How to Get to Bissau. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Airport Overview

Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (BXO) is the only international airport serving Bissau and Guinea-Bissau. It sits approximately 11 km (7 miles) north of the central area.

Airport Facts

The sole international gateway for the country.
Located roughly 11 km (7 miles) north of Bissau city center.
A small, basic airport lacking extensive facilities.

Airlines & Routes

Direct flights to Bissau are limited. The main direct international connection typically runs to Lisbon, Portugal.

Main Connections

TAP Air Portugal offers flights between Bissau and Lisbon.
ASKY Airlines connects Bissau to Lomé, Togo, with onward regional links.
Air Senegal provides regional connectivity to Dakar, Senegal.

Direct Flight Availability

Direct flights are limited. Lisbon, Portugal, typically serves as the main direct international connection.

Seasonal Price Swings

Flight frequency and prices vary seasonally. Demand rises in the dry period (Nov-Feb). Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner may help.

Airport Services

Facilities are limited. A couple of small shops, a café, currency exchange (limited hours), and vehicle rental desks are present. AirHelp assists with flight issues.

Transfers to City

Taxi Options

Taxis are readily available outside the terminal.
Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Typical fares to central Bissau range from 5,0THE hours of 12 to 10,000 XOF (€8-€15).
Some larger hotels may offer pre-arranged airport transfers.

Shared Taxis Candongas

Finding shared taxis (candongas) directly from the airport terminal is less common.
You might need to stroll a short distance from the airport grounds to locate them.
This option has the cheapest means of transport.
Inquire with your lodging about transfer options upon booking.

Departing BXO

Exit Fees

The leaving the airport tax for international flights usually finds inclusion in your airline ticket price. Verify this with your airline.

Timing

Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (BXO) at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled international flight. This timing supports lengthy check-in processes.

Facilities

The departure lounge offers basic amenities. Expect limited seating, a small duty-free shop with a very limited selection, and a café. Extends no extensive dining or shopping options.

Traveling by Land

Border Crossings Senegal

The main crossing point lies north of Bissau, between São Domingos (Guinea-Bissau) and Ziguinchor (Senegal).

Senegal Border Notes

A valid passport and visa for both countries are necessary.
Your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate may undergo inspection.
Border crossings can be slow, with multiple checkpoints.

Local & Regional Shared Taxis

Shared taxis or minibuses (Candongas or Sept-places) serve as the main way of inter-city and cross-border land transport.

Candonga Travel

Operate on fixed routes but depart only when full.
Connections exist to major towns within Guinea-Bissau (e.g., Bafatá, Gabú).
Departure points typically include specific market areas or transport hubs in Bissau.

Self-Driving & Rentals

Self-driving is generally not recommended for tourists due to challenging conditions. DiscoverCars.com may offer options.

Driving Notes

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary alongside your national license.
A 4x4 vehicle is necessary for go outside Bissau, especially during the wet season.
Hiring a local driver is highly advisable for knowledge of roads and customs.

Road Conditions & Hazards

Road conditions are poor. Many roads, even outside Bissau, are gravel roads, deeply rutted, and prone to flooding during the wet season.

Road Realities

Paved roads within Bissau also show disrepair.
Local driving may be erratic, with limited adherence to traffic laws.
Night using a car is notably hazardous due to poor lighting and security risks.

Land Travel Warnings

A high risk of accidents exists due to poor street conditions and erratic driving.
Roadblocks by security forces may occur; ensure all vehicle documents are in order.
Be prepared for potential requests for unofficial fees at borders; these are not legitimate.

A current passport and visa for both countries at border crossings.
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate may undergo inspection at borders.
Local driving laws exist, but enforcement is often loose.

Sea & River Travel

International Sea Arrivals

Sea and river transportation options mainly serve domestic routes, not international arrivals to Bissau.

Maritime Note

No international passenger ferry services are available directly to Bissau.
International maritime arrivals typically focus on cargo.
Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for international passenger arrivals to Bissau.

Domestic Water Transport

Boats and private boats connect Bissau to the Bijagos Archipelago (e.g., Bolama, Bubaque islands). These serve as internal services for inter-island travel.

Inter-Island Boats

Boat services operate from Bissau's port to nearby islands.
Destinations include Bolama and Bubaque islands in the Bijagos Archipelago.
These services are mainly for domestic travel, not international arrivals.

International Ferries

No international passenger ferry services run directly to Bissau.

Cruise Ship Access

Bissau has no designated cruise ship ports or regular cruise itineraries.

International River Boats

Formal international river transportation for passengers is limited or non-existent.

Departing Bissau

Exit Fees & Taxes

The setting off from the airport tax for international flights usually finds inclusion in your airline ticket price.

Fee Details

The departure tax is typically included in your ticket.
Verify with your airline prior to departure.
Payment occurs at the airport if not included.

Departure Procedures

Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (BXO) at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled international flight.

Steps

Allow ample time for check-in, as processes may be slow.
Expect basic security screening.
Present your passport and boarding pass to immigration officials.

Airport Amenities

Departure Lounge

The leaving lounge offers basic seating for travelers awaiting their flights.

Shopping

A small duty-free shop with a very limited selection of items is available.

Dining

A small café offers limited dining options for departing passengers.

Final Departure Advice

Prepare for a basic airport experience. Arriving well in advance accommodates any potential delays in check-in or security processes.

How to Get to Bissau