Getting There & Away: Douala

Air Travel

Airport Overview

Douala International Airport (DLA) is the largest and most important airport in Cameroon, handling most air traffic for the city.

Airlines & Routes

Major Airlines: Air France, Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Kenya Airways, Asky Airlines, Camair-Co.
Typical Routes: Direct flights from major European hubs (Paris, Brussels), African cities (Addis Ababa, Istanbul, Casablanca, Nairobi, Lomé).
Travelers from North America typically find flights with one stop in Europe or another African capital.

Flight Dynamics

Prices for flights can change significantly based on booking time and global events. Passengers can receive up to €600 compensation for delayed or canceled flights Via AirHelp.

Seasonal & Pricing

Peak Season (Nov-Feb): Higher demand can result in increased prices.
Off-Peak Season (Wet Season): Lower demand often brings more competitive prices.
Compare flight options On Skyscanner. Consider Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.

Functional Facilities

DLA provides basic facilities: limited duty-free shops, cafes, ATMs, currency exchange, car rental desks, VIP lounges. Facilities are functional.

Taxi Dominance

Taxis are the most common and recommended transfer option. Negotiate fare before starting. Typical fare XAF 5,000 - 10,000.

Hotel Shuttles

Some larger hotels offer pre-arranged airport pick-up services. Verify this when booking accommodation.

Airport Transfers

Arrival Options

Official airport taxis are available outside DLA. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Larger hotels may offer pre-arranged airport pick-up services. Confirm when booking.
Ride-sharing apps (e.g., Yango) might be available but are less common for airport pickups than traditional taxis.
A typical taxi fare to central areas like Akwa or Bonanjo ranges from XAF 5,000 - 10,000.

Departure Procedures

Arrive at Douala International Airport (DLA) at least 3 hours before international flights.
Allow extra time for traffic on the way to the airport.
Confirm all required documents (passport, boarding pass) are easily accessible.
Exit fees or taxes are typically included in airfare. Confirm this with your airline.

Airport Facilities

Shops & Dining

Duty-free shops (limited selection) and restaurants/cafes (limited options).

Money Services

ATMs and currency exchange are available.

Other Services

Car rental desks and VIP lounges (for eligible travelers). Wi-Fi availability can be unreliable.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Camrail operates train services from Douala. This option generally presents a safer and more comfortable alternative to buses for the Douala to Yaoundé route.

Routes & Features

Douala to Yaoundé: Daily services, including night train and day trains ("Le Train Corail"). Journey takes approximately 4-6 hours.
Douala to Nkongsamba: Less frequent passenger service.
Classes: Different classes available, from economy to first class (often with air conditioning and better seating). Book in advance.

Long-Distance Buses

Long-distance buses connect Douala to most major cities in Cameroon. Buses vary from comfortable, air-conditioned coaches to older, less well-maintained vehicles. Night buses are common for longer journeys.

Stations & Safety

Major Bus Stations: Various companies operate from different locations (e.g., Union Express, Touristique Express).
Road safety can be a concern, especially at night, due to poor road conditions, reckless driving, and occasional banditry.
Travel during daylight hours is generally advisable.

Self-Driving

An International Driving Permit (IDP) with your home country's license is needed. Car rental from major international agencies (DiscoverCars.com, Avis, Europcar) and local companies in Douala is available, but prices are relatively high.

Roads & Safety

Road conditions vary significantly. Major inter-city roads can be paved but often have potholes. Secondary roads are frequently unpaved.
Night driving is strongly discouraged due to poor lighting, unmarked obstacles, and security risks.
Renting a car with a driver is often a safer and more practical option for tourists.

Sea & River Travel

Douala serves as Cameroon's main port. It handles considerable cargo traffic and some regional passenger ferries to other coastal towns in Cameroon. It is not a common port of call for international cruise ships.

Waterways

Informal boat taxis operate on the Wouri River for local transport.
These are not typically for tourist sightseeing, and safety standards might be low.
For official international passenger arrivals by sea, immigration procedures are similar to air travel.

Road Travel Warnings

Poor vehicle maintenance on some routes.
Reckless driving is common.
Lack of street lighting after dark.

Occasional roadblocks or banditry, especially on less-traveled routes.
Pedestrians, motorcyclists, and livestock are common on roads.
Police checkpoints are frequent.

Departure Information

Departure Timing

Arrive at Douala International Airport (DLA) at least 3 hours before international flights. This allows for potential queues for check-in, security, and immigration.

Reminders

Allow extra time for traffic on the way to the airport.
Confirm all required documents (passport, boarding pass) are easily accessible.
Exit fees or taxes are typically included in airfare. Verify this with your airline.

Airport Facilities for Departures

Facilities are similar to arrival facilities – basic shops, cafes, and currency exchange.

Available Services

Duty-free shops with limited selection.
Restaurants and cafes with limited options.
Wi-Fi availability can be limited or unreliable.

Train Station Taxis

Taxis are readily available at train stations. Confirm your destination and negotiate the fare before getting into the vehicle.

Bus Station Taxis

Similar to train stations, taxis are widely available at bus stations for onward travel into the city or to your accommodation.

Port Connections

The port area connects well to Douala's road network, allowing easy access to taxis and other land transport for departures.

Smooth Departure

Plan your departure well in advance, especially concerning airport transfers and check-in times, to ensure a stress-free exit.

Getting There & Away