Travel · Practical · The Gambia

Driving in The Gambia

Published June 3, 2026.

Most visitors to The Gambia get around by taxi, hired car with a driver, or shared transport, but some choose to drive themselves. Doing so gives freedom, especially for reaching beaches and inland sites at your own pace — provided you go in with realistic expectations about roads, paperwork, and local conditions. This guide covers the essentials.

The basics

The Gambia drives on the right-hand side of the road. To drive, carry your national licence and an International Driving Permit, along with the vehicle's documents and insurance. Always confirm current requirements when you hire, as rules and enforcement can vary.

Roads and conditions

Road quality varies widely. The main coastal routes and the principal highway are generally paved and in reasonable condition, but many secondary and rural roads are rough, dusty in the dry season, and slow or muddy in the rains. Expect:

Pedestrians, livestock, carts, and cyclists sharing the road.
Unlit roads and unexpected obstacles after dark — avoid driving at night where possible.
Police and security checkpoints; keep documents handy and be courteous.
Variable signage and few formal road markings off the main routes.

Hiring a vehicle

You can hire a car with or without a driver. Many visitors choose a car with a driver, especially for inland trips: the driver knows the roads, handles checkpoints and parking, and removes the stress of unfamiliar conditions, often for a reasonable all-in rate. Self-drive suits confident travellers sticking mainly to the coastal area. Agree terms, insurance, fuel, and condition clearly before setting off — see money and payments.

Fuel, ferries and distances

Fuel stations are common on the coast and along main routes but sparser inland, so fill up before long trips. River crossings may involve ferries, which can mean queues — factor this into timings. Distances look short on the map but take longer than expected on slow roads; the getting around guide explains the realities.

If you'd rather not drive

There is no shame in skipping the wheel. Taxis for short hops, shared sept-place and vans for longer ones, and a hired car with driver for excursions cover almost every need — usually more relaxing than self-driving.