Lungi International Airport, the country's sole terminal, is located on the opposite side of the Sierra Leone River estuary from Freetown, the capital: no direct road connection exists.
This unusual geographical position makes Freetown one of the world's most difficult capitals to reach from its own international airport.
How to get to Lungi International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to FNA
Parking near Lungi International Airport
In front of the terminal there is a small parking area.
Fares are in line with West African regional standards.
How to get to Freetown from FNA
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Lungi International Airport
Some car rental companies have counters in the arrivals area, though the estuary crossing remains necessary to reach Freetown.
For rental, a driving license, passport, and credit card are sufficient.
Hotels near Lungi International Airport
Aberdeen and Lumley Beach
The water taxi from Lungi arrives right at the Aberdeen jetty in 30-40 minutes; from the jetty the area's hotels are a few minutes on foot or by taxi.
Best for: Those who want Lumley beach, the city's highest concentration of restaurants and bars, and the jetty where almost all the water taxis from Lungi arrive.
- Many water taxis from Lungi dock right here, avoiding a further transfer across the city
- Lumley beach, restaurants and nightlife within walking distance of the area's hotels
- A touristy area, so prices are higher than in the rest of the city
- Busy and poorly lit streets in the evening outside the hotels' seafront stretch
Recommended hotels
- Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel On Lumley beach, Freetown's best-known hotel; outdoor pool, beach bar and conference rooms among the few in the city suited to large groups. View availability
- Mamba Point Hotel A 5-minute walk from Lumley Beach, on Cape Road in Aberdeen; outdoor pool, restaurant with local and international cuisine and an in-house nightclub. View availability
- Home Suites Boutique Hotel Freetown A minute's drive from Lumley Beach, with spacious rooms and high-speed Wi-Fi; among the most highly rated addresses in the area in recent reviews. View availability
- Sierra Palms Resort Less than 1 km from Lumley Beach, with outdoor pool, garden and a private beach area; a more modest resort option than the large chain hotels in the area. View availability
Hill Station
From the jetties at Aberdeen or Government Wharf, another 15-20 minutes by taxi uphill to the embassy district.
Best for: Those seeking peace and views over the city and the ocean from above, accepting a taxi ride for the beach or the centre.
- Panoramic views over the city and the Atlantic from the rooms and the breakfast terrace
- The district of embassies and colonial houses, among the quietest in the capital in the evening
- A taxi is always needed for Lumley beach or the historic centre
- Some reviews report problems with damp and mould in the rooms despite the praised views
City centre and Brookfields
From the central jetties (Government Wharf), a few minutes by taxi; from Aberdeen, 15-20 minutes crossing the city.
Best for: Business trips tied to the offices and institutions of the city centre, or those arriving with a water taxi direct to Government Wharf.
- A central position relative to offices and institutions, handy for those in Freetown on business
- Closer to the Government Wharf jetty than the Aberdeen area
- Less evening life on foot than Aberdeen and Lumley Beach
- No beachfront, unlike the other two areas
Recommended hotels
- New Brookfields Hotel About 2 km from the city centre, in the Brookfields district; outdoor pool and spacious rooms, appreciated for its calm atmosphere compared with the Aberdeen area. View availability
- The Swiss Hotel Freetown In the business district, about 2.4 km from Lumley Beach; airport shuttle (to the jetty) and free parking. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, the only international hub in the country, handles limited but growing traffic.
To be safe, it is advisable to arrive 3 hours in advance for international flights.
Map of Lungi International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How do you get from Lungi to Freetown?
There's no direct road link: you need to cross the Sierra Leone River estuary by public ferry (6am-6pm) or private helicopter/boat, a total process of 2.5-3.5 hours.
Q. Does the ferry operate 24 hours a day?
No, only from 6am to 6pm: if your flight arrives late in the evening, check alternatives (helicopter, private transfer) or consider staying overnight near the airport.
Q. Do you need a visa for Sierra Leone?
Yes, most nationalities need a visa, which can be applied for online in advance (eVisa) or in some cases on arrival.
Q. How much does the full transfer from Lungi to Freetown cost?
The Sea Coach Express (fast ferry/water taxi) costs 40-45 USD, 25-30 minutes; the government Tagrin-Kissy ferry is much cheaper (about 1.50 USD) but slower (45-90 minutes) and only operates from 6am to 6pm.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights