Affiliate disclosure: This post contains booking links. If you use them we earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Gambia Airport Transfers: Costs, Options and What to Expect in 2026
Banjul International Airport (BJL) sits about 22 km south of Kololi on the coast road. The drive is simple; the arrival process is not always. Package holiday guests are met by reps; independent travellers exit into a busy forecourt of drivers, touts and taxi offers. This guide tells you exactly what to do and what it should cost.
The airport
Banjul International Airport (BJL) — also called Yundum Airport — is small and manageable. One terminal, one arrivals hall. After immigration (which can take 30–60 minutes on busy charter arrival slots) you collect baggage and exit through the customs hall into the public forecourt.
There is no official taxi rank with meters. There is an "official taxi desk" inside the terminal — rates quoted there are above-market but provide some peace of mind. The drivers immediately outside the exit doors are the free market; rates are negotiable downward.
Transfer options
1. Pre-booked private transfer
Book before you fly. A driver meets you in arrivals with a nameplate. The most stress-free option, especially on a late-night arrival or with young children.
Typical prices (one-way, whole vehicle): [VERIFY: 2026 pricing]
| Destination | Pre-booked transfer |
|---|---|
| Kololi / Senegambia Strip | £18–28 |
| Kotu | £18–25 |
| Bakau | £20–28 |
| Banjul city | £15–22 |
| Brikama | £20–30 |
[VIATOR_LINK: Banjul Airport private transfer to Kololi]
2. Official airport taxi desk
Inside the arrivals hall, the desk sells fixed-price taxi vouchers. Slightly more expensive than negotiating outside but eliminates haggling. Prices are posted on a board. [VERIFY: 2026 desk pricing]
3. Negotiate your own taxi outside
Walk past the first wave of offers at the exit and proceed to the car park. Prices drop significantly away from the door. Typical negotiated fare to Kololi: D600–800 (£7–9). The drivers are generally legitimate — they're licensed to operate at the airport — the variation is purely in the opening price.
How to negotiate: State your destination. When they quote, counter with 60–65% of the ask and settle somewhere in between. D700 (£8) for the Kololi Strip is a fair outcome; anything under D600 requires serious persistence.
4. Package transfer (TUI, Jet2, etc.)
If you booked a package holiday, your transfer is almost certainly included. Wait for your rep in the arrivals hall — they hold branded signs.
5. Hotel shuttle
Some hotels (particularly mid-range and above) offer airport pickup for guests. Email ahead — most charge D400–800 (£5–9) or include it with longer stays.
Journey times from the airport
| Destination | Distance | Drive time (normal traffic) |
|---|---|---|
| Kololi / Senegambia Strip | 22 km | 25–35 min |
| Kotu | 20 km | 22–30 min |
| Bakau | 18 km | 20–28 min |
| Banjul city | 28 km | 35–50 min |
| Brikama | 14 km | 18–25 min |
| Sanyang / Gunjur (south) | 12–18 km | 15–22 min |
Traffic note: the coastal road can back up at the Westfield junction (Serrekunda). Evening arrivals from 17.00–19.30 can add 20–30 minutes.
What to expect on arrival
Immigration: Queue at the immigration desks. UK citizens typically enter visa-free; have your passport open at the photo page and know your hotel name and address. The process takes 20–60 minutes depending on how many charter flights have arrived together.
Baggage: Usually arrives 20–40 minutes after you land. The belt system is functional.
Customs: Declare if you're carrying cash above €10,000 equivalent. Otherwise, wave through is normal.
The exit: You'll emerge into a forecourt with drivers, touts and hotel representatives. Registered package guests: look for branded signs in the first zone. Independent travellers: walk through the crowd and past the first line of offers before engaging.
Change money: There is an exchange desk in the arrivals hall. The rate is 5–10% below street rates — change only D500–1,000 for immediate needs.
Tips for arrival
- Pre-book if arriving after 22.00 — the negotiation environment at midnight with luggage and tired companions is not enjoyable
- Have your hotel address in writing — drivers need to know where you're going
- Agree the total price before getting in — "we'll sort it at the other end" never ends well
- Carry your first Dalasi — change D500 at the airport desk so you have exact money for the driver
Departure — getting back to the airport
Allow 90 minutes from Kololi, 75 minutes from Kotu, 60 minutes from Bakau for a morning departure. Evening departures are more relaxed. Your hotel can arrange a driver the evening before; pre-booked returns from the same transfer company you used on arrival are the cleanest option.
Departure taxi rates from the tourist zone to the airport: D600–900 (£7–10.50) negotiated; hotel-arranged transfers run D800–1,200.
FAQ
Is there a bus from the airport?
No scheduled public bus service. Some minibuses (gele-geles) run the coastal road but are not practical with luggage.
Do airport taxis accept card payment?
Almost never. Have Dalasi ready. Your hotel can arrange a transfer charged to your room account.
Is it safe to take an airport taxi?
Yes — airport-licensed drivers are vetted. The risk is overpaying, not personal safety.
How early should I arrive for my flight?
2.5 hours for charter flights (TUI, Jet2). The airport is small but check-in queues for full charter departures can be long.
Arrived safely? Read the Kololi Strip guide for your first evening on the coast, and the Gambia money guide to get your Dalasi sorted.