Guinea Bissau offers pristine beaches, unique wildlife, and the stunning Bijagos Archipelago. This West African gem features 88 islands, saltwater hippos, and vibrant Creole culture, making it one of Africa's most untouched destinations.
- Public
- Chapas (yellow minibuses) are the main public transport in Bissau and between major towns. Routes are not fixed, cramped, and schedules unpredictable. Fares 200-500 XOF per ride. No metro or formal bus network.
- Taxi
- Yellow taxis available throughout Bissau. No meters - always negotiate price before entering. Base fare around 1,000 XOF ($1.65) for short rides up to 2,500 XOF ($4) for longer city trips. No ride-hailing apps.
- Rental
- Car rental available in Bissau at $40-70/day for standard vehicles, $70-100/day for 4WD recommended outside the capital. Roads poor to impassable in rainy season. Limited international providers.
- Walking
- Central Bissau including Old Town, Avenida Francisco Mendes, and the waterfront are all comfortably walkable. Walking recommended for exploring Bissau Velho. Islands accessible by bicycle (Bubaque rental 2,000-3,000 XOF/day).
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi to city center: 2,000-8,000 XOF ($3-$15), 20 minutes
- Shuttle
- Private transfer: €20-40, pre-booked
- Bus
- Hotel shuttle: Many hotels offer complimentary pick-up
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Local minibuses (chapas) operate in Bissau and major towns. Fares: 200-500 XOF ($0.35-$0.85) per ride. Routes not always fixed, ask locals. Crowded but economical.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, bicycle, pirogue
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Yellow taxis in Bissau. Base fare around 1,000 XOF ($1.65). Short rides 1,500-2,500 XOF ($2.50-$4). Longer trips 3,000-5,000 XOF ($5-$8). Negotiate price before departure. No meters.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Bush taxis (sept-places) and minibuses connect major towns. Bissau to Bafatá: 2,500-3,500 XOF ($4-$6), 3-4 hours. Bissau to Cacheu: 2,000-3,000 XOF ($3-$5), 2 hours. Depart when full, uncomfortable but authentic.
Flights
Limited domestic flights to Bijagos Islands. Small aircraft from Bissau to Bubaque: $80-120 one-way, 30 minutes. Irregular schedules, book through local travel agencies.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
From centre: 11 km from Bissau
Options: Taxi to city center: 2,000-8,000 XOF ($3-$15), 20 minutes; Private transfer: €20-40, pre-booked; Hotel shuttle: Many hotels offer complimentary pick-up; Shared shuttle: 1,500-3,000 XOF ($2.50-$5)
Bubaque Airport
From centre: 3 km from Bubaque town
Options: Taxi: 500-1,000 XOF ($1-$2); Walking: 30-40 minutes to town center; Hotel pick-up: Arranged with accommodation
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Most reliable way to contact hotels, guides, and taxi drivers. Save hotel and transport contacts before arrival.
Maps.me (offline)
Download Guinea Bissau offline map before arrival for navigation without mobile data. Essential as Google Maps coverage is incomplete.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Always negotiate taxi fares before getting in - ask for the price in XOF, not assumed
Download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline) before arriving as mobile data is unreliable
For Bijagos island travel, book ferry tickets at Bissau port the day before departure - morning sailings fill quickly
A 4WD vehicle with driver is essential for rural areas and strongly recommended for Cantanhez and Varela Beach routes
The Bubaque ferry journey (4-6 hours) can be rough during rainy season (June-October) - seasickness medication recommended
Chapas to nearby towns (Quinhamel, Cacheu direction) depart from Bandim transport hub when full - expect waiting
Light aircraft to Bubaque Island ($80-120 one-way) is the quickest and most reliable option - book through Bissau travel agencies