Douala Airport is Cameroon's busiest airport by traffic, located approximately 10 km from the center of the city, the country's largest commercial port on the Gulf of Guinea.
Douala is the most common entry point for most international visitors, including those proceeding to Yaoundé or the mountains of the west.
How to get to Douala International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to DLA
Parking near Douala International Airport
Not far from the terminal is a parking area of modest size.
It is unsupervised; rates are not published online but are generally modest, consistent with regional standards: verify the amount at the cashier.
How to get to Douala from DLA
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Douala International Airport
Some international and local car rental operators are present in the arrivals area, generally offering the service with a driver included rather than self-drive.
Have your driver's licence, passport, and credit card ready: the agency will almost certainly also ask for an International Driving Permit.
Hotels near Douala International Airport
Airport area
The hotel is about 11 minutes by car from the airport, near the Douala Grand Mall.
Best for: Overnight stopovers and early departures, when it pays to stay just minutes from the terminal.
- The closest to the terminal among Douala's verifiable properties
- Spa, two outdoor pools and three restaurants: more facilities than average for a stopover hotel
- Mixed reviews across platforms, ranging from 'good' to lower scores
- For the historic centre of Akwa-Bonanjo, it is still a 20-30 minute taxi ride
Akwa - Bonanjo
About 7-8 km from the airport; ibis Douala quotes 15 minutes with its own free shuttle, while by taxi the journey can take 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Best for: Those with business or banking appointments downtown who want restaurants and evening life close at hand, with an airport shuttle included in the stay.
- Historic and commercial heart of Douala, with banks, offices and the city's best-known restaurants just steps away
- Several hotels in the area offer a free airport shuttle, useful without a car of your own
- The journey from the airport can exceed 30 minutes at peak times
- An office area: parking and daytime traffic can be a problem for those driving their own car
Recommended hotels
- Hotel Akwa Palace 920 Boulevard de la Liberté, in the heart of the business district: 184 rooms across 12 floors, three restaurants, a hammam and a free airport shuttle. View availability
- ibis Douala 184 Rue Pierre Loti, in Bonanjo: an Accor hotel built in 1985 and renovated in 2014, 7 km (15 minutes) from the airport with a free shuttle running 24 hours. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is adequately sized for its role as the country's principal hub. From check-in to gate you generally walk 10–15 minutes.
It is wise to allow for longer customs checks than usual and to arrive 3 hours in advance for international flights.
Map of Douala International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do I need a visa for Cameroon?
Yes, for almost all nationalities and regardless of the reason for travel: it can be requested online via e-visa (3-5 days) or at an embassy (7-21 days), together with a yellow fever certificate.
Q. Is it safe to visit Cameroon today?
The central, western and southern regions (including Douala and Yaoundé) are generally reasonably safe with normal precautions; the English-speaking Northwest/Southwest regions and the far north on the border with Nigeria are instead not recommended due to the risk of violence and the presence of armed groups.
Q. Is antimalarial prophylaxis needed?
Yes, Cameroon is a malaria-risk area across its entire territory: prophylaxis is strongly recommended along with the yellow fever certificate, which is mandatory for entry.
Q. Better to land in Douala or Yaoundé?
Douala is the main commercial hub with more international connections; Yaoundé is the political capital, convenient for those with institutional or diplomatic engagements.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights