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FREETOWNLeaving Lungi International: transport guide

Lungi International · Sierra Leone
FNA
High riskMedium confidence Updated June 2026Exit score 55/100

Airport is across an estuary from Freetown — you MUST cross water. Sea Coach (SeaBird) speedboat is the standard (US$40, 30 min). Alternatives: ferry (slow, less safe) or a 4-hour road detour.

TL;DR

FNA (Lungi International) serves Freetown, Sierra Leone. The recommended way out is Sea Coach speedboat + shuttle (~US$40 speedboat + free shuttle, 60–90 min total). Pickup: Sea Coach desk inside arrivals.

Fare reality · FNA → Freetown center
  1. ExpectedWhat locals pay
    US$40 speedboat
  2. ConcerningAsk for the meter
    US$60+
  3. ScamWalk away
    US$80 'private boat'
Currency · SLE
US$40 speedboat
Tipping
Not expected
Cash · Card
Cash only; USD accepted at airport transfers
IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING

Sea Coach speedboat + shuttle

Typical fare
US$40 speedboat + free shuttle
Journey time
60–90 min total
Pickup
Sea Coach desk inside arrivals
WARNING · Book online in advance for peak flights
01

Every way out, ranked

  1. 1

    Sea Coach speedboat

    RECOMMENDED
    Cost
    US$40
    Journey
    60–90 min
    Wait
    Meets flights
    Payment
    💳 Card / Cash
    Pros
    • Safest
    • Regulated
    Cons
    • Weather delays
  2. 2

    Government ferry

    Cost
    US$5
    Journey
    3+ hours
    Wait
    Infrequent
    Payment
    💵 Cash
    Pros
    • Cheapest
    Cons
    • Slow
    • Overcrowded
    • Weather
  3. 3

    Road via Pepel/Songo

    Cost
    US$60–100
    Journey
    4+ hours
    Wait
    Pre-book
    Payment
    💳 Card
    Pros
    • No water
    Cons
    • Long
    • Rough road
02

From gate to city

  1. 1Immigration
  2. 2Yellow fever
  3. 3Bags
  4. 4Sea Coach desk
  5. 5Bus to jetty, boat, bus to hotel
Before you leave the terminal
  • Sea Coach booking
  • USD cash
  • Yellow fever cert
  • Waterproof bag
03

Common scams & payment traps

  • Card / USD at Sea Coach
  • Cash for tips
  • Water crossing mandatory
  • Pre-book peak arrivals

'Private boat' offer

High risk

Touts offer US$80 'faster boat' — often unsafe skiffs.

HOW TO AVOID · Sea Coach or Sea Bird desks only. They wear branded shirts.

04

What locals & travellers say

FNA·Freetown
“Book Sea Coach online 24h+ ahead for evening flights.”
Official AirportPre-bookChecked June 2026likely
01 / 02
  • "Book Sea Coach online 24h+ ahead for evening flights." — Pre-book
  • "Total transfer is ~90 min door to door — don't cut it fine on outbound." — Time buffer
05

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10

FNA arrival FAQs

What is the safest way to leave Lungi International?
Sea Coach speedboat + shuttle. Book online in advance for peak flights.
Are taxis at FNA safe?
Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: 'private boat' offer — Touts offer US$80 'faster boat' — often unsafe skiffs. Sea Coach or Sea Bird desks only. They wear branded shirts.
Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at FNA?
Ride-hailing availability at FNA 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 FNA to the city centre cost?
Expected fare on the FNA → Freetown center route is roughly US$40 speedboat. Anything around US$60+ is high — US$80 'private boat' 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 FNA?
Carry small local notes — Sea Coach speedboat expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
Where is the official taxi pickup at Lungi International?
Sea Coach desk inside 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 FNA safe to arrive at late at night?
FNA 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 FNA?
The most reported at FNA: 'Private boat' offer. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.
06

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