ARRIVING AT
BANJULLeaving Banjul International: transport guide
Banjul International · Gambia
Medium riskUpdated June 2026Medium confidence
Airport is 24 km southwest of central Banjul / 15 km from Serrekunda. Green-topped 'tourist taxis' at rank quote D 1,500–2,500 to Kololi/Senegambia. Yellow local taxis are cheaper but need haggle.
TL;DR
BJL (Banjul International) is the main international airport serving Banjul, Gambia. The recommended way out is Green tourist taxi (~D 1,500–2,500 (~US$22–US$37), 25–40 min). Pickup is at Rank outside arrivals. The most common scam to watch for is "Ignoring the posted rate". Fares on the BJL → Kololi / Senegambia route typically run D 1,500–2,500 tourist taxi; anything above D 4,000+ is almost certainly a scam. Last updated June 2026.
IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING
Green tourist taxi
- Typical fare
- D 1,500–2,500 (~US$22–US$37)
- Journey time
- 25–40 min
- Pickup
- Rank outside arrivals
WARNING · Fare list is posted — check it
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Compare your options at a glance
| Option | Cost | Wait | Payment | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Green tourist taxi | D 1,500–2,500 | 5 min | 💵Cash | |
Yellow local taxi (negotiated) | D 800–1,500 | 10 min | 💵Cash | |
Hotel transfer | D 2,000–3,500 | Pre-book | 💳Card |
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Your first 30 minutes
- 1Immigration
- 2Bags
- 3Green taxi rank
- 4Check posted fare
- 525–40 min drive
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Airport exit score
AIRPORT EXIT SCORE
68/ 100
- Scam risk75
- Public transport70
- Ride-hailing45
- Signage clarity75
- Payment convenience70
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Fare reality check
BJL → Kololi / Senegambia
- D 1,500–2,500 tourist taxiExpectedWhat locals actually pay
- D 3,000+ConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
- D 4,000+Probably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
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Best ways out, ranked
- 1
Green tourist taxi
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- D 1,500–2,500
- Journey
- 25–40 min
- Wait
- 5 min
- Payment
- 💵 Cash
Pros- Regulated
- Posted fares
Cons- Premium
- 2
Yellow local taxi (negotiated)
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- D 800–1,500
- Journey
- 25–40 min
- Wait
- 10 min
- Payment
- 💵 Cash
Pros- Cheaper
Cons- Must haggle
- 3
Hotel transfer
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- D 2,000–3,500
- Journey
- 25–40 min
- Wait
- Pre-book
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Certain
Cons- Priciest
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Paying without surprises
- Cash only
- ATM inside arrivals
- No apps
- Insist on posted rate
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Common scams
Ignoring the posted rate
Medium riskDrivers quote D 3,000–4,000 despite the printed rate card.
HOW TO AVOID · Point at the posted fare board at the rank.
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What locals & travellers say
BJL·Banjul
“USD/EUR/GBP accepted but at bad rate. Change at official kiosk inside.”
Official AirportCashChecked June 2026likely
- "USD/EUR/GBP accepted but at bad rate. Change at official kiosk inside." — Cash
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Arrival checklist
- Small D notes or EUR
- Hotel name
- Yellow fever cert
✉︎
Take it with you
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BJL arrival FAQs
- What is the safest way to leave Banjul International?
- Green tourist taxi. Fare list is posted — check it.
- Are taxis at BJL safe?
- Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals, confirm the meter is on before pulling away, and never accept a fare from someone approaching you inside the terminal. Risk profile for this airport: medium.
- Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at BJL?
- Ride-hailing availability at BJL varies — check the app before you land. Where it works, the pickup point is usually outside the arrivals curb in a marked zone.
- How much should a taxi from BJL to the city centre cost?
- Expected fare on the BJL → Kololi / Senegambia route is roughly D 1,500–2,500 tourist taxi. Anything around D 3,000+ is high — D 4,000+ is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
- Do I need cash for a taxi at BJL?
- Carry small local notes — Green tourist taxi expects cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
- Where is the official taxi pickup at Banjul International?
- Rank outside arrivals. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
- Is BJL safe to arrive at late at night?
- BJL is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
- What scams should I watch for at BJL?
- The most reported at BJL: Ignoring the posted rate. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.
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