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Sierra Leone flagTransportation & Infrastructure Guide · Sierra Leone

Transportation & Infrastructure Guide in Sierra Leone

Public transit, airports, and getting around

Sierra Leone's transportation landscape blends progress and challenges, with 11,700 km of roads (only 936 km paved) connecting its 8 million residents across diverse terrain. Key strengths include recent SLRA achievements—442 km of roads and 56 bridges built since 2018—plus transformative 2026 projects like the $1.5B Lungi Bridge linking Freetown to its airport and the Waka Fine bus network revolutionizing urban mobility. Challenges persist in rural connectivity, poor rail infrastructure, and climate-vulnerable roads, making walking common outside cities. Residents and visitors rely on buses, taxis, ferries, and emerging public systems for navigation.
Public Transport
Below Average
Road Infrastructure
Below Average
Public Transport
3.8/10

Basic public transport focused on Freetown's Waka Fine bus network under the Integrated Urban Mobility Project, serving 75,000 daily riders with 82% satisfaction. No metro or rail systems; limited rural coverage, informal minibuses (podapodas) dominate elsewhere. SLPTA regulates services since 2023.

Road Infrastructure
3.5/10

11,700 km total roads, 936 km paved; SLRA constructed/rehabilitated 442 km (2018-2025) including Kenema-Kono links and 56 bridges. Rural and feeder roads remain poor, urban areas variable. Ongoing maintenance gaps, climate risks, but priority upgrades via MTNDP 2024-2030 and Mano River corridors.

Internet Speed
3.2/10

Limited broadband infrastructure with urban-rural divide; mobile dominates access. Digital connectivity lags despite MTNDP priorities, supporting basic business and governance needs.

Avg: 25.4+ Mbps • Limited to Freetown and major cities; expanding via PPPs but rural areas rely on 3G/4G

Airport Connectivity
4.2/10

12 airports total, 4 major including Freetown International (Lungi) with paved runway >3km. Limited international routes to Europe/Africa; no major hubs. Lungi Bridge will enhance access. Domestic flights sparse.

Hubs: Freetown International (Lungi)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass
N/A (no metro)
Bus Trip
500-1000 SLL (~€0.20-0.40) Freetown Waka Fine
Taxi
2000 SLL (~€0.80) start + 500 SLL/km (~€0.20/km)
High-speed Train
N/A (no high-speed rail)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Limited to Freetown, early deployment 2026 by Africell/Orange
4G Coverage: Good urban coverage (70-80%), limited rural (40-50%)

Reliable in cities via Africell, Orange, Qcell; 4G expanding but rural areas depend on 3G/2G. Supports basic mobile money and internet amid infrastructure gaps.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

Foreign licenses valid 3 months with IDP; local license required for longer stays via SLRSA test/conversion. Drives on right side.

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