Complete Lungi Airport Guide 2026 Arrivals Transport and Tips

Everything about Lungi International Airport FNA. Arrivals process, visa on arrival, transport to Freetown by ferry or water taxi, money, SIM cards and accommodation.

Lungi Airport: The Essential Context

Lungi International Airport (IATA: FNA) is Sierra Leone's only international airport. Its location on the north bank of the Sierra Leone River estuary — separated from Freetown by several kilometres of water — means every arrival must make a water crossing to reach the capital. Planning this crossing is the most important logistics decision of any Sierra Leone trip.

Arrivals Process Step by Step

1. Deplane: Walk to the compact arrivals building
2. Immigration: Visa on arrival queue — have USD 80 cash, yellow card, return ticket, hotel confirmation ready. 15-45 minutes.
3. Baggage claim: Collect luggage. Tip porters NLe 10–20 if used.
4. Customs: Standard checks. Declare professional equipment if applicable.
5. Exit to Lungi: You are now in Lungi town.

Getting to Freetown

Government Ferry: USD 2-5. Journey 45-90 min. Last ferry about 8:30 PM from both sides. Cancellations possible.

Water Taxi (speedboat): USD 20-50. Journey 20-30 min. More reliable. Daylight hours.

Helicopter: not an option. There is no helicopter service between Lungi and Freetown any more, so plan on the water taxi or the ferry.

Late Night Arrivals

The last government ferry leaves at about 8:30 PM, and water taxis usually meet international flights. Allow about an hour for arrivals and 30 minutes to the Tagrin terminal, so if you land after about 6:45 PM (check with the free Lungi ferry checker), or simply want to avoid a dark crossing, stay overnight in Lungi and cross to Freetown fresh in the morning. Hariom Yogi Guest House is the established choice for this scenario — used regularly by hundreds of NGO workers and business travellers. Landing late? Hold a room tonight for $5 (it comes off your room bill).

Money and SIM at Lungi

No reliable ATMs in Lungi. Bring USD cash sufficient for 24-48 hours. SIM cards (Africell and Orange) available from vendors near the airport exit. Africell recommended for data quality.