Cameroon is Africa in miniature, offering diverse landscapes from volcanic Mount Cameroon to wildlife-rich Waza National Park, pristine beaches at Kribi, and vibrant cities like Douala and Yaoundé. Experience rich cultural heritage, French-African fusion cuisine, and warm hospitality in this Central African gem.
- Public
- Urban bus-taxis (taxi-buses) cover major routes in Douala and Yaoundé at very low cost (100-200 XAF) but are crowded, slow, and routes confusing for visitors. Not generally recommended for tourists.
- Taxi
- Shared yellow cabs are the practical backbone of urban transport. Yango ride-hailing app (similar to Uber) operates in both cities and offers price transparency and safety. Street taxis require negotiation.
- Rental
- Car hire available at airports and city offices (Hertz, Avis, Europcar). Useful for travelling between cities and regions but road conditions require 4WD for many destinations. Night driving strongly discouraged.
- Walking
- City centres of Douala and Yaoundé are partially walkable in daylight but distances between attractions are large. Kribi beach strip is pleasant for walking. Avoid walking alone at night anywhere.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Registered taxi - 3,000-5,000 XAF ($5-8) to city center, 20-30 minutes
- Shuttle
- Hotel shuttle - Pre-arranged with hotels, typically $10-15
- Bus
- Rental car - Available from international companies at arrivals
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Urban bus systems (taxi-buses) operate in Douala and Yaoundé. Fares: 100-200 XAF ($0.15-0.30) per trip. Routes can be confusing for visitors. Buses often crowded during peak hours. Not recommended for tourists unfamiliar with routes.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, motorcycle_taxi
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Shared taxis (yellow cabs) are main urban transport. Current fares (2024): Daytime pickup 350 XAF ($0.56), nighttime 400 XAF ($0.64). Drop-off fares: daytime 3,000 XAF ($4.80), nighttime 3,500 XAF ($5.60). Negotiate longer trips in advance. Use registered taxis with yellow paint for safety. Ride-sharing apps not widely available.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Multiple bus companies operate intercity routes. Major operators: Touristique Express, Guaranti Express, Central Voyages. Douala-Yaoundé: 3-4 hours, 2,500-4,000 XAF ($4-6.50). Yaoundé-Bafoussam: 4 hours. VIP buses offer AC, reclining seats, entertainment. Book in advance during holidays. Buses generally safer and more comfortable than shared taxis.
Flights
Camair-Co operates limited domestic flights connecting major cities. Routes include Douala-Yaoundé-Garoua-Maroua. Flights can be expensive ($100-200 one-way) and schedules unreliable. Book well in advance. Domestic flights save time for long distances like Douala to Far North.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Douala International Airport
From centre: 10 km to Douala city center
Options: Registered taxi - 3,000-5,000 XAF ($5-8) to city center, 20-30 minutes; Hotel shuttle - Pre-arranged with hotels, typically $10-15; Rental car - Available from international companies at arrivals; Private transfer - Book through hotels, $15-25
Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport
From centre: 27 km to Yaoundé city center
Options: Registered taxi - 8,000-12,000 XAF ($13-20) to city center, 40-60 minutes; Hotel shuttle - Most mid-range and luxury hotels offer this service; Rental car - International companies including Hertz, Avis available; Shared minibus - 2,000-3,000 XAF ($3-5), irregular schedule
Garoua International Airport
From centre: 3 km to Garoua city center
Options: Taxi - 2,000-3,000 XAF ($3-5) to city center, 10 minutes; Hotel pickup - Arrange in advance; Rental car - Limited options, book in advance
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Yango
The dominant ride-hailing app in Douala and Yaoundé (Yandex-based). Pre-set prices, GPS tracking, and driver ratings make this far safer and more convenient than street taxis. Essential download before visiting Cameroon.
Gozem
West and Central African ride-hailing app with coverage in Douala. Offers car, motorbike, and delivery services. Useful as a Yango backup with slightly different driver networks.
MTN Mobile Money
Not transport itself, but essential for paying taxis, buses, and motorbike taxis when cash is inconvenient. Widely accepted by transport providers who prefer digital payments for larger fares.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download the Yango app before arriving — it operates like Uber in Douala and Yaoundé, offers transparent pricing, and is much safer than hailing street taxis, especially at night
For intercity travel, Touristique Express and Guaranti Express buses between Yaoundé and Douala are the most reliable option — buy tickets the day before for preferred morning departures
The overnight Camrail train from Yaoundé to Ngaoundéré (13 hours) is a classic experience on the Transcamerounais railway — book 1st class sleeping berths well in advance
Always negotiate taxi fares before entering — confirm whether you're paying 'drop' (private ride) or 'posting' (shared pickup where others may join)
Carry your passport or a certified copy at all times — police checkpoints are frequent on roads between cities and at night in urban areas
Motorcycle taxis (okadas) are fast for short urban distances but helmet provision is rare and accident rates high — use only for short hops in low-traffic areas if at all