✈️ Flying to The Gambia
Banjul International Airport (BJL) is the only international airport, located about 25km from the main tourist attractions.
🛫 Airlines Flying to Banjul
🇬🇧 From the UK
- TUI Airways – Direct from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham
- Jet2 – Seasonal from various UK airports
- The Gambia Experience – Charter flights
Flight time: ~6 hours direct
🇪🇺 From Europe
- Brussels Airlines – via Brussels
- Royal Air Maroc – via Casablanca
- Vueling – Seasonal from Barcelona
- TUIfly – From Belgium, Netherlands
🌍 From Africa
- Air Senegal – from Dakar
- ASKY Airlines – West African connections
- Royal Air Maroc – via Casablanca
🌎 From the USA
No direct flights. Connect via:
- London (then TUI/Jet2)
- Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc)
- Brussels (Brussels Airlines)
🔍 Where to Search for Flights
💰 Flight Prices (Guide)
Prices vary by season and how far in advance you book:
| Route | Low Season | Peak Season |
|---|---|---|
| UK → Banjul (direct) | £250-400 | £400-600 |
| UK → Banjul (1 stop) | £300-450 | £450-700 |
| Germany → Banjul | €350-500 | €500-800 |
| USA → Banjul | $800-1200 | $1200-1800 |
📅 Best Time to Book
- Book 3-6 months in advance
- Prices highest, availability limited
- Christmas/New Year very busy
- Best weather guaranteed
- Book 1-3 months ahead
- Good deals available
- Fewer tourists
- Weather usually fine
- Cheapest prices
- Fewer flights available
- Rainy season
- Some hotels/restaurants closed
🛬 Banjul International Airport (BJL)
Arrival Tips
- 📋 Fill in immigration card on plane
- 🛂 Queue for immigration (can be slow)
- 🧳 Collect luggage
- 💱 Exchange some money at arrivals (rates are OK)
- 📱 Buy SIM card at airport if needed
Getting to Your Hotel
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel transfer (pre-booked) | Often included | Easiest option |
| Airport taxi | D500-800 | Negotiate before getting in |
| Tour operator transfer | £10-25 | Book with flight |
Distance to Tourist Areas
- Kololi (Senegambia): 20km, 30-45 mins
- Bakau: 22km, 30-45 mins
- Banjul: 27km, 40-60 mins
💡 Booking Tips
✅ Save Money on Flights
- 🔔 Set up price alerts on Skyscanner/Google Flights
- 📅 Be flexible with dates (mid-week often cheaper)
- 🛫 Compare direct vs. connecting flights
- 📦 Consider package deals (flight + hotel)
- 🎒 Travel light to avoid baggage fees
- ⏰ Book early for peak season
- ⏰ Book late for last-minute deals (low season)
📦 Baggage
Typical Allowances
- TUI: 20kg hold + 10kg hand
- Brussels Airlines: 23kg hold + 8kg hand
- Low-cost carriers: Check carefully!
What to Pack in Hand Luggage
- Passport and documents
- Medications
- Change of clothes (in case of delay)
- Valuables and electronics
- Entertainment for flight