🇸🇱 Flights to Freetown
Cheap Flights to Freetown from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to Lungi International Airport (FNA). Dream Fare specialises in Sierra Leone routes and serves the UK Sierra Leonean community with the best prices for Freetown — one of West Africa’s most beautiful and historically significant cities.
Airlines to Freetown
All Airlines Flying London to Freetown
Freetown is served by several airlines from London. Dream Fare compares every route to find the best price for Sierra Leone.
Baggage Allowances — London to Freetown
| Airline | Cabin Bag | Hold Baggage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethiopian Airlines | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Best two-piece allowance on the route |
| Brussels Airlines | 1 bag up to 12kg | 1 x 23kg | Extra bags purchasable at booking |
| Emirates | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Flex fares may vary — confirm at booking |
| Turkish Airlines | 1 bag up to 8kg | 2 x 23kg | Generous two-piece standard economy |
| Air France | 1 bag up to 12kg | 1 x 23kg | Extra bags purchasable at booking |
| Royal Air Maroc | 1 bag up to 10kg | 1 x 23kg | Extra bags purchasable at booking |
When to Visit
Best Time to Visit Freetown & Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season. Freetown shares the same time zone as the UK (GMT) — no jet lag for UK travellers.
Dry Season
Nov — April
The best time to visit Sierra Leone. Hot, sunny and dry (25°C to 32°C). Perfect for beaches, wildlife and exploring Freetown. The Harmattan wind in December and January brings slightly hazy conditions. Peak season for UK visitors.
Early Rains
May — June
The rains begin in May — short showers at first that intensify through June. Prices drop and crowds thin. The landscape begins to turn green. Good value fares for flexible travellers comfortable with some rain.
Peak Rainy Season
July — September
The heaviest rains of the year — Sierra Leone receives one of the highest rainfalls in West Africa. Temperatures moderate slightly (24°C to 28°C). Lowest fares of the year. The landscape is extraordinarily lush and green. Some beaches and roads can be challenging.
Shoulder Season
October — November
The rains ease through October and Freetown returns to its beautiful dry-season best by November. Excellent value fares before the peak season. The landscape is green and beautiful after the rains. One of the most rewarding times to visit.
About Freetown
Freetown — A City Born of Freedom
Freetown is one of West Africa’s most historically unique and naturally beautiful cities. Founded in 1792 as a home for freed slaves from Britain, America and the Caribbean, it sits between the dramatic Lion Mountain range and one of the world’s finest natural harbours. Home to the UK’s largest Sierra Leonean diaspora connection, Freetown is a city of extraordinary warmth, resilience and charm.
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World-Class Beaches
Sierra Leone has some of the most beautiful and least-visited beaches in West Africa — and the world. Tokeh Beach, River Number 2 Beach, Bureh Beach and the Banana Islands offer extraordinary white sand and turquoise Atlantic water. The Peninsula beaches south of Freetown are pristine and largely undeveloped — a striking contrast to the crowded beaches of Ghana and Senegal.
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Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
One of West Africa’s most important wildlife conservation projects — the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in the rainforest above Freetown has rescued and rehabilitated over 100 orphaned chimpanzees. Set in the beautiful Western Area Peninsula National Park, Tacugama offers guided visits to see chimpanzees in large forested enclosures. An extraordinary and moving experience.
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Western Area Peninsula Forest
The Western Area Peninsula National Park surrounding Freetown is a surviving patch of unique West African tropical rainforest — home to chimpanzees, pygmy hippopotamuses (one of the world’s most endangered animals), Diana monkeys, over 300 bird species and thousands of plant species. One of the most biodiverse national parks in West Africa.
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Cotton Tree & Colonial History
Freetown’s famous Cotton Tree — an enormous 500-year-old kapok tree in the city centre — is the symbol of Sierra Leone’s founding. Under this tree, freed slaves gave thanks upon their arrival in 1792. The nearby St George’s Cathedral, Law Courts, the King Jimmy Market and the Sierra Leone National Museum tell the extraordinary story of Freetown’s unique founding as a home for the free.
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Krio Culture & Music
The Krio people — descendants of freed slaves from Britain, America, the Caribbean and West Africa — created one of West Africa’s most distinctive cultures. The Krio language, architecture, cuisine and music traditions are unique to Sierra Leone. Freetown’s music scene blends traditional Mende and Temne rhythms with Afrobeats, reggae and the homegrown Bubu music tradition.
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Freetown Cuisine
Sierra Leonean food is one of West Africa’s most underrated cuisines. Cassava leaf stew (the beloved national dish — rich, flavourful and served with rice), Groundnut soup, Jollof rice, Egusi soup with fufu, Pepper soup, Akara (black-eyed pea fritters), fresh Atlantic seafood from the harbour market and Poyo (palm wine) are all essential Freetown food experiences.
Top Places to Visit in Freetown & Sierra Leone
Tokeh Beach
One of the finest beaches in West Africa — 40km south of Freetown on the Peninsula. Tokeh has extraordinary white sand, warm turquoise Atlantic water and is largely undeveloped. The drive down the Peninsula road offers spectacular views of the mountains meeting the sea. Tokeh is increasingly recognised internationally as one of Africa’s most beautiful beaches.
River Number 2 Beach
A legendary beach 30km south of Freetown where a freshwater river meets the Atlantic Ocean. River Number 2 is one of the most beautiful beach settings in West Africa — a wide white sand beach backed by palm trees with a river running through it. One of Freetown’s most beloved escapes and a must-visit for every visitor to Sierra Leone.
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
22km from Freetown in the Western Area Peninsula National Park — a world-class chimpanzee rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary. Guided visits allow close observation of chimpanzee groups in large forested enclosures. Overnight stays are available in comfortable chalets in the forest. An extraordinary wildlife experience unique to Sierra Leone.
Banana Islands
A small archipelago 30km from Freetown accessible by boat — the Banana Islands have extraordinary beaches, clear water, coral reefs and a fascinating colonial history. Dublin Island (the largest) has the ruins of a 17th-century colonial settlement and cemetery. One of Sierra Leone’s most magical and little-visited destinations.
Cotton Tree & National Museum
Freetown’s founding Cotton Tree — 500 years old and enormous — stands at the centre of the city as a symbol of freedom and resilience. The nearby Sierra Leone National Museum tells the story of the country’s remarkable history from pre-colonial times through the slave trade, colonial era, independence and the civil war to today’s recovery.
Outamba-Kilimi National Park
Sierra Leone’s largest national park in the north of the country — a remote and extraordinary wilderness of savanna, gallery forest and rivers. Home to hippopotamuses, chimpanzees, buffaloes, elephants, lions and exceptional birdlife. One of West Africa’s most underrated and least-visited national parks.
Travel Tips
Freetown Travel Guide
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Visa for Sierra Leone
UK citizens require a visa to enter Sierra Leone. An e-visa can be applied for online at evisa.sl before travel — strongly recommended to avoid queues on arrival. The tourist visa costs approximately $80 USD. Visa on arrival is also available at Lungi Airport but pre-applying online is faster and more convenient.
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Lungi Airport Ferry
Lungi International Airport is on the opposite side of the Sierra Leone River estuary from Freetown city centre. A passenger ferry or hovercraft crosses the estuary to central Freetown (approximately 30 to 45 minutes). A road bridge connecting the airport to Freetown is under construction. Water taxis are also available. Factor in extra transfer time when booking.
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Currency in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone uses the Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL). USD is widely accepted in hotels and larger establishments. Cards are accepted in major hotels in Freetown. ATMs are available in the city centre but can be unreliable — bring USD cash as backup. Inform your bank before travelling. Money changers are available at the airport and in the city.
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Getting Around Freetown
Freetown’s traffic can be extremely congested — the city centre is built on hills with limited road capacity. Okadas (motorbike taxis) are fast but not recommended for safety reasons. Poda-podas (shared minibuses) are the local transport. For visitors, trusted taxis arranged through your hotel are the safest and most reliable option.
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Weather — No Jet Lag
Freetown shares the same time zone as the UK (GMT) — a significant advantage with no jet lag. The dry season (November to April) offers hot, sunny conditions (25°C to 32°C) perfect for beaches. The rainy season (May to October) brings heavy rainfall but temperatures remain warm. The mountains behind Freetown create dramatic weather patterns.
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SIM Cards & Data
Africell and Orange Sierra Leone are the main networks. SIM cards are available at Lungi Airport on arrival. 4G coverage is reasonable in central Freetown and improving rapidly. Coverage is limited outside major towns. Download offline maps before travelling to rural areas. Wi-Fi is available in most Freetown hotels.
Flights to Freetown FAQ
How do I fly from London to Freetown?
The most popular routings from London to Freetown are via Brussels (Brussels Airlines), via Paris (Air France), via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) and via Dubai (Emirates). There are currently no direct flights from London to Freetown. Journey times range from approximately 9 hours via Brussels or Paris to 12 hours via Dubai. Dream Fare will find the best option for your travel dates.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Sierra Leone?
Yes. UK passport holders require a visa to enter Sierra Leone. An e-visa is available online at evisa.sl before travel — strongly recommended to avoid queues on arrival. The tourist visa costs approximately $80 USD. Visa on arrival is also available at Lungi Airport but pre-applying online is faster and more convenient.
How do I get from Lungi Airport to Freetown?
Lungi International Airport is on the opposite side of the Sierra Leone River from Freetown city centre. A passenger ferry or hovercraft crosses the estuary in approximately 30 to 45 minutes and is the most popular option. Water taxis are also available. A bridge connecting the airport to Freetown is under construction. Factor in 1 to 2 hours for the airport transfer when planning your itinerary.
Is Sierra Leone safe to visit?
Sierra Leone has been peaceful and stable since the end of its civil war in 2002 — over 20 years of peace and growing stability. Freetown is safe for visitors who take standard precautions. The UK Foreign Office advises normal precautions in Freetown and most tourist areas. Sierra Leoneans are renowned for their warmth and friendliness to visitors.
What is Freetown most famous for?
Freetown is famous for its extraordinary founding story — established in 1792 as a home for freed slaves from Britain, America and the Caribbean. The Cotton Tree, the Krio culture, the spectacular Peninsula beaches (Tokeh, River Number 2), the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the Banana Islands and some of West Africa’s finest and least-visited beaches make it a unique and rewarding destination.
How much do return flights from London to Freetown cost?
Return flights from London to Freetown start from approximately £499 with Dream Fare. Brussels Airlines via Brussels and Air France via Paris are typically the most competitively priced options. Contact us on 020 8264 0018 for the latest fares and Sierra Leone travel advice.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.