Africa > 🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Guinea-Bissau can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Guinea-Bissau; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Guinea-Bissau?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Guinea-Bissau?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🏙️ Main Cities in Guinea-Bissau
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Bissau | OXB |
Should You Rent a Car in Guinea-Bissau? 🚗🌴
Guinea-Bissau, one of West Africa’s smallest and least-visited nations, offers mangrove-lined coasts, colourful villages, and the remote Bijagós Islands. Travelling here is an adventure, but it also comes with challenges. So, should you rent a car in Guinea-Bissau? The short answer: only if you plan to travel inland, have plenty of time, and can handle rough roads with limited infrastructure.
🚶 When You Don’t Need a Car
If you’re staying mainly in Bissau, the country’s small, relaxed capital, there’s no need for a car. The city is compact and easy to explore by foot or short taxi rides.
| Area | Why a Car Isn’t Needed | Best Option |
|---|---|---|
| Bissau city centre | Small and flat | Walking or taxi |
| Port of Bissau | Access to ferries | Taxi |
| Bijagós Islands | No roads or cars | Ferry or local boat |
In Bissau, taxis are cheap and informal, and locals are friendly and helpful. Many visitors arrange transport directly through hotels or guesthouses.
🚗 When Renting a Car Makes Sense
Renting a car can make sense if you want to explore the rural interior, visit national parks, or travel to small towns like Bafatá or Gabu. However, you’ll need a sturdy 4×4, and it’s wise to hire it with a local driver, as signage is limited and road conditions vary dramatically.
| Region | Highlights | Road Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Bafatá | Traditional villages and markets | Rough roads |
| Gabu | Eastern landscapes and wildlife | Very remote |
| Cantanhês Forest | Rainforest and birdlife | Best visited with guide |
| Saltinho Waterfall | Popular stop on Bafatá road | Accessible with 4×4 |
Even on main routes, expect unpaved, bumpy roads and occasional river crossings. During the rainy season (May–October), some areas become impassable.
🚗 Longest Driving Distances in Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau is small (about 36,000 km²), so cross-country drives are relatively short — but road conditions can make them feel much longer.
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Bissau → Gabú (east) – about 220 km, roughly 5–7 hours depending on rain and potholes.
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Bissau → Bafatá – around 150 km, taking 4–5 hours.
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Bissau → São Domingos (northwest, near Senegal border) – about 180 km, around 5 hours.
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Bissau → Quebo (south, toward the border with Guinea) – about 200 km, typically 6–8 hours due to poor roads.
The Bijagós Islands can’t be reached by road — only by boat or small plane from Bissau.
✈️ Internal Flights
Guinea-Bissau has very limited domestic air services.
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There are no regular internal flights, as the country only has one main international airport (Osvaldo Vieira International, OXB).
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However, charter flights occasionally operate to Bubaque Island in the Bijagós Archipelago. These are arranged through local tour operators or hotels and use small aircraft (6–12 seats).
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For inland destinations like Gabú or Bafatá, road travel is the only practical option.
🌊 The Bijagós Archipelago – A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Just off Guinea-Bissau’s coast lies the Bijagós Archipelago, a chain of around 80 islands known for their untouched beaches, mangroves, and unique matriarchal culture. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the islands are home to rare hippos, sea turtles, and migratory birds.
There are no roads or cars here — visitors travel by boat between islands, often staying in small eco-lodges or community-run guesthouses. The rhythm of life follows the tides, making the Bijagós one of West Africa’s most tranquil escapes.
If you’re visiting Guinea-Bissau, it’s well worth adding a few days in the Bijagós to experience a way of life that feels timeless.
🚦 Driving in Guinea-Bissau – What to Expect
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Drive on the right-hand side
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Police and military checkpoints are frequent but routine — always carry papers
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Fuel stations are sparse outside Bissau, so plan ahead
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Avoid driving after dark due to poor lighting and animals on roads
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Few rental firms exist; most cars come with a driver included
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxis or shared taxis | City travel | Cheap but basic |
| Car + driver hire | Longer journeys | Safer and more comfortable |
| Ferries / local boats | Bijagós Islands | Essential for island hopping |
| Tours with guides | Nature trips | Best for wildlife and villages |
🧭 Conclusion
For most travellers, renting a car in Guinea-Bissau isn’t necessary — or even practical. The capital and islands are best enjoyed on foot, by taxi, or via local ferries. However, if you want to venture inland and experience the country’s rural charm, a 4×4 with a local driver can open up a rewarding but challenging side of West Africa. Just be ready for adventure over comfort, and you’ll discover one of the continent’s most untouched corners.
