Your Freetown visit starts at Lungi.
Freetown's airport arrival needs an extra piece of planning: Lungi sits across an estuary from the city. Match your flight to the onward transfer, whether you are returning to family or arranging a first stay on the peninsula.
West Africa · Homecomings & peninsula stays
Lungi International Airport (FNA) is selected. Plan the estuary crossing or road transfer before arrival.
Before you book
Book the complete Lungi transfer
FCDO describes water-taxi services between Lungi and Freetown, with a bus connection between the airport and the Lungi departure point. Confirm your chosen operator's arrangements for your specific flight and where you arrive in Freetown. Add the final journey to your accommodation.
Leave room for weather and baggage
Rough conditions can delay or cancel boat transfers, especially in the rainy season. Ask the operator about disruption plans, luggage handling and assistance before booking. Tell us about bulky bags or mobility needs; the transfer must work as well as the flight.
Prepare documents for both travel days
Check Sierra Leone's current visa and health-document guidance. FCDO also links the health declaration required for entry and departure; use the official service and its current submission window. Keep the confirmation with your travel documents, and review the airport-transfer advice before returning to Lungi.
Questions and answers
Is the airport a short drive from central Freetown?
The estuary makes the journey more involved than it looks on a map. The road alternative goes around it. Read FCDO's transport guidance and arrange the full transfer in advance, including your intended arrival time at the airport.
Does my airline baggage allowance cover the water taxi?
Do not assume it does. Confirm the transfer operator's bag limits, handling arrangements and any extra charges separately. Share your case count when booking the transfer, particularly for a family group travelling with gifts or equipment.
How should I plan my return flight?
Work backwards from airline check-in, then add the operator's reporting time, crossing and local pickup. Ask what happens if the water transfer is disrupted. Avoid treating the boat departure time as your airport arrival time.
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Sources and latest guidance
Last checked: 13 September 2026