Travel · The Gambia

Getting around inside The Gambia

Last reviewed on May 2, 2026.

The Gambia is small, but moving around it is not a single thing. Yellow taxis dominate short hops in the coastal corridor; sept-place shared cars stitch the country together at longer ranges; ferries cross the river; tourist taxis and hired cars fill the gaps. This guide explains the choices, the etiquette, and what to expect on the road.

Yellow taxis (short hops in the coastal corridor)

The everyday workhorse of urban transport. Yellow-painted saloons run from informal pickup points along the coastal strip and into Banjul and Serrekunda. They operate in two modes:

Town trips ("town", "city"). Shared rides along set routes, picking up and dropping off as they go. Cheap, fast, and the way most residents move around.
Hires. Private door-to-door rides, negotiated as a single fare. More expensive than a town trip but cheaper than a tourist taxi.

Quick rules:

Agree the price before you get in.
Carry small notes — change is sometimes scarce.
Have an idea of the route. A driver going far off-line is a sign to ask why.
"Town" rides are not point-to-point; expect short stops.

Tourist taxis (green)

Green-painted "tourist taxis" wait at stands outside hotels, the airport, and major attractions. They are licensed for the visitor market, charge agreed-not-metered fares, and usually have set price boards for common runs. They are convenient and reliable but cost more than yellow taxis. Use them when you want predictability and ease — first day, late evenings, with luggage, or to the airport.

Sept-place (longer journeys between towns)

"Sept-place" — French for "seven seats" — refers to shared station-wagon-style cars that fill up at "garages" (transport stations) and depart when full. They cover the longer-distance routes between coastal areas, Brikama, Farafenni, Soma, Basse, and other inland towns, and they often continue across the border into Senegal.

Cheap by long-distance standards.
Depart on a fill-up basis, not a fixed timetable; mornings are usually better than afternoons.
Limited luggage space; pack light.
Comfort varies; some vehicles are tired.

"Gelle-gelle" minibuses

Older minibuses that move workers and shoppers around the urban coastal corridor and to nearby satellite towns. Cheaper than taxis, slower, and crowded. Useful if you want a local experience and have time; less useful if you have a flight to catch.

Ferries and the river

The river divides the country, and the ferries are part of any trip that crosses it.

Banjul–Barra ferry. The classic crossing at the river mouth. Schedules and reliability shift; check before you plan a tight connection.
Other crossings. Vehicle ferries operate at several inland points, including the corridor near Farafenni where the Senegambia Bridge has now provided a fixed alternative for road traffic.
River boat tours. Tourist boats operate from coastal hubs and inland towns for nature and heritage trips. These are not transport so much as experiences in their own right.

Hired car with driver

For day trips and multi-day inland journeys, the most common arrangement is a vehicle with a driver. You agree a daily rate, fuel, and any overnight allowance up front; the driver knows the routes, handles the road conditions, and saves you from logistics that distract from the trip itself. Hotels and reputable local operators arrange these. Get prices in writing.

Self-drive

Self-drive is possible but usually only sensible for residents or longer-stay visitors who have time to learn local conditions. Practical points:

Driving is on the right.
An international driving permit is widely accepted alongside your home licence.
Road quality is variable; some stretches degrade quickly in the rains.
Animals, pedestrians, motorbikes, and broken-down vehicles share the road. Drive defensively.
Fuel stations are common in the coastal corridor and thinner inland — fill up before long legs.
Police and security checkpoints are routine; have your documents accessible.

Bicycles and motorbikes

Bicycles work well within the coastal corridor for short trips when traffic is light. Motorbikes (sometimes called "okada" elsewhere in West Africa) operate as informal taxis in some areas; they are fast and risky. Helmets are not always available; use them when they are.

Crossing the border into Senegal

Many travelers and residents cross to Senegal at some point. Sept-place and bus services run to Dakar, Ziguinchor, and other destinations from the main garages. Carry your passport, your visa or proof of visa-exempt status, and small change for fees. The Senegambia Bridge has substantially reduced cross-river travel time on the main north-south route.

Practical advice for visitors

Build buffer. Distances feel longer than the map suggests.
Travel in daylight where possible. Rural roads after dark are harder.
Confirm prices in advance. "Tomorrow morning" without a number is not a deal.
Keep contact details for your hotel. If you get lost, a phone call solves it.
Don't store everything in one bag. Spread documents and money.
Be patient at ferries and border crossings. Schedule pressure causes mistakes.

Common mistakes

Treating yellow taxis like Uber. They are excellent for short hops, not point-to-point service across the country.
Booking sept-place close to dark. Departures slow down in the afternoon.
Hiring the cheapest car you can find. Reliability and a knowledgeable driver matter more than headline price.
Forgetting to confirm whether ferry crossings include vehicles. Some are passenger-only.