There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Yengema into a quick city adventure. From WYE, the Local Taxi / Moto-Taxi can get you into town in around 30 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Important Details Before You Go
A few things to sort out before you leave WYE:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Sierra Leone. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Yengema takes about 30 minutes by Local Taxi / Moto-Taxi. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is SLL. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some SLL in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Yengema from the Airport
From WYE, the Local Taxi / Moto-Taxi gets you to Yengema in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Local Taxi / Moto-Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Storing Your Luggage at Yengema Airport
Specific locker facilities at WYE aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Yengema itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Yengema, budget roughly $19 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $4 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Yengema.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Yengema, we’d suggest Yengema Central Market and Kono Diamond Industry Display. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
If you’d rather stay inside WYE — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Airport Waiting Area & Basic Amenities
- Local Crafts Display & Sale
Food & Dining Options
In Yengema
If you make it into town, Yengema Local Eatery (‘Chop Bar’) is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Guesthouse Restaurant (Yengema).
Inside WYE
If you’re staying in the terminal, Airport Snack & Coffee Counter is your main option. Local Refreshments Stand works too if you want something quick.
Staying Connected
WiFi at WYE should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Sierra Leone and you’re good to go.
Taking a Break at WYE
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 WYE.
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
Whether you spend your layover in Yengema exploring the streets or relaxing at WYE, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.