Overview
Liberia is the first African republic, but also one of the poorest countries on the continent. After almost 14 years of civil war that cost the lives of 250,000 people, the country now faces the monumental task of reconstruction. The infrastructure is still largely destroyed. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf won the presidential election in 2006 – becoming the first woman in all of Africa. Around 15,000 UN peacekeepers are still in Liberia today. Caution is still advised when traveling to Liberia, but once the country has recovered to the point where tourism is possible, the capital Monrovia,
Getting there
Arriving by plane
According to top-medical-schools, in a code share with Brussels Airlines (SN), Lufthansa (LH) fly from Frankfurt/M. and Munich, Austrian Airlines (OS) from Vienna and Swiss (LX) from Zurich via Brussels and Freetown (Sierra Leone) to Monrovia. The respective flights to Brussels are also offered by Brussels Airlines (SN). Turkish Airlines (TK) connects in code-share with Royal Air Maroc (AT) Frankfurt/M., Munich, Vienna and Zurich via Istanbul and Casablanca with Monrovia.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Monrovia: 11 hrs 40 mins; Munich – Monrovia: 13 hours 5 minutes; Vienna – Monrovia: 13 hours 55 minutes; Zurich – Monrovia: 13 hours 30 minutes (each with at least 2 stops).
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
Liberia can be reached by car from Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire; However, during the rainy season the roads are usually difficult to drive on or completely impassable. From Monrovia Airport, a paved road heads northwest through Monrovia to Sierra Leone. Long-distance buses: There are no bus connections with the surrounding countries. Tolls: Liberia currently has no toll roads. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Arrival by train
There is no cross-border rail traffic.
Arrival by ship
The main ports of Liberia are Monrovia, Buchanan, Greenville, Harper and Robertsport.
Cruise ships
The Silversea shipping company calls at Liberia on its cruise from Africa to Europe.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
There is no scheduled air service in Liberia. However, Liberty Aviation Group offers charter flights across the country.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network has a total length of approx. 10,600 km. Monrovia is connected to the eastern and western parts of the country by land. Long journey times often have to be planned for on the coastal roads, since lagoons and estuaries have to be avoided. Night driving should generally be avoided. Tolls: There are currently no toll roads in Liberia.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
Approximately 650 km of the entire road network is paved, but often in poor condition, so that most roads are hardly passable or completely impassable during the rainy season (May to November). Paved roads in fair condition lead from Monrovia to Roberts International Airport, the Sierra Leone border at Bo Waterside and the Guinea border at Ganta.
Road classification
Rural roads are almost exclusively paved around towns. Most places are connected via unpaved slopes.
Car rental
Car rentals with and without a driver are available in Monrovia. Drivers must be at least 21 years old. A young driver fee applies to drivers between the ages of 21 and 24.
Taxi
Taxis are available in Monrovia; they are mostly used as shared taxis and stop for other passengers on the street. To hire a taxi on your own, you should inquire about the price in advance. Shared taxis also serve destinations across the country; they depart from Douala station in north Monrovia as soon as about 10 tickets have been sold. There is also the option of hiring a taxi for longer distances on your own.
Bicycle
It is not advisable to cycle in Liberia due to the poor road conditions.
Coach
The state’s National Transit Authority operates a network of bus routes that is expanding across the country. A contact form on the website can be used for inquiries about prices and timetables.
Regulations
Speed limits: – urban: 40 km/h; – on rural roads: 55-70 km/h. There are frequent police checks on the streets; therefore, speed limits should be strictly observed.
Roadside Assistance
A national breakdown service is not available. In the event of breakdowns and accidents with the rental car, the car rental company must be contacted.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required; this is valid for one year.
Traveling in the city
The best way to explore Monrovia is by taxi, which is plentiful. Since there are always robberies and pickpocketing in shared taxis, it is advisable to avoid them.
Locally on the way by train
There is no rail transport in Liberia.
Traveling by ship
Coastal ships sometimes carry passengers, but run infrequently. Small boats are used as a means of traffic and transport on many of the country’s rivers.
