Getting Around Congo Republic

Getting Around

By Air

The domestic carrier that serves to connect destinations within the Congo is the Lina Congo. It flies regularly between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, via Loubomo and Ouesso. Private charter flights and passenger services are also available for Owando, Zanaga and Impfondo.

By Road

Apart from the few thousand kilometers of tarred and sealed roads, most of the roads are mere tracks that become virtually impassable during the rainy season. Heavy duty 4WDs are best suited to these roads – traffic drives on the right of the road and international driving licenses are required by any body who wishes to hire a car/drive in the Congo. Taxis, mini buses and rented vehicles are the main modes of transport available in the country. While there are road transport options available for travel to Loubomo, Owando, Djambala and Brazzaville, no such connections are available for travellers heading towards Pointe Noire.  The last option of a desperate traveller is often a truck ride. There are several car hire firms in Brazzaville that will rent out vehicles- if you plan to drive yourself, stick with a 4WD and check out its roadworthiness before hiring. Drivers’ need an International Driving License and insurance is always a smart move. In the urban centres like Brazzaville, Loubomo and Pointe Noire, minibuses and taxis provide the rides but cab fares should be fixed in advance. 

By Train

The Congo-Ocean Railway Company runs three daily trains between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, and a train daily from Mbinda to Point Noire. Services can be erratic and most trips take around 12 hours. Advance booking is recommended.

 By Boat

The Congo and Ubangi Rivers are highly navigable and provide more than 1120km of waterways. They are the most commonly used by locals for travelling and transporting goods between different places along the rivers. Barges, ferries, boats and inland steamers ply from Brazzaville up and down the Congo and Ubangi Rivers.