-friendly; plan assisted tours.
- Pet Travel: Restrictions strict, check airline and accommodation policies in advance.
- Bike Transport: Allowed on buses for €5-10, but rare; carry on flights with fees.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Gabon
Leon M'ba International Airport (LBV) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Leon M'ba (LBV): Primary international gateway, 10km north of Libreville with taxi connections.
Port-Gentil (POW): Key domestic hub 100km offshore, flights from Libreville €100 (45 min).
Franceville (MVB): Serves southeast, regional flights for park access, limited international.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season travel (June-Sep) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Douala (Cameroon) and overland to Gabon for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Air Gabon, Ethiopian Airlines, and regional carriers serve domestic routes with connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and internal transfers 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 €3-6, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels, limited elsewhere; cash preferred.
- Contactless Payment: Emerging in urban areas, Apple Pay and Google Pay in major spots.
- Cash: Essential for markets, taxis, and rural areas, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Not customary but 5-10% appreciated in restaurants and for guides.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.