Lungi Airport to Tokeh Beach: How to Get There (Boat + Road, 2026)

Flying into Freetown and heading for Tokeh Beach? The airport is in Lungi, across the water. The real route: water taxi to Aberdeen, then a road transfer south. Time, cost and when to sleep near the airport first.

The route, step by step

1. Airport to the jetty. After immigration and baggage, a short shuttle takes you to the water-taxi terminal. Tickets are sold at the airport and can also be booked ahead.
2. Water taxi, Lungi to Aberdeen. Sea Coach Express and Sea Bird Express are the main fast operators. The crossing is about 30 to 40 minutes. Recent sources quote roughly US$40 to 50 one way; confirm the current fare when you buy. Waiting and boarding can add 15 to 45 minutes.
3. Road, Aberdeen to Tokeh. Tokeh is on the Freetown peninsula, roughly 29 km south of central Freetown. Guides give about an hour to an hour and a half by road depending on traffic and conditions, and describe the road as poor, with a four-wheel drive recommended and worse in the rainy season. Most visitors use a private taxi, a hired car, or a transfer arranged by their resort.

Our estimate for the whole trip is at least three hours from landing to the beach. Sources differ, so treat every time and price here as a guide, not a promise.

Do not take the road around the estuary

The land route from the airport goes via Port Loko and is generally quoted at several hours before you even reach the peninsula. For Tokeh, the boat to Aberdeen is almost always the better option.

Landing in the evening or at night?

The boats generally do not run through the night, and the Tokeh road is not one to drive in the dark. The easy plan is to sleep in Lungi, cross after sunrise and reach Tokeh by early afternoon. See night arrival or missed ferry.

Leaving Tokeh for a flight

For an early or morning flight, do not try to travel from Tokeh on the same day: the road, the queue for the boat and the crossing leave little margin. Cross the day before and sleep near the airport. Hariom Yogi Guest House is opposite the New Airport Gate in Kasongha, about 2.8 km from the terminal, with air-conditioned rooms from US$50, 24-hour reception and power, free cancellation, and airport transfers on request.

Getting it arranged

• Ask your Tokeh resort whether it arranges airport or Aberdeen pickup, and agree the price in advance. Resorts listed there include The Place Resort and Tokeh Sands Beach Resort; check their own policies.
• If you hire a taxi, agree the fare before you set off and whether the driver waits or returns.
• Bring cash for the boat and driver, and keep your passport and yellow fever certificate with you.

Related

• Does Freetown have an airport?
• Lungi to Freetown ferry: times, prices, last boat
• Best time to visit Sierra Leone
• Flights to Freetown: what to know before you book

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Freetown airport to Tokeh Beach?

Take a water taxi from Lungi to Aberdeen (about 30 to 40 minutes), then a private taxi or pre-arranged resort transfer south along the Freetown peninsula to Tokeh, roughly 29 km from central Freetown on a poor road. Allow at least three hours in total.

How long does it take to reach Tokeh from the airport?

At least about three hours: the shuttle and boarding, the crossing, then an hour to an hour and a half by road from Aberdeen. It takes longer in the rainy season or in traffic.

Is there a direct road from Lungi airport to Tokeh?

The road route goes around via Port Loko and is generally quoted at several hours, so most travellers use the boat to Aberdeen.

What if I land at night?

The boats generally do not run at night, so sleep in Lungi and cross after sunrise. You can still reach Tokeh by early afternoon.

Do I need a 4x4 for Tokeh?

Guides describe the road as poor and recommend a four-wheel-drive vehicle, especially in the wet season. Ask your driver or resort.