Lungi to Freetown Ferry Water Taxi and Helicopter Guide 2026

All options for crossing from Lungi Airport to Freetown. Ferry schedule and cost, water taxi operators, helicopter booking, and what to do when crossings are cancelled.

The Lungi-Freetown Crossing

There is no bridge between Lungi Airport and Freetown. Every international arrival must cross the Sierra Leone River estuary. This fundamental geographic fact shapes all Sierra Leone airport logistics — understanding your options is essential planning.

Option 1: Government Ferry (SLMA)

Cheapest option. Operated by the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration from Lungi jetty to Government Wharf, Freetown.

• Fare: NLe 50,000-100,000 per person (approx USD 2-5)
• Vehicles can be transported (queues can be very long)
• Journey: 45-90 minutes depending on vessel
• Schedule: Approximately 6am-6pm, irregular intervals, no night service
• Reliability: Medium — weather and mechanical cancellations are common

Option 2: Water Taxi / Speedboat

Multiple private operators from the Lungi jetty to Aberdeen, Government Wharf, and other Freetown landing points.

• Fare: USD 20-50 per person
• Journey: 15-30 minutes
• Capacity: 8-20 passengers typically
• Schedule: More frequent than ferry, primarily daylight hours
• Reliability: Higher than ferry, still weather-dependent

Option 3: Helicopter

• Fare: USD 80-150+ per person; charter options for groups
• Journey: 8-12 minutes
• Best for: Late-night/early-morning requirements, adverse weather, urgent travel
• Booking: Must be arranged in advance through your hotel or Globe2Me

Late Night Arrivals: The Right Choice

Ferries and most water taxis stop by approximately 6-7pm. If your flight lands after 4pm, the practical and safe choice is to stay overnight in Lungi. Hariom Yogi Guest House is directly opposite the Lungi Airport terminal — 2-3 minutes walk from arrivals. Clean rooms, restaurant, 24-hour generator, free Wi-Fi. The established first-night base for hundreds of NGO workers and business travellers annually. Book via WhatsApp +232 72 120 659.

Pre-Booking Crossings

Water taxi seats and helicopter spaces can fill for popular flight arrival times (especially December-January peak season). Globe2Me can pre-arrange crossing tickets and onward transport as part of your Sierra Leone booking.