The Gambia measures approximately 480 kilometers from west to east and between 24 to 48 kilometers north to south at most points. Nearly all movement between settlements follows the Gambia River corridor or the two main roads running parallel to it on the north and south banks. Banjul sits on St Mary's Island at the river mouth, connected to the mainland by bridges. Most travelers base themselves in the coastal zone between Banjul and Serekunda, then make excursions inland.
Bush taxis operate as shared minivans or station wagons on fixed routes. They depart when full, typically carrying seven passengers plus driver. The coastal run from Banjul to Serekunda costs 15 to 25 dalasi depending on exact pickup and dropoff points. Longer routes such as Serekunda to Brikama cost 25 to 35 dalasi, Serekunda to Farafenni approximately 100 to 150 dalasi. Bush taxis to Janjanbureh from coastal areas cost 200 to 250 dalasi and take five to seven hours depending on road conditions. The route to Basse Santa Su in the east costs 300 to 400 dalasi and requires eight to ten hours. Bush taxi stations in urban areas generate crowds and confusion for first-time users. Locals expect you to ask multiple drivers which vehicle goes to your destination. Departure times depend entirely on passenger volume, so morning departures occur more reliably than afternoon.
Private taxis in the coastal zone operate without meters. Banjul to Serekunda costs 150 to 250 dalasi depending on negotiation and exact destination. Serekunda to Bakau costs 100 to 150 dalasi. Day hire of a private taxi with driver costs 1500 to 2500 dalasi for coastal touring, 3000 to 4000 dalasi for a trip to Janjanbureh. Drivers expect negotiation before departure, not after. App-based ride services had not established operations as of 2024.
Tourist taxis with green license plates charge higher rates than yellow local taxis. Tourist taxi drivers congregate near hotels in Bakau and Kololi. They quote in euros or pounds as often as dalasi. A tourist taxi to River Gambia National Park might cost 4000 to 6000 dalasi round trip from the coastal zone including waiting time, while a yellow taxi driver willing to make the journey would ask 2500 to 3500 dalasi.
The Gambia Ferry crosses the river at Barra, connecting Banjul to the north bank and onward routes to Senegal. The ferry carries vehicles and foot passengers. Crossing time runs 30 to 45 minutes when operating. Schedules depend on tides and mechanical condition. Foot passengers pay 25 dalasi, vehicles pay 300 to 500 dalasi depending on size. Lines of waiting vehicles stretch for hours during holidays and weekends. Foot passengers board more quickly. The ferry has experienced multi-day closures for repairs.
The Farafenni crossing uses the Trans-Gambia Highway ferry further upstream. This crossing serves traffic between northern and southern Senegal passing through The Gambia. Vehicle waits of two to four hours occur regularly. A bridge at Farafenni has been under construction through multiple start-and-stop phases since the 1990s. Completion dates announced by officials have not materialized. As of 2024, the ferry remains the only crossing at Farafenni.
The road from coastal areas to Janjanbureh deteriorates east of Soma. Paved sections alternate with laterite surfaces that wash out during rainy season. The road from Janjanbureh to Basse Santa Su consists mostly of unpaved laterite that becomes difficult after heavy rain from June through October. Four-wheel-drive vehicles navigate more reliably than sedans during wet months.
Renting a car requires an international driving permit in addition to your national license. Rental agencies operate primarily in the coastal zone. A basic sedan costs 2000 to 3000 dalasi per day, a four-wheel-drive costs 4000 to 6000 dalasi per day. Insurance adds 500 to 1000 dalasi daily. Agencies require a deposit of 10,000 to 20,000 dalasi held on a credit card. Driving occurs on the right side of the road. Police checkpoints appear frequently on main routes. Officers check documents and vehicle condition. Most interactions conclude quickly if documents are correct and lights function. Fuel stations cluster in urban areas but appear every 40 to 80 kilometers along main routes. Fuel costs approximately 60 to 75 dalasi per liter as of 2024.
Motorcycles and scooters rent for 800 to 1500 dalasi per day in coastal tourist areas. Helmet provision varies by rental shop. Road surfaces outside the coastal zone challenge scooter riders. Sand accumulation on paved roads causes control problems for inexperienced riders.