Freetown Airport (FNA) Guide 2026: Arrivals, Fees, Hotels and the Boat to Freetown

Freetown airport is in Lungi, across the water from Freetown. Arrivals, immigration, fees, money, the boat crossing and Freetown airport hotels, updated Oct 2026.

Freetown airport at a glance

Where is Freetown airport?

Freetown airport is not in Freetown. It is in the town of Lungi on the northern shore of the Sierra Leone River estuary, roughly 15 km in a straight line from the capital but separated from it by water. Everyone reaches the city by boat, ferry or a very long road, which is why so many guides advise a first night near the airport. Read the one-page answer on where the airport is. A bridge has been proposed, but as of October 2026 construction has not been confirmed.

Arriving at Freetown airport: step by step

1. Health checks. Have your yellow fever vaccination certificate ready if you are arriving from outside West Africa.
2. Passport control. Carry your printed eVisa approval or visa documents. See entry requirements and visa on arrival, and confirm fees on the official government portal.
3. Baggage and customs. Keep your passport and boarding pass to hand.
4. Porters. Visit Sierra Leone's advice is to pick one porter and keep him with you; a polite "I'm fine" works if you want no help. Avoid unsolicited drivers inside the terminal.
5. Onward travel. Allow 45 to 90 minutes from the aircraft to the exit, then choose your crossing: Freetown airport water taxi, Sea Coach, Seabird and ferry, or go to your Freetown airport hotel in Lungi.

Fees: the US$25 airport security fee

The US$25 airport security fee was suspended from 6 July 2026 until further notice, following a Ministry of Internal Affairs notice dated 3 July 2026, while the government reviews the contract and an audit is completed. The position may change, so check with your airline or the ministry before you travel. More: what the suspension means for travellers.

Money, SIM cards and cash at Freetown airport

• The currency is the new leone (NLe). A 2026 guide gave about NLe 22.9 to the US dollar (May 2026); check the live rate. See the money guide.
• Bring small US dollar notes in good condition as a backup for boat fares and tips; card acceptance is limited.
• SIM cards are sold by mobile operators near the arrivals hall and at the water-taxi terminals; see SIM cards in Sierra Leone.

From Freetown airport to Freetown: the boat crossing

The fast route is a water taxi to Aberdeen: Sea Coach Express (adult US$50 or Le 1,200 since 8 April 2026, child US$30) or Seabird Express (from US$50). The public ferry from Tagrin to Kissy is cheaper and slower. The crossing takes 20 to 35 minutes on the water, but allow two to three hours door to door. Boats do not run reliably at night. Everything, with contacts and a comparison table, is on our Freetown airport water taxi guide. Heading to the beaches? See Lungi airport to Tokeh Beach.

Freetown airport hotels: where to sleep

Hotels near Freetown airport are all in Lungi. The main reasons to stay there are a late arrival, an early departure, a delayed flight or a missed boat. Hariom Yogi Guest House is opposite the New Airport Gate in Kasongha, about 2.8 km (around 6 minutes by car) from the terminal: air-conditioned rooms from US$50, 24-hour reception and power, a guest kitchen, parking, free cancellation, and airport pickup on request (shuttle NLe 500 per trip). Message your flight number on WhatsApp +232 72 120 659. Other hotels that travellers mention near the airport include Lungi Gateway Hotel, Lungi Airport Hotel, Airport Lodge, Hotel Airport View and Mahera Beach Hotel; check each one's current rates and policies. Compare them in hotels near Freetown airport. For a night arrival see what to do; for a long wait see the airport stopover package.

Hotels in Freetown after the crossing

Once across, most visitors stay in the Aberdeen and Lumley area, close to where the water taxi lands, or in the city centre. See best areas to stay in Freetown and the budget hotels in Freetown guide. Booking one night at a hotel near Freetown airport and the rest in Freetown is the simplest plan for most arrivals.

