The airport is about 27 km from Banjul city; taxis take about 30–40 minutes.
Things to do at Banjul International Airport (BJL)
Banjul International AirportBJL
At the airport
Things to do in Banjul International Airport
Banjul is the capital of the Gambia — Africa's smallest mainland country, a narrow river corridor surrounded by Senegal. The Albert Market in Banjul and the larger Serrekunda Market are vibrant with West African textiles, groundnut products, and local crafts. The Gambia's extraordinary appeal to nature travelers is its birdwatching — over 540 species have been recorded in the river and forest habitats, making it one of the best birding destinations in West Africa. Beaches north of Banjul at Kololi and Kotu are popular with European winter sun-seekers.
Insider intel
Top Tips for Banjul International Airport
- Abuko Nature Reserve (about 25 km from the airport) is a remarkable 106-hectare forest sanctuary with excellent birdwatching accessible without going deep into the country.
- British English is the official language and widely spoken in the Gambia — making it unusually accessible for English-speaking visitors in West Africa.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at BJL
2 Sanctifly partner lounges at Banjul International Airport. Each is bookable with points.
100 points per guestFirst Class Lounge
At Banjul International Airport (BJL) in Banjul, Gambia, the First Class Lounge is located airside in the Main Terminal, making it a convenient stop once you’re through the formalities. After clearing immigration and completing security screening, remain in the departures area and follow the posted signs directing you to the “First Class Lounge.” Because it’s situated after these checkpoints, you’ll need to have already completed exit procedures and be ready for onward travel to access the airport lounge. If you’re unsure of the way, simply continue following the airside signage in the Main Terminal until you see the lounge name clearly marked.Book Now
100 points per guestRoumieh Business Lounge
At Banjul International Airport (BJL) in Banjul, Gambia, the Roumieh Business Lounge is located airside in the Main Terminal, making it a convenient airport lounge option once you’ve completed the formalities. After you pass passport control and the security check, continue into the departures area and look straight ahead for the lounge positioned in front of the elevator. Because it’s airside, you’ll need to clear immigration and security before you can access it, so plan your travel timing accordingly. If you’re unsure you’re in the right place, follow signs toward the elevator after security—the Roumieh Business Lounge is directly in front of it.Book Now
Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.