Passing through Douala International Airport? A layover in Douala is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 75 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of DLA:
- Can you legally enter Cameroon? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 75-minute journey each way by Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the XAF. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some XAF in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Douala from the Airport
From DLA, the Taxi gets you to Douala in around 75 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 95 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Douala, budget roughly $30 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $13 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $7 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Douala, two standouts are:
- Douala Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul) — The architecture is worth seeing, even from the outside.
- Douala Maritime Museum — Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at DLA, check out DLA Executive Lounge or Airport Duty-Free Shops to keep yourself occupied.
Best Bites Near DLA
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Douala: L’Olympia and Restaurant Le Wouri. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Airport Cafe & Snack Bar or Local Cuisine Kiosk. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at DLA aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Douala itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at DLA, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Douala itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Cameroon that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at DLA.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Douala count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave DLA. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.