Gambia flagTransportation & Infrastructure Guide · Gambia

Transportation & Infrastructure Guide in Gambia

Public transit, airports, and getting around

The Gambia, a compact West African nation, is undergoing transformative improvements in its transportation infrastructure. Key strengths include rapid road network expansion to ~1900 km, modern highways like the 22 km Bertil Harding dual carriageway easing urban congestion, the vital Senegambia Bridge linking north and south, and the Port of Banjul as a West African gateway handling 1.5M tonnes of cargo yearly. Banjul International Airport connects to Europe (5-6 hrs) and regional hubs. Challenges persist in rural connectivity and public transport, but World Bank-funded climate-resilient roads (60 km new) and potential river freight services promise better mobility for 2.4M residents and visitors relying on buses, shared taxis (gegele), and ferries.
Public Transport
Below Average
Road Infrastructure
Moderate
Public Transport
3.5/10

Basic public transport dominated by informal minibuses (gegele) and shared taxis in urban areas like Banjul and Serekunda. No metro, rail, or formal bus rapid transit systems. Coverage limited outside Greater Banjul Area; unreliable frequencies and poor integration. Rural areas depend on infrequent bush taxis.

Road Infrastructure
6.2/10

Road network expanded to ~1900 km by 2019 with ongoing projects like Bertil Harding Highway (22 km, 6-lane dual carriageway) reducing urban congestion. Senegambia Bridge (2019) enhances north-south connectivity. World Bank funding 60 km climate-resilient rural/urban roads. Maintenance varies; urban roads improved but rural gaps remain.

Internet Speed
4.2/10

Average fixed broadband speeds around 25-35 Mbps, with mobile internet at 15-25 Mbps. Urban areas in Greater Banjul have better 4G coverage; rural connectivity lags significantly. Limited fiber deployment focused on cities, supported by recent energy infrastructure upgrades.

Avg: 28.5+ Mbps • Limited to major urban centers like Banjul; expanding via private investments

Airport Connectivity
5.8/10

Single major airport: Banjul International (BJL/GMYY) with recent $14M runway expansion. Direct flights to Europe (Belgium, UK, Spain, Scandinavia - 5-6 hrs), West Africa (Senegal, Ghana), and Turkey. No domestic flights due to small size; good regional gateway but limited global hub status.

Hubs: Banjul International (BJL)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass
N/A (no formal metro/bus pass)
Bus Trip
GMD 20-50 (~€0.30-0.75) gegele ride
Taxi
GMD 100-200 (~€1.50-3) start + GMD 50/km shared
High-speed Train
N/A (no rail passenger service)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Limited pilots in Banjul/Serekunda 2025-2026; no nationwide deployment
4G Coverage: Strong urban coverage (80-90% in cities); 60-70% nationwide, patchy rural

Reliable 4G from Africell and Qcell in populated areas; 3G fallback in remote regions. Network supports basic mobile money and navigation apps, improving with infrastructure projects.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

Foreign licenses valid for 3 months with IDP (required for non-English licenses). Drives on right side. Long-term residents (>3 months) must convert to Gambian license via driving test or exchange at MOTWI. Car rental requires age 23+ and IDP.