London to Banjul is The Gambia’s winter-sun route — a short-enough hop for a beach break with almost no time difference. There’s a seasonal non-stop from Gatwick during the cooler UK months; outside that window you connect once through Europe. This guide covers who flies it, what a fair return costs in pounds, and when to book.
Route: London (LGW) → Banjul International (BJL)
Distance: approximately 4,480 km (2,780 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 6h 20m (seasonal, winter only)
Direct flights: Yes, but seasonal — TUI flies non-stop from London Gatwick roughly October to April (the winter-sun season). Outside those months there is no non-stop, and you connect via a European hub.
Fares from London to Banjul (GBP)
The Gambia’s tourist season runs from November to April — dry, warm and the only time the non-stop operates. That’s also when fares are highest, peaking over Christmas and February half-term. The green (rainy) season from June to October is quiet, cheaper and connection-only. The table below shows when the route is busiest. We no longer print per-month fare estimates here, because they were never measured.
| Month | Demand |
|---|---|
| January | high (winter sun) |
| February | very high (half-term) |
| March | high |
| April | medium-high |
| May | low (connection only) |
| June | low |
| July | low-medium |
| August | low-medium |
| September | low |
| October | medium (season starts) |
| November | high |
| December | very high (holidays) |
Reference points from our own deal tracking: a genuinely good return lands around £175–£250 (usually a one-stop out of Stansted or Luton), a typical fair price is roughly £300, and anything under about £260 is worth booking quickly. The seasonal Gatwick non-stop tends to price above the cheapest connecting fares.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 6h 20m, winter season only):
- TUI — the only non-stop, from London Gatwick, operating roughly October to April with a couple of departures a week and extra flights around Christmas and February.
One-stop (year-round, usually the cheapest):
- Vueling via Barcelona — frequently competitive fares, especially out of Stansted, Luton or Gatwick.
- TAP Air Portugal via Lisbon — plenty of connections and competitive prices.
- Brussels Airlines via Brussels — a reliable full-service one-stop.
- Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca — another connecting option, sometimes with useful timings.
Outside the winter season the non-stop simply doesn’t run, so a connection is your only choice — and even in winter the connecting fares often undercut the direct flight. If you want the shortest journey, book the seasonal TUI non-stop; if price leads, a single stop through Barcelona or Lisbon is usually cheapest.
When to book & how to save
- Book early for winter — the non-stop season (October–April) sells out fast around Christmas and February half-term, so aim for 2–4 months ahead.
- Travel in the shoulder months (October, March, April) for warm, dry weather without the peak-holiday prices.
- Be flexible on London airport: the cheapest connecting fares often depart Stansted or Luton, not Gatwick.
- Weigh non-stop vs one-stop: the direct flight saves several hours, but a Barcelona or Lisbon connection can be noticeably cheaper.
- Check the baggage allowance: low-cost connecting fares via Barcelona may charge for hold bags, so compare the all-in price against a package or full-service ticket.
Arriving in Banjul
Flights land at Banjul International (BJL), also known as Yundum, about 24 km southwest of Banjul and close to the main resort strip around Kololi, Kotu and Senegambia. There’s no train, so the usual options are a pre-booked hotel transfer (common with package trips) or an airport taxi (roughly £15–£25 to the coastal resorts, agree the fare before you set off). The Gambia is on GMT, so there’s no jet lag — one of the route’s big appeals. Most visitors need a visa or entry permit depending on nationality, so check the current rules before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Are there direct flights from London to Banjul?
Yes, but only in winter. TUI flies non-stop from London Gatwick roughly October to April, the Gambia’s tourist season. Outside those months there is no non-stop and you connect once — most cheaply via Barcelona (Vueling), Lisbon (TAP) or Brussels.
How long is the flight from London to Banjul?
The seasonal non-stop takes about 6 hours 20 minutes. A one-stop itinerary through Barcelona, Lisbon or Brussels typically takes 9 to 14 hours in total, depending on the length of the connection.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Banjul?
A typical economy return runs about £280–£480 in winter and less in the quiet season. The best connecting deals dip to around £175–£250, while Christmas and February half-term push the direct flights toward £550.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Banjul?
May, June and September are usually the cheapest months to fly. Avoid December and February half-term, the busiest and most expensive weeks.
Which airlines fly from London to Banjul?
Non-stop (winter only): TUI from Gatwick. One-stop, year-round: Vueling (via Barcelona), TAP Air Portugal (via Lisbon), Brussels Airlines (via Brussels) and Royal Air Maroc (via Casablanca), which are often competitive on price.
Which airport do I fly into in Banjul?
You arrive at Banjul International (BJL), also called Yundum, The Gambia’s only international airport. It’s about 24 km from Banjul and handily placed for the coastal resorts of Kololi, Kotu and Senegambia, where most visitors stay.
Is there a non-stop flight all year round?
No. The TUI non-stop from Gatwick is seasonal, running only during the winter-sun months (roughly October to April). From late spring through summer there is no direct flight, so you’ll need a one-stop connection via Europe.
How far in advance should I book London to Banjul flights?
Aim for 2 to 4 months ahead for winter travel, when the non-stop and package demand is highest. Off-season connecting fares are more flexible, but booking early still gives the best choice of timings and price.
Fare guidance based on aifly.one deal tracking and current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — always check the live fare before booking.
