Getting there
Lungi to Freetown by road
Short answer
- Journey time
- About 3 hours 1
- Road surface
- Paved road to the city 2
- Car hire at airport
- None available 1
- Lungi to Port Loko road
- 65 km rehabilitation funded by the African Development Bank in 2009 4
- Bridge
- Lungi to Freetown bridge, 7 km, listed as a pledge 3
The route
The Sierra Leone River separates the airport from Freetown 2. The Logistics Cluster says a paved road links the airport to the city and the trip takes about three hours 2. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office gives the same time and says traffic can add to it 1.
In June 2009 the African Development Bank approved a grant of about US$40.65 million to rebuild 65 km of the Lungi to Port Loko road, with 6.5 km of town roads in Lungi and 30 km of feeder roads 4. The bank said the government would pay for resettlement and compensation 4.
Transport at the airport
The FCDO says no car hire is available at the airport 1. Hotel rooms near the airport are few and in high demand 1. The US Department of State says public transport in Sierra Leone is erratic and unsafe and does not recommend it 5.
The FCDO advises against taxis, minibuses known as poda-podas, motorised rickshaws known as kekes and motorbikes known as okadas 1.
Safety advice for the road
- British High Commission staff do not drive the route after dark and rarely do so in daylight, citing accident risk 1.
- Travel in daylight, in convoy if possible, in a well-maintained vehicle with doors locked 1.
- Tell someone your expected arrival time and what to do if you do not arrive 1.
- Mobile networks can be unreliable and emergency response slow 1.
- Unofficial roadblocks, where children ask for money to mend the road, are most common at weekends and on roads to beaches 1.
- The US Department of State advises finishing travel outside the Freetown peninsula before nightfall 5.
Road or boat
Water taxis cross the estuary in 30 to 45 minutes and are timed to flights 1. A ferry links Tagrin and Kissy and takes about one hour 1. The road avoids sea conditions, which can delay boats in the rainy season from May to October 1.
The proposed bridge
AidData records a planned 7 km Lungi to Freetown bridge linking the capital to the airport 3. It lists a pledge on 30 August 2018 involving Power Construction Corporation of China and a tender ceremony in August 2021 3. AidData records no completed construction 3.
Common questions
How long does it take to drive from Lungi airport to Freetown?
About three hours, according to the UK government 1.
Can I hire a car at Freetown airport?
No. The UK government says no car hire is available at the airport 1.
Is it safe to drive from Lungi to Freetown at night?
The UK government advises daylight travel, and its staff do not use the road after dark 1.
Is there a bridge from Lungi to Freetown?
No. A 7 km bridge has been proposed but not completed 3.
Rules and charges change. Check the official source linked on this page before you pay or travel. Spotted an error? Email hello@sierraleoneairportguide.com.
Sources
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Sierra Leone travel advice, safety and security (updated 19 June 2026)
- Logistics Cluster: Logistics Capacity Assessment, Sierra Leone aviation section (undated, viewed 24 October 2026)
- AidData: Lungi-Freetown Bridge project record 61564 (viewed 24 October 2026)
- African Development Bank press release, published by allAfrica: 40,65 millions de dollars pour la route Lungi-Port Loko (17 June 2009)
- US Department of State: Sierra Leone international travel information (undated, viewed 24 October 2026)
Related
- Lungi to Freetown by water taxi and ferry
Water taxi and ferry options across the estuary between Freetown International Airport at Lungi and Freetown, with operators, times and dated fares.
- The Lungi bridge proposal
There is no bridge between Lungi airport and Freetown. Dated record of the bridge proposal, its stated costs, the companies named and its status.
- Arriving at Freetown International Airport
What to expect on arrival at Freetown International Airport at Lungi: visa on arrival or eVisa, yellow fever proof, customs, fees and transfer to Freetown.
- Departing from Freetown International Airport
What departing passengers at Freetown International Airport pay and need: Foreign Travel Tax, security fee status, exit rules and transfer to Lungi.