Getting There
Flights, ferries and overland crossings into The Gambia and Senegal.
Flying to The Gambia (Banjul International — BJL)
Banjul International Airport (BJL) sits 24 km south of the capital, about 30–45 minutes by road from the main tourist resort strip at Kololi.
From the UK — TUI operates the dominant UK service, running seasonal charter flights from Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham typically from November through April. Flight time is around 6 hours 10 minutes southbound. Other UK departure cities are served in some seasons — check the TUI website for the current winter schedule.
From mainland Europe — Brussels Airlines flies year-round from Brussels, making it the most reliable option for European travellers outside the charter season. Royal Air Maroc connects via Casablanca from Paris, Madrid, and other European hubs. Transair Sénégal offers connections via Dakar.
Year-round options — For travel outside the TUI charter season, the most practical route from the UK is typically: London → Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc) → Banjul, or London → Dakar (multiple carriers) → Banjul (Transair or fly-bus overland). Allow a full day for connecting journeys.
Airport transfers from BJL:
- Kololi/Senegambia strip: 35–45 min, official taxis charge around D600–900 (£7–10). Agree the price before getting in.
- Banjul city: 25–35 min, D400–600.
- Book a hotel transfer in advance for a fixed, hassle-free arrival — most hotels include this for a small fee.
Flying to Senegal (Dakar — DSS)
Dakar's Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), opened in 2017, sits 47 km east of the city centre — 45–70 minutes by road depending on traffic.
From the UK — No UK direct service currently operates to Dakar year-round, though charter options exist in season. The most common routes: London Heathrow → Paris CDG → Dakar (Air France), or London → Casablanca → Dakar (Royal Air Maroc). Flight time London–Dakar is around 6.5 hours direct.
From mainland Europe — Air France (Paris), Brussels Airlines (Brussels), TAP Air Portugal (Lisbon), Iberia (Madrid), and Transavia all serve Dakar. Air Sénégal operates an expanding network including Paris-CDG, Marseille, and Milan.
From North America — No direct transatlantic service currently operates, though Dakar has historically been a hub for West African connections. Connect via Paris, Casablanca, or Istanbul.
Airport transfers from DSS:
- Dakar city centre: CFA 20,000–30,000 (€30–45) by private taxi; Afcar shuttle around CFA 8,000–10,000 per seat.
- Saly: approximately CFA 35,000–50,000 private taxi, or shared shuttle services (~CFA 15,000/person) — book in advance.
Overland Between The Gambia and Senegal
The two countries share a 740 km border and are connected by regular shared-taxi services.
Dakar → Banjul (approx. 350 km, 6–8 hours): The most common route runs via Kaolack, Farafenni (Trans-Gambia border crossing), and the north-bank road to Banjul. Sept-place shared Peugeot 504 taxis depart Dakar's Gare Routière des Baux Maraîchers for Barra (the Gambia's north-bank ferry terminal), from where the Banjul–Barra ferry crosses the river mouth. Total journey: 7–10 hours including border and ferry time.
The Banjul–Barra Ferry: Ferries run across the River Gambia mouth between Banjul and Barra roughly every 1–2 hours. Crossing takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. The ferry connects the south-bank road network to the Trans-Gambia Highway north.
Dakar → Ziguinchor (Casamance) (approx. 470 km): Two main options: the overland route via The Gambia (crossing at Karang then re-entering Senegal near Ziguinchor, roughly 8–9 hours including border stops), or the overnight ferry — see below.
The Dakar–Ziguinchor Ferry
The MV Aline Sitoé Diatta is a large passenger and vehicle ferry that connects Dakar to Ziguinchor in the Casamance, departing Dakar on certain evenings and arriving the following morning (roughly 14–16 hours). A classic West African travel experience with cabin classes available.
Book ahead in high season (November–January) — the ferry sells out. The Casamance ferry terminal in Dakar is on the Plateau waterfront.
Internal Flights
Transair Sénégal and Air Sénégal operate domestic routes within Senegal, including Dakar–Ziguinchor and the seasonal Dakar–Cap Skirring service (flight time ~50 minutes). Useful for avoiding the long overland journey to Casamance. Check current schedules before booking as routes and frequencies vary seasonally.