Does Freetown Have an Airport? Short Answer: It's Across the Water

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Yes, but it is not in Freetown. Freetown International Airport (code FNA, also called Lungi International Airport) is in the town of Lungi, on the opposite shore of the Sierra Leone River estuary. There is no bridge. Everyone reaches the capital by boat, ferry or a very long road.

Why people get this wrong

Airlines and booking sites sell the destination as "Freetown", so most travellers assume they will land in the city and take a taxi. Instead you land in Lungi, and Freetown is on the other side of the water. It is roughly 15 km in a straight line but the journey is a multi-step crossing, not a drive.

How you get from the airport to Freetown

• Fast water taxi (Sea Coach / Sea Bird): the usual choice. Guides describe a crossing of about 30 to 40 minutes and a one-way fare somewhere around US$40 to US$60 depending on the operator and date. Prices and timings change, so confirm before you travel.
• Government car-and-passenger ferry (from Tagrin): the cheap option at a few dollars, but slow and not always on time. See our Tagrin ferry transfer and the live ferry check.
• Road via Port Loko: possible, but guides put it at four hours or more. Treat it as a fallback.
• Helicopter: not a dependable option. See what actually runs.

Allow two to three hours door to door from landing to your Freetown hotel: immigration, baggage, a short transfer to the jetty, boarding, the crossing, then a taxi from the landing point.

The part nobody tells you: the night problem

Travellers and guides consistently say the boats do not run through the night. If your flight lands late or very early, the sensible plan is to sleep in Lungi and cross in daylight. Sleeping in the terminal is not comfortable, and carrying luggage across the water in the dark is a poor way to start a trip. Read what to do on a night arrival or a missed ferry.

Where to sleep in Lungi

Hariom Yogi Guest House is in Kasongha, opposite the new airport gate, about 2.8 km from the terminal. Rooms are from US$50 a night, with 24-hour power, a guest kitchen and parking. Message us your flight number and landing time on WhatsApp and we will arrange the pickup. If you would rather compare, our guide to hotels and guest houses near Freetown airport lists the options honestly.

Is a bridge planned?

A bridge across the estuary has been proposed for years, at a reported cost of roughly US$1 to 1.5 billion and about 7 to 8 km long. As of October 2026 we found no confirmation that construction has started. A June 2025 agreement with a US company was reported as a memorandum of understanding rather than a construction contract, and one recent report says building could begin around the end of 2026 or early 2027. Even then, a bridge of that size would take years, so plan any trip you are making now around the boats.

Frequently asked questions

Is Freetown airport in Freetown?

No. It is in Lungi, across the Sierra Leone River estuary from the capital.

Can I drive from the airport to Freetown?

Yes, via Port Loko, but expect four hours or more. Most travellers use a boat.

What is the airport code?

FNA. Booking sites list it as Freetown (FNA) or Lungi International Airport.

Do I need to book the boat in advance?

Booking ahead is widely recommended because it speeds up leaving the airport. Check the operator's current schedule and price.