Freetown Layover Guide (FNA)

What are you looking for in FNA?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Freetown Airport (FNA) is an international airport located in Lungi, Sierra Leone. It’s situated about 27 km (17 miles) across the Sierra Leone River from downtown Freetown. The airport officially opened in 1949. Freetown is the capital and largest city of Sierra Leone, known for its vibrant culture and historical significance. It’s also recognized for its scenic beaches, bustling markets, and as a gateway to West African adventure and commerce.

Can you leave Freetown Airport (FNA) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you can leave FNA on long layovers, but note that the airport is at Lungi and requires a ferry, hovercraft or helicopter transfer to Freetown. All non-ECOWAS travellers need a visa – obtain an e-Visa online or visa-on-arrival for USD80 plus tax; service fees and a 48-hour processing minimum apply (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Cotton Tree Visit the legendary Cotton Tree, a centuries-old silk cotton landmark under whose canopy early settlers gathered, surrounded by bustling vendors, colonial buildings, and Freetown’s vibe, perfect for a cultural introduction. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Ferry to Freetown port (20 min) + taxi (10 min).)
• Sierra Leone National Museum Explore the Sierra Leone National Museum, housing ethnographic artifacts, historic manuscripts, traditional masks, vibrant photography exhibits that illuminate the country’s rich heritage, offering an insightful glimpse into Sierra Leonean culture. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Ferry to Freetown port (20 min) + taxi (15 min).)
• Lumley Beach Relax at Lumley Beach’s golden sands fringed by palm trees, sip coconut water, stroll along colorful beach bars and seafood shacks, soaking sunset views over the Atlantic local ambiance. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Ferry to Freetown port (20 min) + taxi (20 min).)
• Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary Visit Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary nestled in rainforest hills, observe rescued chimpanzees in natural habitats, learn conservation efforts from interactive guided expert tours, and support wildlife rehabilitation through experiential educational activities. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: Ferry to Freetown port (20 min) + taxi (15 min) + local taxi (30 min).)
• Bunce Island Historical Site Take a boat excursion to Bunce Island Historical Site, walk ruins of former slave-trading fort, reflect at museum displays, and enjoy scenic mangrove estuary views on this poignant heritage tour. (Time required: 4 hours. / Airport to here: Ferry to Kissy (20 min) + taxi to boat dock (10 min) + boat (30 min).)
• St. George’s Cathedral Admire St. George’s Cathedral, a historic Anglican landmark dating to 1828, featuring neo-Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and peaceful photography-friendly gardens, offering a serene reflective spiritual escape in downtown Freetown. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Ferry to Freetown port (20 min) + taxi (10 min).)
• Aberdeen Market Browse Aberdeen Market’s vibrant stalls piled with fresh produce, handcrafted textiles, lively seafood vendors, local spices, and colorful souvenirs, immersing yourself in authentic Sierra Leonean commerce and daily life rhythms. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Ferry to Freetown port (20 min) + taxi (5 min).)
• Old Railway Road Street Food Tour Enjoy a street food tour along Old Railway Road, sampling akara fritters, cassava chips, peppered fish, sugarcane juice, and local delicacies while mingling with vendors and experiencing authentic delightful flavors. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Ferry to Freetown port (20 min) + taxi (15 min) + minibus (10 min).)

Things to Do in Freetown Airport (FNA)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Lungi International offers a single VIP lounge operated by the Sierra Leone Airports Authority near Gate 4. It provides comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, soft drinks, and Wi-Fi. Access is available to business-class passengers, Priority Pass holders, or via a pay-per-use arrangement. Limited shower facilities and magazines complete the relaxation area. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels near Lungi International provide convenient stays for transit passengers. M Plaza Hotel is located adjacent to the terminal with modern rooms, airport shuttle, restaurant, and meeting spaces. Nearby options include the SeaCoach Hotel and Freedom Lungi Hotel, all offering flexible check-in, secure parking, and 24-hour front desk services. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Lungi International’s public seating areas feature rows of benches and plastic chairs, but limited privacy and no designated sleeping pods. Some travelers rest on padded seats near Gate 2. Power outlets are scarce. Quiet hours are not enforced. Bring your own travel pillow, earplugs, and eye mask for overnight comfort.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Lungi International Airport courtesy of the Sierra Leone Airports Authority. Connection is accessed via the “Lungi_WiFi” network and requires simple email registration or phone number verification. Speeds are basic but sufficient for messaging and email. At present, no paid premium upgrade options are offered on-site.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards from Airtel, Orange Sierra Leone, and Africell are sold at kiosks the arrivals hall. Packages include data, voice, and SMS bundles. Registration requires passport details. eSIM profiles can be purchased online via the carriers’ apps and activated via QR code. Top-up counters and customer service desks easily available. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Prepaid taxi services are managed by Sierra Leone Transport Company with a booth in arrivals. Fixed fares to Freetown city centre start at around SLL 100,000. Drivers assist with luggage. Ride-hailing apps like Orange Ride operate routes. Taxis run 24/7 but higher rates apply at night or during peak hours.

Train: Lungi Airport is not served by rail. The nearest train station is in Freetown city, approximately 30 minutes via road transport. No direct rail connection exists. For intercity rail inquiries, consult the national rail operator’s website for schedules and fares. (more info)

Bus: Public minibuses and shared taxis known as “marshrutkas” run between Lungi Airport and Freetown. Services depart every 30–60 minutes from the airport forecourt. Tickets cost around SLL 35,000 per person. Buses are basic, standing room common. Bookings are informal; arrive early. (more info)

Shuttle: Hotel shuttle services operate between major hotels in Freetown and Lungi Airport. Providers like M Plaza and SeaCoach offer scheduled pickups on reservation. Shuttles typically run every two hours during daytime, with round-trip fares included in room rates or available for a nominal fee. Advance booking is recommended.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies—including Avis, Europcar, and local firm Lungi Car Hire—maintain desks in the arrivals hall. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs. Drivers must present a valid international driving permit and passport. Rates include basic insurance; extra cover and GPS are available at additional cost. Daily and weekly rates apply. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Lungi International offers short-term and long-term parking adjacent to the terminal. Short-stay is located within 100 meters of arrivals, billed by the hour. Long-stay is a secured lot a five-minute shuttle ride away, charged daily. Payment is accepted in local currency at automated kiosks. Overflow parking available during peak periods.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

The airport does not provide official luggage storage or lockers. A third-party baggage handling service in the arrivals hall offers day storage for a fee. Items must be claimed within 24 hours. No overnight facility. Travelers are advised to use hotel storage options or carry lockable luggage with built-in security features. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Freetown Airport (FNA) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks