Information:
 The
Banjul to
Barra Ferry Service is one of the Gambia capital's
vital economic lifelines and an essential river crossing
to Dakar (Senegal) the north bank wharf town of Barra
Point in the Niumi District.
 The
journey time from the terminal and across the mouth
of the Gambia River
estuary is about 35 minutes and services start from
Banjul at 7am and operate until 9 in the evening.
 Note:
Once you have paid and entered the departure terminal
there is nothing in the way of refreshments and the
toilet facilities leave a lot to be desired. So do be
prepared. Keep your personal belonging close to you
as there are pickpockets who specifically target ferry
passengers. Should you wish to make the
trip by pirogue then insist on being provided with a
life jacket as this is a mandatory regulation.
There are 3 boats in operation which are the 'Johe',
'Barra' and 'Kanilai' with departures taking place at
intervals of every 30 minutes. The 'Johe' and Barra
vessels have a maximum passenger capacity of 400 people
and 25 vehicles while the Kanilai has 1,200.
There are a further 8 other ferry crossing points up-river.
They include (Georgetown) Janjangbureh,
Bansang, Barajally, Yellintenda to Bambatenda, Basse,
Sankully Kunda, Fatoto and Jarreng.
While on Board:
 In
November, December & January it's possible to do
a little dolphin spotting as schools of them swim on
the bow waves of boats. Hawkers ply there trade on trays
selling cigarettes, boiled eggs, soft drinks, watches
and other items. As you cross you will notice that you
are always within site of either shore.
Arrival:
When you arrive at the other side you will see a simple
terminal with a market nearby. Take this opportunity
to buy some fruit and stock up on bottled water.
Should you wish to make a call when you have docked
there is the local Telecentre (Tel: 571 0500).
From there you can then take a taxi northwards (cost
about D50) to the border post of Amdallai (also spelt
Amdalai, Amdalaye) and onwards to Karang & Dakar.
Or north wards to Jinack
Island. It is possible to use your mobile phone
right up to the border post at Amdalai.
History:
In 2001, the responsibility for operating the ferries
department was transferred from the Gambia Public Transport
Corporation (GPTC) to the Ports
Authority.
On the 24th July 2006 the president directed that a
new passenger terminal building be built at a cost of
about 10 million Dalasis.
Ferry Charges:
Check with the Ports
Authority
Local Hotels:
• Apollo Hotel
About £25 per night
33-35 Tafsou Ebou Samba Street
(Buckle St.)
Banjul
Tel: +220 4228184
• Banjul Ferry Guest
House
Liberation Avenue
(Wellington St.)
About £20 per night
Tel: +220 4222028
• Barra Hotel
Tel: +220 7795134
• Laico Atlantic
Hotel
This is a 4 star tourist class hotel on the beachfront
near the entrance to the capital.
Tel: +220 4228 601
Contact Address:
The Ferry Service 
Liberation Avenue
(Wellington Street)
Banjul, The Gambia
Tel: +220 422 8205
422 4384
422 4107
5710115 (Barra)
Ports
Authority
Email: iinfo@gamports.com |
