Getting There & Away: Libreville

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Libreville Leon M'ba International Airport (LBV) is the sole international airport, serving as the main gateway to Gabon, situated a few kilometers north of the city center. Several airlines connect Libreville to major hubs in Europe, the Middle East, and other African cities. Air France offers direct flights from Paris (Charles de Gaulle), a popular route for European and North American travelers. Ethiopian Airlines connects via Addis Ababa, and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. Royal Air Maroc links through Casablanca. Regional airlines like ASKY Airlines, CEIBA Intercontinental, and Afrijet Business Service serve African cities. Domestic flights by Afrijet Business Service and Nationale Regionale Transport (NRT) reach Gabon's interior.

Air Travel Information

No direct flights from North America or Asia.
Flight prices rise during dry seasons (June-September, December-February) and holidays.
Booking well in advance leads to better rates and availability (Dollar Flight Club, Skyscanner).

Airport Facilities & Transfers

LBV provides basic traveler facilities: currency exchange, ATMs, shops for snacks and souvenirs, and cafes. Car rental desks are in arrivals. Wi-Fi can be limited. Taxis are the most common transfer option from LBV to the city center. Agree on the fare with the driver before beginning the journey. Typical fares to central Libreville range from XAF 5,000 to XAF 10,000. Use clearly marked yellow taxis for safety. Some larger hotels offer pre-arranged airport transfers.

Transfer Tips

Negotiate taxi fare before the journey.
Inquire about hotel shuttle services for smooth transfers.
Have your accommodation address written in French for taxi drivers.

Global Connectors

Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, RwandAir.

Regional Airlines

ASKY Airlines, CEIBA Intercontinental, Afrijet Business Service.

Domestic Carriers

Afrijet Business Service, Nationale Regionale Transport (NRT).

Land Transportation

Border Crossings & Train

Gabon borders Cameroon (Bitam), Equatorial Guinea (Eboro/Kyé-Ossi), and Republic of Congo (Ndendé).
Visa on arrival is generally not an option at land borders.
The Trans-Gabon Railway connects Owendo (Libreville) to Franceville, offering passenger services.
Booking train tickets in advance is wise; delays are common.

Bus & Self-Driving

Intercity buses operate from Libreville to major towns; schedules are flexible, departing when full.
Road conditions outside the capital are often unpaved and challenging, especially in wet season.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) with your national license is necessary for self-driving (DiscoverCars.com).
Avoid driving at night outside urban areas due to safety concerns.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Regular ferry services connect Libreville (Port Môle or Owendo) to Port Gentil, Gabon's second-largest city. This route offers an efficient way to travel between the two major coastal cities.

River Transport

Local pirogues (traditional canoes) operate for short distances within the Komo River estuary, mainly for fishing or local goods transport. They are not a main intercity tourist option but offer local experience.

Immigration at Seaports

Standard passport, visa, and Yellow Fever certificate checks apply for sea arrivals, similar to airport procedures. Taxis are available at ports for city transfers.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Procedures

Departure taxes for air travel are typically included in your airfare. Verify this with your airline or travel agent. For international flights from LBV, arrive at least 2-3 hours before departure. Check-in procedures and security checks can take time. For domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours before departure is generally sufficient. Have your passport, e-ticket, and travel documents ready. Confirm baggage weight restrictions beforehand.

Departure Reminders

Reconfirm flight status 24 hours before departure.
Complete shopping and dining before security, as options are limited.
Owendo train station facilities are basic for departures; bring provisions.

General Transit Guidelines

Border areas can be complex, with numerous checkpoints. Ensure all documentation (passport, visa, Yellow Fever certificate) remains in order and accessible. Prepare for thorough checks and potential delays. Always carry photocopies of documents. If undertaking long-distance driving, inform local contacts of your itinerary and expected arrival times.

Safe Transit Practices

Keep all travel documents easily accessible at checkpoints.
Share long-distance travel plans with local contacts.
Consider traveling with a local driver or in convoys for added security.

Port Gentil Ferry Advice

Advance Booking

Book ferry tickets to Port Gentil in advance, especially during peak travel periods, as capacity can be limited.

Sea Views

The ferry journey offers picturesque sea views along the coast.

Port Môle Departure

Ferries depart from Port Môle or Owendo in Libreville, both with taxi access.

Flight Status Confirmation

Reconfirm your flight status 24 hours before departure. Flight schedules in Gabon sometimes change without extensive prior notice.

Getting There & Away