Getting Around Guinea
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use shared taxis for Conakry and coastal cities. Rural: Rent a 4x4 for Fouta Djallon exploration. Intercity: Bush taxis and ferries. For convenience, book airport transfers from Conakry to your destination.
Train Travel
Conakry-Kankan Railway
Limited passenger services on the main line connecting Conakry to inland areas with infrequent but scenic routes.
Cost: Conakry to Kankan 50,000-100,000 GNF, journeys 8-12 hours on basic trains.
Tickets: Purchase at stations or through local agents; cash only, no app available.
Peak Times: Avoid market days for less crowding; services run 2-3 times weekly.
Rail Passes
No formal rail passes available; opt for multi-journey tickets for frequent inland travel saving 10-20%.
Best For: Budget travelers making multiple stops along the Conakry-Nzérékoré route.
Where to Buy: Major stations in Conakry or Kankan; inquire locally for schedules.
High-Speed Options
No high-speed trains; basic rail links to borders for connections to Senegal or Sierra Leone.
Booking: Advance purchase not possible; arrive early for seats on available trains.
Main Stations: Conakry Central Station handles all departures, with basic facilities.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for rural and off-road areas. Compare rental prices from 500,000-800,000 GNF/day for 4x4s at Conakry Airport.
Requirements: International license, passport, deposit; minimum age 25, driver experience needed.
Insurance: Full coverage mandatory due to road conditions; includes theft and off-road damage.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 110 km/h highways (where paved).
Tolls: Minimal on main roads; pay cash at checkpoints (10,000-20,000 GNF per toll).
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, pedestrians and animals common.
Parking: Free in rural areas, guarded lots in cities 5,000-10,000 GNF/day.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel scarce outside cities at 12,000-15,000 GNF/liter for petrol, diesel similar; carry extra.
Apps: Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation; GPS essential due to poor signage.
Traffic: Heavy in Conakry rush hours; potholes and rain floods common on rural roads.
Urban Transport
Conakry Taxis & Minibuses
Shared yellow taxis and minibuses (SOTRA) cover the city, single ride 2,000-5,000 GNF, no formal day pass.
Validation: Negotiate fares upfront; fixed routes, haggle for longer trips.
Apps: Limited; use local apps like Yango for private taxis in Conakry.
Moto-Taxis & Bike Rentals
Moto-taxis common for quick urban trips, 1,000-3,000 GNF/ride; bike rentals rare but available in tourist spots.
Routes: Informal paths in cities; avoid highways, helmets not always provided.
Tours: Guided moto tours in Conakry markets, combining local navigation with safety.
Bush Taxis & Local Services
Bush taxis (taxis brousse) for intercity, 20,000-50,000 GNF Conakry to Kindia; informal networks.
Tickets: Pay on board or at stations; depart when full, no fixed schedules.
Ferries: Vital for coastal and river crossings, 5,000-10,000 GNF per trip.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near markets in cities for easy access, central Conakry or Labé for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (Nov-May) and major festivals like Fête de l'Indépendance.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable rain travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for generators, mosquito nets, 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 like Conakry, 3G/2G in rural areas; coverage improving in 2026.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 10,000 GNF for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Orange, MTN, and Cellcom offer prepaid SIMs from 20,000-50,000 GNF with decent coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 50,000 GNF, 10GB for 100,000 GNF, unlimited for 200,000 GNF/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels and some cafes in Conakry; limited elsewhere, power outages common.
Public Hotspots: Airports and major hotels offer free but slow public WiFi.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps in urban areas, reliable for messaging but spotty for video.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Conakry Airport 15km from city center, taxi 50,000 GNF (30 min), or book private transfer for 100,000-200,000 GNF.
- Luggage Storage: Available at Conakry Airport (20,000 GNF/day) and bus stations in major cities.
- Accessibility: Limited ramps and services; rural areas challenging for wheelchairs due to terrain.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on bush taxis with fee (10,000 GNF), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Moto-taxis carry small bikes for 5,000 GNF; ferries allow folding bikes free.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Guinea
Conakry International Airport (CKY) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Conakry International (CKY): Primary international gateway, 15km from city center with taxi connections.
Faranah Airport (FAA): Domestic hub 400km east, flights to Conakry 50,000 GNF (1 hour).
Kankan Airport (KKY): Small regional airport with limited domestic flights, for eastern Guinea.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season travel (Nov-May) to save 20-40% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Dakar or Freetown and taking bush taxi to Guinea for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Air Côte d'Ivoire, ASKY Airlines, and Royal Air Maroc serve Conakry with regional 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: Limited to Conakry and major cities, typical withdrawal fee 5,000-10,000 GNF, use bank ATMs to avoid markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa accepted in hotels, Mastercard rare; cash preferred in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Emerging in Conakry, Apple Pay and Google Pay limited to urban spots.
- Cash: Essential for markets, taxis, and rural areas, keep 100,000-500,000 GNF in small denominations.
- Tipping: Not customary but 5-10% appreciated in restaurants for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.