Douala Layover Guide (DLA)

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

Douala Airport (DLA) is an international airport located in Douala, Cameroon’s largest city and economic capital. It’s situated about 10 km (6 miles) from the city center. The airport officially opened in 1977. Douala is a major hub for commerce and industry in Central Africa. The city is known for its bustling port, vibrant culture, and dynamic nightlife, as well as its proximity to beaches and lush tropical landscapes.

Can you leave Douala Airport (DLA) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
International passengers on a same‐day layover at Douala (DLA) may transit visa‐free if they stay in the international area and catch their first connecting flight within 24 hours. Leaving the airport requires a Cameroon short‐stay visa, available online via the official e-Visa portal at evisacam.cm; apply very early before travel. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Douala Maritime Museum Explore maritime exhibits showcasing Cameroon’s naval history and riverine culture across interactive displays and historical artifacts housed in a beautifully restored colonial building overlooking the bustling Wouri River iconic waterfront (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 mins) or airport shuttle)
• La Nouvelle Liberté Marvel at Joseph-Francis Sumégné’s vibrant 16-meter-high installation crafted from recycled metal, symbolizing freedom and creative resilience rising at the heart of Douala’s bustling marketplace district, surrounded by vendors, vibrant murals (Time required: 30 mins / Airport to here: Taxi (~20 mins))
• Doual’art Visit Doual’art, a pioneering dynamic nonprofit cultural center showcasing contemporary Cameroonian and African art through interactive exhibitions, public installations, and guided community workshops housed in a former colonial customs building (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi or bus line 208 (~35 mins))
• Marché Central Wander through Marché Central’s lively lanes to discover colorful textiles, fresh produce, handcrafted jewelry, and aromatic spices, immersing yourself in Douala’s vibrant street market culture amid local traditional vendor stalls (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Public bus or taxi (~25 mins))
• Wouri River Boat Tour Embark on a serene Wouri River boat tour at sunset, gliding past mangrove-lined banks and local fishermen’s traditional canoes while admiring picturesque panoramic city skyline views and vibrant riverside life (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi (~20 mins))
• Bonanjo Architecture Walk Stroll through Bonanjo’s historic quarter to admire well-preserved iconic colonial-era villas, ornate Art Deco facades, and stately landmark government edifices set amidst tree-lined boulevards bustling with vibrant daily local life (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 mins))
• Douala Grand Mall Shop, dine, or catch a movie at Douala Grand Mall, home to international brands, local boutiques, food courts serving Cameroonian specialties, and a modern multiplex cinema under one spacious roof (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi (~25 mins))
• Eden Wildlife Zoo Explore Eden Wildlife Zoo’s compact grounds to encounter native species such as primates, birds, and reptiles, engage with conservation displays, and relax in shaded picnic areas surrounded by tropical gardens (Time required: 3 hours / Airport to here: Taxi (~35 mins))

Things to Do in Douala Airport (DLA)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Douala International has two main lounges landside before security: the Air France Lounge (10:00–23:00) and the Club Market VIP Lounge. Both offer complimentary Wi-Fi, self-service hot and cold buffets, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, newspapers, flight monitors, disabled access and luggage storage. Access via membership or pay-per-use. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels lie within a 5 km radius of DLA, notably Best Western Plus Soaho and Saffana Hôtel. They feature free Wi-Fi, breakfast, 24-hour reception and complimentary airport shuttle. Rooms start from about $40 per night. Advance booking is advised due to limited local capacity and frequent business demand. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are no dedicated rest zones, cots or recline-seating at Douala Airport. Terminal seating is hard benches; only gate areas have limited air-conditioning. Security patrols overnight. Economy passengers seeking a quiet nap can purchase lounge access; otherwise nearby hotels are recommended for comfortable rest.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is provided inside airport lounges only; public terminal Wi-Fi is minimal and may require paid passes from local ISPs. Mobile data via MTN or Orange hotspots can be accessed landside. Purchasing a local SIM or eSIM ensures reliable 3G/4G coverage throughout the terminal and city.

SIM/eSIM Card: Upon arrival, MTN, Orange and Nexttel kiosks landside sell prepaid SIMs (≈500 CFA) with data bundles (e.g., Orange: 2 650 CFA for 1 GB/day×7 days). Passport registration is mandatory; stores open ~08:00–24:00. eSIM plans for Orange and third-party providers like Airalo can be ordered online and activated on arrival. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Douala Airport (DLA) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Yellow metered taxis are available 24 hours landside; fares must be negotiated in advance (average XAF 5 000 to city centre, 10–40 min depending on traffic). Shared taxis lower cost but wait for full occupancy. For safety, use marked vehicles or pre-paid counters rather than informal touts.

Train: No direct rail link serves DLA. The nearest Camrail station (“Doualaville”) sits ~5 km away. Passengers must take a taxi or shuttle to the station. For Camrail schedules, bookings and fares visit more info.

Bus: A daily Socatur bus links DLA (stop 10086) to Douala city centre (stop 10092) in ~17 min for ~1 000 CFA. Departures run once per day landside; frequency may vary. For official bus operator details visit more info.

Shuttle: Many hotels (Best Western Plus, Saffana) offer complimentary airport shuttle services; schedule and booking through hotel reception. Private minibuses shuttle groups hourly between DLA and central Douala. Tour operators and travel agencies landside also sell shared-ride shuttle tickets (≈$10–15 per person).

Car rentals: Avis, Europcar and Hertz operate desks landside arrivals. Requirements: valid driving licence or international permit, passport and credit card. Availability varies; advance online reservation recommended. Daily rates start around $50, with optional insurance and fuel policies. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Two parking lots (334-space outdoor; 134-space underground) lie adjacent to terminals. Rates: outdoor 500 CFA/hour, 5 000 CFA/day; underground 700 CFA/hour, 10 000 CFA/day. Monthly and annual subscriptions available. Payment accepted in CFA at exit kiosks.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

The airport offers no official baggage storage or locker facilities. Complimentary luggage storage exists inside Priority Pass–accessible lounges only. Passengers requiring longer-term storage must arrange through nearby hotels or third-party providers in Douala centre. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Douala Airport (DLA) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks