The main airlines to serve The Gambia are Air Senegal (www.air-senegal-international.com), Gambia International Airlines (www.gia.gm) and Ghana Airways. There are also many charter services.

From Banjul to London is approximately five hours 30 minutes (direct).

Banjul (BJL) (Yundum International)(website: www.gambia.gm/gcaa) is 20km (11 miles) southwest of the city. To/from the airport: Taxis are available to the city (travel time – approximately 30 minutes). During 1989, NASA built new airport facilities to enable it to serve as an emergency space-shuttle landing site. Facilities: Banks/bureaux de change, internet cafe, bars, restaurants, tourist information, duty-free shops, post office and car hire.

None.

A tourist tax applies for all tourists arriving at Banjul International Airport, no matter from which country. Travellers can pay in Euros (Eur;10), Sterling (£5) or US Dollars (US$10).

Main ports: Banjul Port is the official port for all ferries. There is a ferry service between Banjul and Dakar in Senegal.

Taxis can be hired between Dakar (Senegal) and Barra. Buses also travel between Senegal and The Gambia.

There are nearly a dozen ferry crossing points where travellers can cross the river. Tour operators run adventure and fishing trips using converted yachts or pirogues, as well as day cruises along the river with lunch or dinner and a live band.

Traffic drives on the right. There are more than 3000km (1875 miles) of roads in the country, about 450km (280 miles) of which are paved. Roads in and around Banjul are mostly bituminised, but unsealed roads often become impassable in the rainy season. Extensive road improvements are underway; the latest additions are the Kombo coastal roads which have improved access to the airport and other popular sights and attractions. Bus: Local buses operate between Banjul and a number of towns and villages throughout the country. The services are fairly reliable, but tend to be overcrowded. Taxis: There are three types of taxis: Tourist Taxis are usually painted green and are licensed by the Gambian Tourist Authority. They operate a queue system outside hotels and resort areas and have a published tariff for set distances inside the taxi; General Purpose Taxis are usually painted yellow with green stripes - these are usually four person shared taxis which are usually used for short distances; Collective 'Bush' Taxis are usually seven-seater vans and go anywhere in the country, stopping wherever passengers want to get off, and picking up new passengers when there is room. It is advisable to settle taxi fares in advance. Car hire: AB and Hertz operate in the Gambia; check with the car hire company for details before travelling. Driving in The Gambia can be difficult at times due to poor road conditions, particularly during the rainy season (June to October). Documentation: An International Driving Permit will be accepted for a period of three months. A temporary licence is available from the local authorities on presentation of a valid UK licence. Bicycle hire: Bikes are available to rent at many hotels and resorts.