Conakry Layover Guide (CKY)

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

Conakry Airport (CKY) is an international airport located in Conakry, the capital of Guinea. It’s situated about 13 km (8 miles) from downtown Conakry. The airport officially opened in 1945. Conakry is the largest city in Guinea and a major economic and cultural center in West Africa. The city is known for its Atlantic coastline, vibrant markets, and lively music scene, offering a unique blend of tradition and modern urban life.

Can you leave Conakry Airport (CKY) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Layover passengers at Conakry (CKY) can exit the airport to explore the city, but non-exempt travellers require a Guinea visa (e-Visa or visa-on-arrival) to clear immigration and reenter the transit zone within visa validity. Applications are submitted online via the e-Visa portal or at arrival visa counter, including mandatory biometrics. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Marché Madina A bustling market offering colorful fabrics, fresh produce, local crafts and vibrant street food stalls. Perfect for experiencing authentic Guinean culture and picking up unique souvenirs. Ideal for short explorations. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi about 30 minutes or public bus.)
• National Museum of Guinea The museum features ethnographic exhibits showcasing traditional masks, textiles, musical instruments and artworks representing Guinea’s diverse ethnic groups. Interactive displays provide historical context and cultural insights. Perfect for art enthusiasts. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi about 30 minutes.)
• Tombo Island Tombo Island offers scenic coastal views, sandy beaches and fresh seafood eateries overlooking the bay. Stroll along its promenade, sample grilled fish and soak up tranquil ambiance. Perfect for getaways. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi about 35 minutes.)
• Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary The cathedral represents colonial-era architecture with striking stained glass windows and soaring arches. Peaceful gardens surround the church, offering a tranquil retreat amid the city’s bustle. Ideal for architecture enthusiasts. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi about 25 minutes.)
• National Grand Mosque Impressive mosque showcasing modern Islamic architecture with soaring minarets and ornate mosaics. Visitors can observe peaceful courtyard rituals and learn about Guinea’s Islamic heritage during tours. Perfect for cultural exploration. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi about 30 minutes.)
• Fort du Petit Ricardo viewpoint Perched atop a hill, this colonial-era fortification offers panoramic vistas of Conakry’s harbour, cityscape and surrounding hills. Enjoy sunset views and take memorable photographs from its ramparts. Ideal for photographers. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi about 20 minutes.)
• Botanical Garden of Conakry This lush botanical garden showcases indigenous and exotic plant species, winding pathways, shaded benches and ponds. Ideal for leisurely strolls, birdwatching and photography in a serene environment. Perfect for nature-lovers. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi about 25 minutes or local bus.)
• Le Virunga Restaurant Sample Guinean specialties like poulet yassa, attiéké and grilled fish accompanied by fresh tropical juices in a vibrant local atmosphere. Friendly staff explain dishes and cooking traditions. Perfect for foodies. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi about 20 minutes.)

Things to Do in Conakry Airport (CKY)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Conakry Airport features two airside lounges: the Priority Pass Salon VIP Nimba and a business lounge. Both offer air-conditioned seating, light refreshments, charging stations, complimentary Wi-Fi and reading materials. Access is by membership, day pass or pre-booking and operating hours follow international flight schedules for optimum convenience. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
No on-site accommodations exist; the nearest hotels lie 2–6 km away in Conakry. Popular choices include Zambezi Inn, Pension Les Palmiers, Mariador Palace, Riviera Taouyah and Radisson Blu. These properties offer 24-hour shuttles, free Wi-Fi, breakfast and secure parking. Book in advance for best rates, with rooms from around $40/night. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are no dedicated sleep pods or nap zones. Travelers must rely on standard terminal seating in departure lounges and some quieter seating rooms. The terminal remains open 24/7, but lighting stays on and benches lack recline. Bring a travel pillow and earplugs, secure belongings, and aim for quieter corners beyond security.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout most of the terminal, though connections can be intermittent. Lounges generally offer more stable service. For backups, portable hotspots or tethering via local SIM cards is recommended. Charging points are scattered near seating areas and in lounges, but bring adapters as sockets can be limited.

SIM/eSIM Card: You can buy a local SIM on arrival from kiosks operated by Orange, MTN and Cellcom in the arrivals hall. Physical SIMs cost around GNF 20,000–50,000 ($2–$5), with data bundles starting at similar rates. Limited eSIM options exist—check Orange Travel or MTN online before departure for instant activation. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis line up outside the arrivals hall. Negotiated fares to downtown Conakry run about GNF 30,000–35,000 (€3–€3.50) or USD 1–2, with journeys taking 7–10 minutes over 8–9 km. Agree on the price before boarding. Ride-hailing apps aren’t widespread; hotel desks can arrange transfers at fixed rates.

Train: There is no direct rail link to the airport. The only passenger service is the Conakry Express, a commuter train operating twice daily between Kagbélen and Kaloum, carrying around 4,500 passengers per trip. It does not serve the airport, so all transfers require road transport. (more info)

Bus: Local minibuses and shared buses depart from a stop near the terminal; the main route is Bus Line 1 to the city center for about GNF 500–1,000. Services run irregularly and are crowded, especially at peak times. No official timetable is published, so allow extra time and confirm departures with station staff. (more info)

Shuttle: No dedicated airport shuttle exists. Many hotels—including Mariador Palace and Zambezi Inn—offer complimentary or paid airport transfers. Private transfer companies provide shared-ride shuttles booked online in advance. For group travel, prearranged vans can be more economical than taxis, with meet-and-greet service and monitored flight-delay coverage.

Car rentals: Major international and local car rental desks—Avis, Budget, Europcar, National and others—are located in the arrivals hall. Booking ahead secures best rates; drivers must present a valid license, credit card and passport. Driving in Conakry can be challenging due to traffic and road conditions; consider hiring a driver if unfamiliar with local roads. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short- and long-term parking is available in front of the terminal. Rates are approximately €0.50 (GNF 5,000) per hour. Secure fenced lots with guard patrols are adjacent. For stays over 24 hours, inquire about daily caps. Follow signage for “Parking Courte Durée” (short-stay) and “Parking Longue Durée” (long-stay) near the main entrance.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No official luggage storage or locker facilities exist inside the terminal. Travelers must either carry bags or arrange storage through nearby city-center services or hotels. Some tour operators and shops in Conakry proper offer paid luggage storage by the day; confirm security measures before leaving valuables. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Conakry Airport (CKY) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks