Travelling from Accra to Bissau by bus is a serious overland expedition. There is no direct bus from Ghana to Guinea-Bissau’s capital. You will need to change vehicles at least three times along the way. The total journey takes over two and a half days of travel time. It’s long, tiring, and requires patience, but it is achievable.
Can You Travel from Accra to Bissau by Bus?
Yes, you can, but expect a multi-stage journey with at least four bus legs. One well-documented route begins at Accra’s Circle Bus Station and continues through Lomé (Togo), Bamako (Mali), and Banjul (The Gambia) before reaching Bissau . The total journey time is approximately 2 days and 11 hours .
The Route and Travel Time
The primary overland route follows the Trans-West African Highway corridor:
📢 GET A DETAILED ARTICLES + JOBS
Join ASJ's WhatsApp Channel and never miss a post or opportunity.
| Stage | Route | Estimated Travel Time | Estimated Fare (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Accra (Circle Bus Station) to Lomé, Togo | 3 hr 33 min | $14 – $26 |
| 2 | Lomé to Bamako, Mali | 25 hr 45 min | $65 – $110 |
| 3 | Avenue de l’O.U.A to Banjul, The Gambia | 21 hr | ~$51 |
| 4 | Banjul to Bissau, Guinea-Bissau | 6 hr | $11 – $14 |
The total driving distance is approximately 2,548 to 2,584 kilometres . The estimated continuous driving time ranges from 33 hours 27 minutes to over 40 hours .
Where to Start the Journey in Accra
Your journey begins at the Circle Bus Station in Accra . This is where you catch a bus to Lomé. The primary operator on this route is STM Voyageurs .
-
Booking: It is highly advisable to book tickets for the long-haul legs in advance.
-
Arrival Time: Arrive at the station at least one hour before departure. Buses on this route run up to twice daily .
Countries and Borders You May Cross
You will cross the borders of four transit countries before entering Guinea-Bissau.
| Country | Status | Border Crossing Process |
|---|---|---|
| Togo | Transit | Exit Ghana at Aflao, enter Togo at Lomé. Passport stamping. |
| Mali | Transit | Cross from Togo into Mali. Passport stamping and customs. |
| Senegal | Transit | Exit Mali, enter Senegal. Passport stamping. |
| The Gambia | Transit | Cross from Senegal into The Gambia. Passport stamping. |
| Guinea-Bissau | Destination | Enter at a land border post. Final immigration checks. |
Visa and Entry Requirements for Ghanaian Travellers
-
Guinea-Bissau: Ghanaian citizens do not need a visa to enter Guinea-Bissau. As an ECOWAS member, Ghana enjoys visa-free access for stays of up to 90 days.
-
Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry.
-
Yellow Fever Certificate: This is required for entry into most West African countries. You must carry your international yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Note: Visa and immigration rules can change. Always verify the current requirements with the relevant embassy before your trip.
What About Visa Requirements for Transit Countries?
Ghanaian passport holders generally enjoy visa-free access to ECOWAS countries.
| Country | Ghanaian Traveller Requirement |
|---|---|
| Togo | ECOWAS – Visa-free |
| Mali | ECOWAS – Visa-free |
| Senegal | ECOWAS – Visa-free |
| The Gambia | ECOWAS – Visa-free |
| Guinea-Bissau | ECOWAS – Visa-free |
Travellers should confirm the current entry or transit requirements with the relevant embassy, immigration authority or official government source before travelling.
How Much Money Should You Budget?
A realistic budget must account for more than just bus fares.
| Expense | Budget Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Bus Fare (Accra – Bissau) | $160 – $220 |
| Accommodation (Layovers) | $30 – $60 |
| Food & Water | $40 – $80 |
| Local Transport & Emergencies | $40 – $80 |
| Total Estimated Budget | $270 – $440 |
-
Low-budget estimate: $270 – $330.
-
More comfortable estimate: $380 – $440.
Currency and Money Matters
-
Guinea-Bissau: The currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF) .
-
Transit Countries: The CFA franc (XOF) is used in Togo, Mali, and Senegal. The Gambia uses the Gambian Dalasi (GMD).
-
Cash is King: US dollars are widely exchangeable. Ghana cedis (GH₵) will not be useful outside Ghana. Exchange your cedis for US dollars or CFA francs before you leave.
-
ATMs/Cards: ATMs are available in major cities but are not always reliable.
What Should You Pack?
-
Passport & Documents: Valid passport, visa if required.
-
Copies: Photocopies of your passport (keep separate from originals).
-
Vaccination Certificate: International Yellow Fever Certificate.
-
Cash & Cards: US dollars, CFA francs, and a backup card.
-
Phone & Chargers: Power bank is essential.
-
Water & Snacks: Carry your own water and non-perishable snacks.
-
Medication: Personal prescription medication.
-
Clothing: Modest and comfortable clothing suitable for a long journey.
-
Toiletries: Include hand sanitizer and toilet paper.
Where Will You Arrive?
The final bus from Banjul terminates at the main bus station in Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau. You may need to take a taxi to your hotel. Taxis are widely available; negotiate the fare before getting in.
Final Thoughts
Travelling from Accra to Bissau by bus is a long, multi-stage journey across West Africa. There is no direct bus, and you must change in Lomé, Bamako, and Banjul. Success depends on preparation—confirming visa requirements, having enough cash, and understanding that delays are part of the experience. The main advantage is that Ghanaian passport holders do not need a visa for most of the countries on this route. It is a realistic way to travel overland, but it is not a journey to be taken lightly.
For more destinations, transport options and road travel guides, explore our Complete Travel Guide from Accra.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on September 5, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
Disclaimer: Some content on Accra Street Journal may be aggregated, summarized, or edited from third-party sources for informational purposes. Images and media are used under fair use or royalty-free licenses. Accra Street Journal is a subsidiary of SamBoad Publishing Hub under SamBoad Business Group Ltd, registered in Ghana since 2014.
For concerns or inquiries, please visit our Privacy Policy or Contact Page.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
