Banjul International Airport, Gambia's only airport, serves the capital and nearby Atlantic beaches of the Gambian coast, a historic tourism destination for British and Scandinavian markets.
It is the access point to the Gambia River, natural reserves for birdwatching, and the Slave House on Kunta Kinteh Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
How to get to Banjul International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to BJL
Parking near Banjul International Airport
The parking is small and located right opposite the terminal.
Rates are in line with West African regional standards.
How to get to Banjul from BJL
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Banjul International Airport
Not all car rental companies are represented: only some have a desk here.
Car rental requires a driver's license, passport, and credit card, plus the IDP in most cases.
Hotels near Banjul International Airport
Banjulinding
About 3 km from the terminal, 4-6 minutes by car; free shuttle on request.
Best for: Short layovers and dawn departures, when it pays to stay just a few minutes from the terminal.
- The property closest to the terminal in the area, with a free airport shuttle on request
- Outdoor pool and garden that can be used even for a layover of just a few hours
- It is outside the resort coastal strip: the beaches of Bakau, Kotu and Kololi are still 20-25 minutes away
- A residential area with no nightlife of its own: for dinner guests almost always stay at the hotel
Bakau and Cape Point
About 22 km from the airport, 25 minutes by car; green tourist taxi with a fixed fare, about 1,500-2,000 GMD per ride.
Best for: Travellers staying more than one night who want the tourist coastal strip, with beaches, botanical gardens and the wildlife of Cape Point close at hand.
- The beaches of Cape Point and Bakau Beach are a few minutes' walk from the hotels
- Botanical gardens and the Kachikally crocodile pool are in the same area, handy for filling a day during a layover
- One of the longest transfers on the coastal strip, made worse by traffic around Serekunda
- The real tourist 'strip' of Kololi and Senegambia, with more restaurants and nightlife, is still another 15-20 minutes further south
Recommended hotels
- Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort On Kofi Annan Street in Cape Point, a few steps from the beach of the same name and a 10-minute walk from the Bakau botanical gardens: 195 air-conditioned rooms, two restaurants and continental breakfast included. View availability
- Roc Heights A 5-minute walk from Bakau beach: 18 air-conditioned rooms with balcony, outdoor pool and children's pool; airport shuttle available for a fee (30 USD per ride). View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, the country's sole international gateway, handles connections to Europe and West Africa.
The recommended time before departure for international flights is 3 hours.
Map of Banjul International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is The Gambia a popular destination for British tourists?
Yes, historically it's one of the most popular winter holiday destinations for the British and Scandinavian market, thanks to the mild climate and direct charter flights.
Q. How much does a taxi cost from the airport to the coastal resorts?
Fares are posted on signs outside the terminal: roughly 800-1,500 dalasi (13-25 USD) depending on the destination, typically around 1,000 dalasi (about 15 USD) for Kololi/Kotu.
Q. Do you need a visa for The Gambia?
EU citizens (including Italy), the UK and many Commonwealth countries don't need a visa for up to 90 days; others can get one on arrival (about 100-108 USD) plus a 20 USD security fee (total ~120-125 USD).
Q. What is Kunta Kinteh Island?
A UNESCO World Heritage site on the Gambia River, linked to the history of the slave trade, among the country's main historical attractions.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights