Travelling from Accra to Guinea-Bissau by bus is a long, multi-stage overland journey across West Africa. There is no direct bus from Ghana to Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau . You will need to change vehicles at least three times, passing through Togo, Mali, Senegal and The Gambia before reaching your destination. It is a serious expedition covering over 2,500 kilometres and taking more than two days of travel time. But it is achievable with careful planning.
Can You Travel from Accra to Bissau by Bus?
Yes, but expect a multi-stage journey. There is no single bus operator running from Accra to Guinea-Bissau. The documented route from Accra’s Circle Bus Station involves at least four bus stages :
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Accra to Lomé, Togo
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Lomé to Bamako, Mali
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Avenue de l’O.U.A to Banjul, The Gambia
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Banjul to Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
The total journey takes approximately 2 days and 11 hours . An alternative approach is to take an organised overland expedition. Companies like Dragoman run 81-day tours that include Guinea-Bissau as part of a West African itinerary, departing from Accra . These are expensive group tours in custom trucks, not regular public transport.
The Route from Accra to Bissau
The primary overland route follows the Trans-West African Highway corridor:
| Stage | Route | Estimated Travel Time | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Accra (Circle Bus Station) to Lomé, Togo | 3.5 – 4 hours | STM Voyageurs |
| 2 | Lomé to Bamako, Mali | ~26 hours | Billet Express or similar |
| 3 | Avenue de l’O.U.A to Banjul, The Gambia | ~21 hours | Africa Tours Trans or similar |
| 4 | Banjul to Bissau, Guinea-Bissau | ~6 hours | GTSC or similar bus |
The total driving distance from Accra to Bissau is approximately 2,547 km to 2,584 km . The estimated drive time ranges from 33 hours 27 minutes to over 40 hours of continuous driving .
Countries and Borders You May Cross
On this route, you will cross the borders of four transit countries before entering Guinea-Bissau.
| Country | Status for Traveller | 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 from Senegal/The Gambia. Final immigration checks. |
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 .
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Booking: It is highly advisable to book tickets for the long-haul legs in advance. The Accra-Lomé bus runs up to twice daily .
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Arrival Time: Arrive at the station at least one hour before departure.
Bus Fares and Estimated Transport Costs
Transport fares are typically quoted in US dollars. Here is the estimated breakdown. Please note that these are estimates and can change.
| Journey Stage | Estimated Fare (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accra to Lomé | $14 – $26 | STM Voyageurs bus |
| Lomé to Bamako | $65 – $110 | Long-haul bus |
| Avenue de l’O.U.A to Banjul | ~$51 | Africa Tours Trans bus |
| Banjul to Bissau | $11 – $14 | GTSC bus |
| Total Estimated Bus Fare | $160 – $220 | Total for all stages |
Note: Transport fares can change due to fuel prices, exchange rates, season, demand, road conditions and decisions by transport operators. Travellers should confirm current prices before departure.
How Long Does the Journey Take?
The actual bus travel time is roughly 59 hours (2 days, 11 hours) . However, border crossings can be slow and unpredictable. Including waiting time between connections, you should plan for at least three days for the entire overland journey.
| Journey Stage | Estimated Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Accra to Lomé | 3.5 – 4 hours |
| Lomé to Bamako | ~26 hours |
| Avenue de l’O.U.A to Banjul | ~21 hours |
| Banjul to Bissau | ~6 hours |
| Total | ~59 hours |
Visa and Entry Requirements for Ghanaian Travellers
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Guinea-Bissau: Ghanaian citizens do not need a visa to enter Guinea-Bissau for tourist visits . You are allowed to stay for up to 90 days . This is because Ghana is a member of ECOWAS.
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Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry.
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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 or official government sources before your trip.
What About Visa Requirements for Transit Countries?
Ghanaian passport holders generally enjoy visa-free access to ECOWAS countries, including Togo, Mali, Senegal, and The Gambia. However, it is crucial to check the current entry requirements for each country before you travel.
| Country | Ghanaian Traveller Requirement | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Togo | ECOWAS – Visa-free | Free movement for up to 90 days. |
| Mali | ECOWAS – Visa-free (likely) | Free movement. Check for any recent changes. |
| Senegal | ECOWAS – Visa-free | Free movement. Check current requirements. |
| The Gambia | ECOWAS – Visa-free | Free movement for up to 90 days. |
| Guinea-Bissau | ECOWAS – Visa-free | Free movement for up to 90 days . |
Travellers should confirm the current entry or transit requirements with the relevant embassy, immigration authority or official government source before travelling.
What to Expect at the Border
Border crossings on this route can be slow and bureaucratic. You will typically leave the bus, go through passport control for an exit stamp, walk to the other country’s immigration post, and get your entry stamp. Officials may ask for your yellow fever certificate. Keep your documents handy and be patient.
How Much Money Should You Budget for the Entire Journey?
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 |
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Low-budget estimate: $270 – $330.
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More comfortable estimate: $380 – $440.
Currency and Money Matters
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Guinea-Bissau: The currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF) .
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Transit Countries: The CFA franc (XOF) is used in Togo, Mali, Senegal, and Guinea-Bissau. The Gambia uses the Gambian Dalasi (GMD).
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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.
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ATMs/Cards: ATMs are available in major cities but are not always reliable. Card acceptance is limited.
Language and Communication
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Official Language (Guinea-Bissau): Portuguese.
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Widely Spoken: Kriol is the lingua franca.
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Transit Countries: French is the official language in Togo, Mali, and Senegal. English is the official language in The Gambia.
What Should You Pack?
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Passport & Documents: Valid passport, visa if required.
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Copies: Photocopies of your passport (keep separate from originals).
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Vaccination Certificate: International Yellow Fever Certificate.
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Cash & Cards: US dollars, CFA francs, and a backup card.
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Phone & Chargers: Power bank is essential.
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Water & Snacks: Carry your own water and non-perishable snacks.
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Medication: Personal prescription medication.
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Clothing: Modest and comfortable clothing suitable for a long journey.
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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 on Travelling from Accra to Guinea-Bissau by Bus
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, including Guinea-Bissau. 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
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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.
