Banjul Layover Guide (BJL)

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

Banjul Airport (BJL) is an international airport located in Yundum, about 24 km (15 miles) from downtown Banjul, the capital of The Gambia. The airport officially opened in 1977. Banjul is the political and economic center of the country and offers a gateway to Gambia’s beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. The city is also known for its colonial architecture, rich history, and warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Can you leave Banjul Airport (BJL) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes—passengers may clear immigration at Banjul Airport and exit terminal on layover. Entry requirements: ECOWAS, Commonwealth and EU nationals visa-free up to 90 days; other nationalities must hold valid visa or usually obtain visa on arrival for up to 30 days. No separate transit visa required. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Fathala wildlife safari Park

Begin with an early pickup in Banjul and ferry crossing over the River Gambia to Senegal. Travel by 4×4 into Fathala Wildlife Park to spot giraffes, antelopes, zebras, buffalo, and rhinos wandering freely. Enjoy soft drinks and a guided safari before returning by ferry to your hotel. » book this tour

Roots tour /James Island

Enjoy a morning hotel pickup in Banjul and ferry ride to Barra, then taxi to the boat for a trip to James Island. Learn about the island’s poignant slave-trading history from an expert guide, visit the Juffureh slave museum, then return via ferry and taxi back to your accommodation. » book this tour

City tour, Banjul, Arch 22, Museums, Crocodiles and Monkeys

This half-day tour starts with pickup at your hotel, then head to Banjul to admire Arch 22 and explore the National Museum. Visit the crocodile pool and Biljilo monkey park, where you can feed vervet monkeys. Conclude with a stroll through Serrekunda street market before returning to Banjul. » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • Arch 22 Climb the imposing Arch 22 monument for panoramic views over Banjul and the river, learning about Gambian history through informative plaques, exhibits commemorating independence, celebrations, rich traditions, cultural legacy. (Time required: approx. 1 hour. / Airport to here: taxi ~20 minutes or shared minibus.)
  • Albert Market Browse the vibrant stalls of Albert Market to experience local life, bargaining for spices, fabrics, crafts, fresh produce and souvenirs among vendors in a bustling bazaar at the city’s heart. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: taxi ~20 minutes or shared minibus to city center.)
  • Gambia National Museum Discover Gambian culture and history through archaeological artifacts, colonial-era photographs, traditional costumes, educational exhibitions and informative displays at the Gambia National Museum located in the restored colonial government building downtown. (Time required: approx. 1 hour. / Airport to here: taxi ~15 minutes.)
  • Banjul Botanical Gardens Stroll among exotic palms, baobabs and flowering shrubs at the tranquil Banjul Botanical Gardens, enjoying shaded pathways, ponds and educational signage that highlights West African flora diversity in lush surroundings. (Time required: 1½ hours. / Airport to here: taxi ~20 minutes or shared minibus to Bakau.)
  • St. Mary’s Cathedral Visit the beautiful St. Mary’s Cathedral, marveling at its neo-Gothic architecture, stained glass windows and peaceful interior, while learning about its role in Banjul’s colonial and religious heritage since 1913. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: taxi ~10 minutes.)
  • Banjul Beach Relax on the sandy shores of Banjul Beach, soaking up the sun, swimming in calm Atlantic waters, watching local fishermen unloading their catch and enjoying fresh seafood snacks from vendors. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: taxi ~15 minutes.)
  • Kachikally Crocodile Pool Meet sacred Nile crocodiles at the Kachikally Crocodile Pool sanctuary, wandering through lush gardens, feeding tame crocs under guided supervision and discovering local folklore surrounding generations-old reptile traditions, unique experiences. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: taxi ~30 minutes or shared minibus to Bakau.)
  • Serekunda Market Immerse yourself in the lively Serekunda Market, weaving through narrow aisles packed with vibrant fabrics, handcrafted jewelry, fresh fruits and spices, while interacting with vendors in Gambia’s bustling commercial hub. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: taxi ~25 minutes.)

Things to Do in Banjul Airport (BJL)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Banjul International Airport’s First Class Lounge is airside on the first floor after security. Open daily from 10:00 to 03:00, it provides air-conditioning, complimentary snacks, beverages, two free alcoholic drinks, newspapers, magazines, flight-information screens, free high-speed Wi-Fi and complimentary luggage storage. Entry is via pay-per-use passes or lounge memberships. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are no on-site hotels at BJL. The nearest accommodations are in downtown Banjul or the coastal resorts of Kololi and Kotu, reachable by taxi or shuttle. Many offer airport pick-ups, swimming pools, restaurants and 24-hour reception. Reserving in advance ensures availability and usually includes free shuttle service to and from the terminal. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Banjul Airport does not provide dedicated rest zones, cots or quiet rooms landside or airside. Terminal seating is limited and rarely suitable for overnight stays. For uninterrupted rest, travelers should book a nearby hotel. Those attempting to sleep in the terminal should arrive early, bring earplugs and eye masks, and secure belongings at all times.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available in the First Class Lounge only. Outside the lounge, an Internet café in the business center offers paid computer and Wi-Fi access by the hour. Travelers can purchase Internet credits at the information desk landside. Mobile data coverage is reliable within the terminal building.

SIM/eSIM Card: Physical SIM cards from Africell, QCell and Gamcel can be purchased at airport kiosks just before baggage claim; prices start around GMD 50 (USD 1). Tourist data bundles begin at GMD 50 for small packages. Alternatively, travelers can pre-purchase a Gambian eSIM online, scan the QR code upon arrival and activate instantly without queueing. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Banjul Airport (BJL) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official yellow-striped green taxis queue outside arrivals. They operate on fixed rates to main destinations: approximately GMD 200–300 to Kololi, Kotu or Bakau and GMD 400–500 to Banjul city centre. Fares don’t use meters; negotiate and confirm the rate before boarding. Drivers prefer cash in Dalasi; foreign-currency payments incur higher charges.

Train: There is no rail link to or from Banjul International Airport. The Gambia lacks passenger train services, so ground transport relies entirely on road vehicles—taxis, minibuses, buses and private shuttles. Travelers should plan transfers accordingly, as there are no train schedules or tickets for BJL.

Bus: No official airport bus service runs to Banjul Airport landside; travelers use private minibuses (“gelègelès”) from nearby towns or charter coach services arranged in advance (more info). Minibuses are inexpensive but crowded and may not serve directly to the terminal; schedules vary by operator.

Shuttle: Many hotels and tour operators offer pre-booked shuttle vans or private transfers to and from the airport. Services can be arranged online or via your hotel’s reservations desk. Shuttles typically run on flight schedules, charge per person or per vehicle, and include meet-and-greet service and luggage handling at the terminal curbside.

Car rentals: Several local and international car rental agencies maintain desks landside adjacent to the arrivals hall. Brands include Europcar, Sixt and local outfits. Vehicles range from economy cars to 4×4 SUVs. Drivers must present an international driving permit, passport and credit card. Book in advance for best rates and vehicle availability. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: A 200-space parking lot sits directly outside the terminal building. Rates are GMD 15 per day; payment is made at the exit barrier. Short-term parking is ideal for pickups and drop-offs; long-term parking fees accrue daily. The lot is unsecured—lock vehicles and do not leave valuables visible.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No public luggage storage or locker facilities exist landside or airside. The only secure option is the First Class Lounge’s complimentary luggage storage for guests. Travelers requiring longer-term storage should use hotel services or off-site lockers in Banjul city. Always keep valuables with you when no storage is available. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Banjul Airport (BJL) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks