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Getting There & Away

Air Travel

Airport Information

Bangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF) is the only international airport in the Central African Republic. All international flights arrive and depart from here.

Points

  • Basic facilities; limited shops and dining.
  • Wi-Fi generally not available for public use.
  • Pre-arranged airport transfers are strongly suggested for safety.

Flights & Routes

International flights to Bangui are limited, typically connecting through other African hubs. No direct flights exist from major global hubs like North America or Europe.

Common Connections

  • Connections often through Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Douala (Cameroon).
  • Flight prices are generally high due to limited competition.
  • Booking well in advance is advisable for availability.

Flight Deals

Find affordable airfare options via Dollar Flight Club.

Compare Flights

Compare flight prices from different airlines with Skyscanner.

Car Rentals

Explore car rental options via DiscoverCars.com.

Airport Transfers

Arrival Procedure

  • Always arrange airport transfers in advance through your hotel or tour operator.
  • Your driver should meet you inside the arrival hall with a clear sign.
  • Avoid hailing unmarked taxis directly from the airport for security.
  • Confirm the driver's identity before entering the vehicle.

Departure Procedure

  • Arrive at BGF at least 2-3 hours before your international flight.
  • Be prepared for thorough security checks and baggage screenings.
  • Departure taxes are usually included in your ticket price; confirm with your airline.
  • Maintain patience with potentially slow processes.

Planning Your Journey

Inconsistent Availability

Flight options to Bangui can be inconsistent due to security situations or low demand.

No Direct Global Flights

Your trip will always involve at least one layover in another African country.

Basic Airport Amenities

Do not expect extensive services or duty-free shopping at BGF. Plan your needs beforehand.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings

The Central African Republic shares land borders with Cameroon, Chad, DR Congo, Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan. These borders face frequent security incidents, including armed conflict, banditry, and illegal checkpoints.

Risks & Realities

  • Land travel into or out of CAR is strongly advised against for foreign travelers.
  • Routes to formal border posts are often unsafe.
  • No formal railway system exists in CAR.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads are generally in very poor condition, with many unpaved and impassable during the rainy season. Even paved roads near Bangui have numerous potholes.

Safety Concerns

  • Security is a major concern on all roads outside Bangui.
  • Frequent reports of armed groups ambushing vehicles.
  • Self-driving into or out of CAR is not advised under any circumstances.

Long-Distance Travel

Informal inter-city bus services exist for locals but are not suggested for international travelers due to safety and comfort issues. They lack safety standards and travel on dangerous roads.

Considerations

  • No formal inter-city bus companies for tourist travel.
  • Services lack comfort and safety features.
  • Travel on these routes without robust security is very dangerous.

River Transportation

The Ubangi River is a major cargo transport artery, connecting Bangui to Brazzaville and Kinshasa. Passenger boats exist, but are informal, overcrowded, and often lack safety standards.

River Travel Advice

  • River journeys are not advised for foreign travelers due to safety concerns.
  • Potential for security incidents along riverbanks.
  • No formal ferry services or cruise ports for tourist arrivals.

Self-Driving Concerns

  • Self-driving is not advised for any foreign traveler.
  • Extremely poor road conditions make driving hazardous.
  • Lack of signage and roadside assistance.
  • Roads are prone to armed attacks and banditry.
  • Any necessary overland travel needs armed escorts and up-to-date intelligence.
  • Car rental for self-driving is virtually non-existent for foreign visitors.

Within the Country

Public Transport Bangui

Public transportation in Bangui is largely informal. Main forms are shared taxis and motorcycle taxis ("bendskin"). There are no formal metro or city bus networks beyond limited inter-city routes.

Usage Advice

  • Fares are negotiated with the driver; have small XAF notes ready.
  • Operates mainly during daylight hours; services become scarce and dangerous after dark.
  • Motorcycle taxis offer direct routes but carry higher risks due to chaotic traffic.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis are available in Bangui, often old, unmarked vehicles (yellow or green). Hailing street taxis carries significant security risks for foreign travelers.

Safety & Procedures

  • Arrange taxis through your hotel or trusted local contacts for safety.
  • Fares are always negotiated before the ride begins.
  • No established ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt operate here.

Walking

Common for locals in Bangui during the day. Pavements are often poor, leading pedestrians to walk on busy roadsides. No designated walking routes for tourists.

Cycling

Lacks dedicated infrastructure. Cycling on public roads is highly dangerous due to traffic and security concerns. Not recommended for foreign travelers.

No-Go Areas

Walking after dark in Bangui is strongly discouraged. All areas outside Bangui are generally unsafe for walking or cycling due to armed group threats.

Additional Transport

Rental Options

Vehicle rental for self-driving is virtually non-existent for foreign travelers and is not advised due to safety and logistical concerns. No major international car rental companies operate independently.

Recommended Vehicle Use

  • Rent a car with a local driver, often with security personnel.
  • Formal motorcycle/scooter rental services for tourists are not available or safe.
  • No bicycle sharing programs or formal bicycle rentals.

Specialized Transport

Beyond standard options, specific transport methods might be encountered or required for organized tours.

Unique Modes

  • Tour buses or hop-on-hop-off services do not exist; organized tours use private vehicles.
  • Informal boat taxis operate on the Ubangi River for local transport but are not advised for foreign travelers.
  • No cable cars, funiculars, or unique local transport like those found in other countries.

Road & Driving Overview

Driving Laws

Driving laws exist but are inconsistently enforced. Traffic is chaotic.

Road Network

Roads are poor, many unpaved, and become impassable in wet season.

Parking

Parking in Bangui is often informal; secure parking is usually at hotels.

Travel Planning Tip

Confirm your flight status before heading to the airport. Delays and cancellations may occur without much notice.