🚕 Transport Overview
The Gambia is small and easy to get around. Most places are reachable within 2 hours from the tourist areas.
🚖 Taxis
Taxis are the most convenient way to get around for tourists.
🟢 Green Tourist Taxis
- Specifically for tourists
- Generally in better condition
- Drivers often speak English
- Higher prices (negotiate!)
🟡 Yellow Town Taxis
- Used by locals
- Cheaper but shared
- May be in poorer condition
- Great for short trips
💰 Taxi Price Guide
| Route | Price (D) | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Airport → Kololi/Senegambia | D500-800 | $8-12 |
| Kololi → Bakau | D100-150 | $1.50-2.50 |
| Kololi → Banjul | D200-300 | $3-5 |
| Senegambia → Serrekunda Market | D100-150 | $1.50-2.50 |
| Half-day hire (3-4 hours) | D1,500-2,000 | $25-35 |
| Full-day hire (8+ hours) | D2,500-3,500 | $40-55 |
⚠️ Always Agree Price FIRST
Taxis don’t have metres. Always negotiate and agree the fare before getting in. Ask your hotel what the fair
price should be.
🚐 Gele-Gele (Minibuses)
The cheapest way to travel – used by locals for everyday transport.
- Cost: D8-25 for most journeys
- Comfort: Basic, often crowded
- Routes: Fixed routes, ask the conductor
- Tip: Say your destination, and they’ll tell you if it’s the right vehicle
Key Gele-Gele Stations
- Serrekunda: Main hub for all directions
- Westfield Junction: For coastal/tourist areas
- Barra: For ferries to Banjul
⛴️ Banjul Ferry
The ferry connects Banjul to Barra (north bank) – essential for trips up-country.
- Frequency: Every 1-2 hours
- Duration: 30-45 minutes crossing
- Cost: D25-50 for foot passengers, D300+ for vehicles
- Tip: Morning ferries are less crowded
💡 Ferry Tips
- Arrive early (queues can be long)
- Keep valuables secure in crowds
- Enjoy the views from the deck!
- Buy snacks from vendors on board
🛺 Other Transport Options
Available at some hotels and guesthouses. Great for exploring local areas, but roads can be rough.
Cost: D200-500/day
Quick for short trips. Less common than taxis. Negotiate price in advance.
Cost: D25-75 for short trips
Available from agencies in tourist areas and airport.
- Cost: $40-80/day
- 4×4 recommended for rural areas
- International licence accepted
- Drive on the right
Traditional wooden boats for river trips and reaching islands. Often included in tours.
✈️ Domestic Flights
The Gambia is so small that domestic flights aren’t really a thing – you can drive across the country in 2-3 hours!
🗺️ Distance Guide
Approximate travel times from the tourist areas (Kololi/Senegambia):
| Destination | Distance | Time (by taxi) |
|---|---|---|
| Banjul | 15 km | 20-30 mins |
| Bakau | 5 km | 10 mins |
| Airport | 25 km | 30-45 mins |
| Brikama | 30 km | 45 mins |
| Jufureh (Roots) | 30 km + ferry | 2+ hours |
| Sanyang Beach | 35 km | 45-60 mins |
| Janjanbureh (Georgetown) | 300 km | 5-6 hours |
💡 Top Tips
✅ Getting Around Like a Pro
- 📱 Save your hotel’s address in your phone
- 🗣️ Learn basic Wolof: “Faan naa dem…” (I want to go to…)
- 💵 Always have small notes for transport
- 🧢 Carry water, especially for longer journeys
- 🗺️ Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me)
- 👍 Be patient – “Gambian time” is relaxed!