Flights to Freetown airport

A published December 2025 boat timetable lists Royal Air Maroc, ASKY, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Sierra Leone, Kenya Airways, Air Peace, Brussels Airlines and Turkish Airlines among the carriers using Freetown airport. British Airways has not flown to Freetown since 2014. Many arrivals land in the evening or after midnight. See flights to Freetown: what to know before you book and London to Freetown flights.

Leaving Freetown airport: departures

• For a morning flight, cross to the airport side the day before and sleep at a hotel near the airport.
• Allow extra time for the boat queue, the shuttle and check-in; read when to cross for an early flight.
• If your flight is delayed or cancelled, see what to do.

Before you fly: a checklist for UK, US and European travellers

• Check your own government's travel advice: UK FCDO, US State Department, and your foreign ministry in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy or Spain.
• Apply for your visa through the official Sierra Leone portal; see accommodation for your eVisa.
• Carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate; discuss malaria prevention with a travel doctor; arrange travel insurance with medical cover.
• Season: the dry season (about November to May) is usually best; see the best time to visit and rainy season.
• Safety and packing: safety tips and the packing list.
• Book your first night near Freetown airport if you land after dark.

In your language: Deutsch · Français · Español · Italiano · Nederlands.

Attending the West Africa Integration & Investment Summit (17-18 November 2026)? See rooms about 1 km from the conference centre in Lungi.

Heading to the rainforest or filming? See pygmy hippos and wildlife in Sierra Leone and filming in Sierra Leone.

Freetown airport FAQ

Which airport is Freetown's airport?

Freetown International Airport, also called Lungi International Airport. IATA code FNA, ICAO code GFLL. It is in Lungi, across the Sierra Leone River estuary from Freetown.

Is Freetown airport in Freetown?

No. It is in Lungi, about 15 km in a straight line from central Freetown but across the water. There is no bridge, so you cross by water taxi, public ferry or a very long road.

How far is Freetown airport from Freetown?

About 15 km in a straight line, but the journey is a multi-step crossing. Allow two to three hours from landing to a Freetown hotel.

How do I get from Freetown airport to Freetown?

The fast option is a water taxi (Sea Coach Express or Seabird Express, adult fare from US$50). The cheaper option is the public ferry from Tagrin to Kissy. See the full guide to the Freetown airport water taxi, Sea Coach, Seabird and ferry.

Are there hotels near Freetown airport?

Yes, in Lungi on the airport side. Hariom Yogi Guest House is opposite the New Airport Gate, about 2.8 km from the terminal, with rooms from US$50, free cancellation and airport pickup on request.

What are the best Freetown airport hotels?

Because the airport is in Lungi, Freetown airport hotels are small hotels and guest houses in Lungi. Compare distance, 24-hour power, airport pickup and cancellation terms. Our guide lists the options.

Do I have to pay the US$25 airport security fee?

The fee was suspended from 6 July 2026 until further notice while the government reviews the contract and an audit is completed. Check the latest position with your airline or the Ministry of Internal Affairs before you fly.

How long does immigration at Freetown airport take?

Plan on 45 to 90 minutes from the aircraft to the exit, including health checks, passport control, baggage and customs. It varies with how many flights land together.

Is it safe to arrive at Freetown airport at night?

The airport is staffed and busy at flight times, but the water crossing generally does not run reliably at night. The safer plan is to book a hotel near the airport in Lungi and cross in daylight. Arrange pickup in advance.

Which airlines fly to Freetown airport?

A published December 2025 boat timetable lists Royal Air Maroc, ASKY, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Sierra Leone, Kenya Airways, Air Peace, Brussels Airlines and Turkish Airlines. British Airways has not flown to Freetown since 2014. Schedules change, so check live.

What currency should I bring to Freetown airport?

The currency is the new leone (NLe). US dollars are widely accepted for boat fares and visas; bring small notes in good condition. A guide put the rate at about NLe 22.9 per US dollar in May 2026, so check the live rate.

Is there a bridge from Freetown airport to Freetown?

Not yet. A bridge across the estuary has been proposed for years, but as of October 2026 we found no confirmation that construction has started.