Transport · Sierra Leone

How Much Does a Taxi Cost in Freetown? Complete Price Guide 2025

✍️ SaloneKart Transport Team · 📅 April 2026 · ⏱️ 5 min read
Bottom line: Always agree the price before getting in. Or better — use SaloneTaxi for fixed-fare rides in Lungi and Freetown with no haggling.

Taxis in Freetown and Lungi operate on a negotiated fare system — there are no meters. For newcomers, this means the price depends heavily on how confident you appear and whether you know the going rates. This guide gives you real prices so you are never overcharged.

Freetown Taxi Prices — 2025 Guide

RouteLocal rate (NL)Expat/NGO rateSaloneTaxi fixed
Aberdeen to City CentreNL 15,000–20,000NL 30,000–50,000NL 25,000
City Centre to Lumley BeachNL 15,000–25,000NL 40,000–60,000NL 30,000
Aberdeen to Wilkinson RoadNL 10,000–15,000NL 25,000–35,000NL 20,000
Freetown city half day (4h)NL 150,000NL 250,000+NL 200,000
Freetown city full day (8h)NL 250,000NL 400,000+NL 350,000
Freetown to WaterlooNL 60,000–80,000NL 100,000+NL 90,000

Lungi Airport Taxi Prices

RouteLocal rateSaloneTaxi
Lungi Airport to Yogi Guest HouseNL 5,000–10,000NL 8,000
Lungi Airport to Lungi TownNL 15,000–25,000NL 20,000
Lungi Airport to Lungi Ferry TerminalNL 20,000–35,000NL 28,000
Lungi Town full day (8h)NL 200,000NL 250,000

Why SaloneTaxi?

SaloneTaxi offers fixed fares confirmed via WhatsApp before departure. No negotiation, no surprises. Drivers are vetted, vehicles are clean, and you can track the ride. Particularly recommended for NGO workers, female travellers, and airport arrivals unfamiliar with local rates.

How to Not Get Ripped Off

  1. Always agree the price before getting in — non-negotiable rule
  2. Know the approximate local rate from this guide
  3. Have exact change ready — drivers rarely have change
  4. Book via WhatsApp with SaloneTaxi for confirmed fixed fares
  5. Avoid unmarked taxis late at night — use a hotel-recommended driver

Okada (Motorbike Taxi)

Okadas — motorcycle taxis — are the cheapest and fastest way to get around Freetown and Lungi for short distances. Typical fares: NL 3,000–8,000 for short hops. Not recommended for luggage or in heavy rain.

Book a Fixed-Fare Taxi in Sierra Leone

SaloneTaxi covers Lungi, Freetown, and intercity routes. WhatsApp us your pickup, destination and time — we confirm the fare in minutes.

WhatsApp Taxi BookingTaxi Service →
Is Uber available in Freetown?

No. Uber and Bolt do not operate in Sierra Leone as of 2026. SaloneTaxi is the closest equivalent with WhatsApp-confirmed fixed fares.

Are taxis safe in Freetown?

Generally yes, especially during daylight hours in main areas. Book through a vetted service like SaloneTaxi or ask your hotel to arrange transport for extra security.

What is the cheapest way to travel in Freetown?

Poda poda (shared minibus) is the cheapest — NL 2,000–5,000 for most routes. But they are crowded and complex for newcomers. Okada is the next cheapest at NL 3,000–8,000.