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The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, has announced an immediate increase in sea transportation fares between Freetown and Lungi, following a recent rise in fuel prices.
The new fares took effect on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, and come after a government decision to increase the pump prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene from NLe 25.00 to NLe 28.50 per litre. According to the Ministry, the adjustment is necessary to address the growing operational costs faced by ferry operators in the maritime transport sector.
In an official statement signed by the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Hon. Rex Bhonapha, the Ministry said it had worked closely with local ferry operators to implement a general fare increase of about 14 percent across most passenger and vehicle categories in order to ensure the continued viability of the Freetown-Lungi crossing.
Under the revised fare structure, first class passenger tickets have increased from NLe 42.30 to NLe 48.22, while second class tickets now cost NLe 26.11, up from NLe 22.90. The cost of transporting cars has risen from NLe 153.20 to NLe 174.65, while vans and jeeps now pay NLe 209.99, up from NLe 184.20.
Motorbike fares have increased from NLe 43.30 to NLe 49.36, tricycles, commonly known as kekehs, now pay NLe 142.61 instead of NLe 125.10, and bicycles have increased from NLe 23.50 to NLe 26.79.
The Ministry noted that fares for empty or loaded trucks, as well as 20-foot and 40-foot trailers and luggage, remain negotiable between operators and users.
Despite the fare increases, the government said it has maintained protections for certain groups. Students in school uniform will continue to travel free of charge, while personnel of the Government of Sierra Leone forces will continue to benefit from subsidized fares. According to the Ministry, fares for forces personnel have been adjusted slightly from NLe 8.40 to NLe 9.58.
The Ministry of Transport and Aviation has urged ferry operators to strictly adhere to the new fare structure and called on the public to cooperate with the revised pricing as the country adjusts to the impact of higher fuel costs.
