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Ferry passengers and vehicle operators travelling between Freetown and Lungi will pay higher fares following a 12.5% increase linked to rising fuel prices.
The new rates took effect Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, according to a press release from the Ministry of Transport and Aviation signed by Deputy Minister Hon. Rex Bhonapha.
The Ministry said the revised fares were agreed upon in collaboration with ferry operators following the latest increase in the pump price of fuel. The new rates are calculated using a fuel price of NLe 45 per litre.
Under the revised structure, a first-class passenger ticket increased from NLe 67.7 to NLe 76.2, while a second-class ticket rose from NLe 36.7 to NLe 41.3.
Vehicle charges have also increased. Vans and jeeps now cost NLe 331.7, up from NLe 294.8, while cars increased from NLe 245.2 to NLe 275.9.
Fares for coaches below 25 seats rose from NLe 310.5 to NLe 349.3. Coaches with between 25 and 40 seats increased from NLe 391.3 to NLe 440.2, while the fare for 42-seat coaches moved from NLe 506.1 to NLe 569.4.
Coaches with more than 42 seats will now pay NLe 880.7, compared with the previous NLe 782.8.
The revised schedule also sets the motorcycle fare at NLe 78, up from NLe 69.3. Bus fares, including vehicles such as TATA buses, increased from NLe 1,284.8 to NLe 1,445.4.
Bicycle fares rose from NLe 37.6 to NLe 42.3, while tricycle, or Keke, fares increased from NLe 200.2 to NLe 225.2. The fare for government security forces increased from NLe 13.5 to NLe 15.2.
The Ministry said students wearing uniforms will continue to travel free of charge.
It added that charges for empty and full trucks, 20-foot and 40-foot trailers, as well as luggage, will remain subject to negotiation.
The revised fares were endorsed by ferry operators, including Mr. Sallah, general manager of Afrimpex Navigation (SL) Ltd., and Alusine Daramy, managing director of M.V. Mahera.
The Ministry urged passengers, motorists and other ferry users to take note of the new rates, which became effective Sept. 8.
The fuel-price adjustment cited by the Ministry comes as Sierra Leone has announced a new diesel pump price of NLe 45 per litre.
