Libreville's International Leon M'ba Airport is Gabon's only international airport, located approximately 12 km from the capital's city center.
It is the entry point to Libreville itself and to Loango National Park, famous for elephants and hippopotamuses that venture onto the beach on the Atlantic Ocean.
How to get to Libreville Leon M'ba International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to LBV
Parking near Libreville Leon M'ba International Airport
The parking lot, not large, is just a few steps from the terminal.
It is not guarded; rates are not published online but are generally reasonable: check the amount at the cashier.
How to get to Libreville from LBV
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Libreville Leon M'ba International Airport
Several car rental operators, both international and local, have desks in the arrivals area.
Bring your driving license, passport, credit card and, typically, an International Driving Permit.
Hotels near Libreville Leon M'ba International Airport
Boulevard de Nice
The Park Inn by Radisson is about 2 km from the airport, 5 minutes by car; the Mwinde Luxury Secure Apartment describes itself as about 10 minutes from the terminal.
Best for: Short layovers and those who want to minimise the transfer from the terminal.
- The Park Inn is the only international chain just minutes from the terminal, with rooms overlooking the Atlantic or the city
- An apartment alternative with private security for those who prefer not to rely on a hotel's services
- An area with no nightlife independent of the hotels: for dinner guests almost always stay at the property
- The apartment has too small a sample of online reviews to be conclusive
Recommended hotels
- Park Inn by Radisson Libreville 140 bright rooms with views of the Atlantic or the city at number 5 boulevard de Nice, about 2 km and 5 minutes by car from the terminal; the international chain hotel closest to the airport. View availability
- Mwinde Luxury Secure Apartment – 10 min to Airport An apartment with private security about 10 minutes from the terminal according to the property itself, designed for those who prefer independent accommodation to a hotel near the airport. View availability
Centre and Glass district
About 8-10 km and 15-20 minutes by car from the airport depending on traffic; some hotels, such as the Hibiscus Blvd Triomphal, offer their own airport shuttle.
Best for: Travellers who want restaurants, shops and the seafront within walking distance, accepting 15-20 minutes of traffic from the terminal.
- The Glass district in the centre of the city, with shops, restaurants and transport links within walking distance
- More of the capital's historic hotels concentrated in this area, with prices still more moderate than the out-of-town resorts
- Traffic towards the airport during rush hour can stretch the transfer beyond 20 minutes
- The mid-range hotels in the area still have a limited number of online reviews compared to the standards of other African capitals
Recommended hotels
- Hotel Impérial On rue d'Alsace Lorraine, about a kilometre from the city centre; bar, restaurant and free private parking, with staff described by guests as especially friendly. View availability
- Hotel Hibiscus Blvd Triomphal 38 air-conditioned rooms on boulevard Triomphal, a 5-minute walk from Omar Bongo University; free airport shuttle included, about 8 minutes by car from the terminal. View availability
- Appartement élégant d'une chambre au coeur du quartier Glass A studio apartment in the heart of Glass, the city's central district, just steps from shops, restaurants and transport links. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is appropriately sized for its role as the country's sole international air gateway.
For international flights, allow at least 3 hours, as customs controls can take longer.
Map of Libreville Leon M'ba International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do you need a visa for Gabon?
Yes, for most nationalities, including Italian: it's obtained via online e-visa before departure, with a mandatory yellow fever certificate to be submitted along with the application.
Q. Is Gabon safe for tourists after the 2023 coup?
The country is generally considered stable: the August 2023 transition took place without widespread violence against civilians, but it's still worth checking the latest political updates before departure.
Q. What makes Loango National Park famous?
It's one of the few places in the world where elephants and hippos venture directly onto the Atlantic Ocean beach, a phenomenon that has earned Gabon the nickname of Africa's "last Eden."
Q. Is malaria prophylaxis mandatory in Gabon?
It's strongly recommended: the entire country is a high-risk malaria area, in addition to the yellow fever certificate mandatory for entry.
Flight board
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