Getting Around Sierra Leone
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use shared taxis and poda poda minibuses in Freetown. Rural: Rent a 4x4 car for rough roads in the provinces. Coast: Ferries and boats for coastal access. For convenience, book airport transfers from Lungi to Freetown.
Train Travel
Limited Rail Network
Sierra Leone's railway system is largely non-operational for passengers, with services focused on freight; use buses as the primary alternative for intercity travel.
Cost: No active passenger trains; bus equivalents Freetown to Bo 50,000-100,000 SLL (about $3-6), journeys 4-6 hours on poor roads.
Tickets: Not applicable for trains; book bus tickets at terminals or through local agents, cash preferred.
Peak Times: Avoid early mornings and evenings for overcrowded buses; travel mid-day for more space.
Alternative Passes
No rail passes available; consider multi-ride bus cards or private coach services for frequent travel between Freetown, Bo, and Kenema.
Best For: Multiple provincial visits; saves time over shared taxis, costs 200,000-500,000 SLL ($10-25) for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Bus stations in Freetown or provincial capitals; informal bookings via tour operators for reliability.
Intercity Bus Options
Companies like SKST and Union Bus provide coach services connecting major towns; no high-speed rail, but these are the fastest road alternatives.
Booking: Reserve seats a day in advance for long routes, discounts for groups up to 20%.
Main Hubs: Freetown's Rogers Bus Station, with connections to eastern provinces via Bo.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring rural provinces and beaches. Compare rental prices from $50-100/day at Freetown Airport and hotels; 4x4 vehicles recommended for rough terrain.
Requirements: Valid international license, credit card, minimum age 25; driver guide often mandatory for safety.
Insurance: Full coverage essential 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, 100 km/h highways (where paved).
Tolls: Minimal on main roads like Freetown-Bo highway; occasional checkpoints require small fees.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and livestock; motorcycles have right-of-way in traffic.
Parking: Free in rural areas, $1-2/hour in Freetown; use guarded lots to avoid theft.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations sporadic outside Freetown at 20,000-25,000 SLL/liter ($1-1.50) for petrol, similar for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, as signals are unreliable in remote areas.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Freetown; potholes and rain cause delays on rural routes.
Urban Transport
Taxis & Shared Rides
Yellow taxis and shared okada motorcycles common in Freetown, single ride 5,000-10,000 SLL ($0.25-0.50), day pass not standard but negotiable.
Validation: Agree fares upfront to avoid overcharging; use ride-hailing apps like Bolt where available.
Apps: Bolt or local taxi apps for safer rides, real-time tracking in urban areas.
Motorcycle Taxis (Okadas)
Okada services quick for short trips in cities and towns, 2,000-5,000 SLL ($0.10-0.25) per ride with helmets often provided.
Routes: Ideal for navigating Freetown traffic and reaching remote villages without cars.
Tours: Guided okada tours available for markets and beaches, combining speed with local insights.
Ferries & Local Boats
Government ferries connect Lungi to Freetown, plus private boats for coastal towns; fares 50,000-100,000 SLL ($3-6) round-trip.
Tickets: Buy at docks or online for ferries; cash for small boats, schedules weather-dependent.
Coastal Services: Essential for Banana Islands or Turtle Islands, 1-2 hours crossing times.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near ferry terminals in Freetown for easy access, central areas or beaches for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (Nov-Apr) and events like Freetown Carnival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for rain-affected 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 coverage in Freetown and main towns, 3G/2G in rural areas; 5G emerging in 2026.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Africell, Orange, and Qcell offer prepaid SIMs from 50,000-100,000 SLL ($3-6) with fair coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 100,000 SLL ($5), 10GB for 200,000 SLL ($10), unlimited for 500,000 SLL ($25)/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi available in hotels, some cafes, and tourist spots; limited in rural areas.
Public Hotspots: Airports and major hotels offer free public WiFi.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps in urban areas, suitable for messaging; use mobile data for reliability.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Lungi Airport 20km from Freetown across water, ferry $10 (1 hour), taxi/boat combo $30, or book private transfer for $50-80 including speedboat.
- Luggage Storage: Available at Freetown hotels ($5-10/day) and bus stations.
- Accessibility: Limited ramps and facilities; uneven roads challenge wheelchair users, taxis adaptable.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on ferries (small fee), check guesthouse policies; not common on buses.
- Bike Transport: Bikes can be carried on buses for small fee, motorcycle taxis for short hauls.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Sierra Leone
Lungi International Airport (FNA) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Lungi International (FNA): Primary gateway, 20km from Freetown with ferry connections.
Freetown Domestic (Hastings): Small airstrip for regional flights, 15km from city center.
Provincial Airports (e.g., Bo, Kenema): Basic facilities for domestic hops, convenient for interior travel.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season travel (Nov-Apr) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Conakry or Monrovia and overland to Sierra Leone for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Air Peace, ASKY, and Brussels Airlines serve FNA with West African connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and water transfers when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in recommended 24 hours before, airport fees higher for walk-ins.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in Freetown and main towns, fees 5,000-10,000 SLL ($0.25-0.50); use Ecobank to avoid high charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa accepted in hotels and tourist spots, Mastercard less common; cash preferred elsewhere.
- Contactless Payment: Limited but growing in urban areas, mobile money like Orange Money widely used.
- Cash: Essential for transport and markets, carry 500,000 SLL ($25) in small notes; USD accepted in tourist areas.
- Tipping: Not customary but 5-10% appreciated for good service in restaurants and taxis.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid street changers; official bureaus at airports.