Getting Around Yaounde. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transit Overview

The Yaounde Urban Community (CUY) operates some buses, alongside various private companies. These buses cover a range of routes across the city. Route information can be less formal than in Western cities, often requiring local knowledge to use effectively.

Minibuses ("Car Rapides") are collective vans that operate on fixed routes. They stop frequently to pick up and drop off passengers. They are affordable and a common way for locals to travel but can be crowded. Shared Cabs ("Clandos") are regular yellow taxis that pick up multiple passengers heading in the same general direction. They constitute a very common form of public transport.

Transit Details

Formal route maps for minibuses and collective taxis are scarce. Ask locals for help.
Bus fares paid to a conductor. Minibus/Shared taxi fares are usually fixed; confirm fare with driver.
Operates mainly during daylight hours (early morning to late evening). Service frequency can be irregular.
Not accessible for travelers with mobility challenges.

Learn Basic French

Knowing basic French phrases for directions, routes, and negotiation greatly assists navigation.

Prepare for Crowds

Public transport can be crowded, particularly during rush hour. Be ready for close quarters and busy hubs.

Secure Belongings

Keep personal belongings secure and close to you, especially in crowded vehicles or markets.

Taxi & Ride-Sharing Information

Taxi Guidelines

Yaounde taxis are distinctive yellow cars; hail them anywhere.
Always negotiate the fare with the driver before starting the journey.
"Shared Taxis" (Clandos) pick up multiple passengers; explicitly ask for "course seule" for a solo trip.

Ride-Sharing & Safety

Ride-sharing apps like Uber are hard to find or consistently reliable.
Moto-taxis ("Bendskins") carry higher risks due to traffic conditions; not recommended for tourists.
Choose well-maintained taxis; avoid unlit ones at night and negotiate the price of the ride.

Estimated Taxi Fares XAF

Short Shared Ride

200-300 per person

Short Solo Ride

500-1,000

Longer Solo Rides

Up to 2,000-3,000

Airport to City

8,000-15,000

Rental Options for Yaounde

While car rental is available in Yaounde, its use by tourists is generally not recommended without a local driver. Other rental options are limited.

Car Rental with Driver

Available from international (Europcar, Hertz) and local agencies.
A local driver is highly recommended to mitigate road challenges.
Costs 50,000-100,000 XAF/day, often including a driver.
Avoid self-driving due to poor roads, aggressive habits, and security concerns.

Driving Conditions & Other Rentals

Roads have numerous potholes; secondary roads unpaved and muddy in wet season.
Driving at night is strongly discouraged.
Motorcycle/scooter rentals not recommended due to safety.
No bicycle sharing; casual rentals uncommon and unsafe.

Walking & Cycling in Yaounde

Walking possible in commercial districts during the day.
Hilly terrain, uneven sidewalks, heavy traffic make walking challenging.
Consider a local guide for self-guided exploration; stick to daylight hours.

No dedicated bicycle infrastructure or lanes.
Cycling is not recommended for tourists due to safety concerns.
Don't walk by yourself at night in most areas.

Specialized Transportation & Accessibility

Tour & Water Transport

Tour buses and hop-on-hop-off services are not available. No boat taxis or water transportation in Yaounde as it is a city not on the coast.

Unique Local Transport

Yaounde does not have cable cars or funiculars. Moto-taxis are common but not recommended for tourists due to safety.

Accessibility Services

Limited infrastructure for mobility challenges. Public buildings, sidewalks, and transport not wheelchair-friendly.

Planning for Mobility Needs

Travelers with mobility issues plan accordingly and expect to rely on exclusive transport (hiring a private car with a driver) and pre-arranged assistance. Research accessible accommodations and attractions beforehand, as options are scarce.