Find the cheapest flights from London to Banjul in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: London (LGW) → Banjul (BJL)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 6h 30m – 8h 30m (1 stop)
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €520 | high |
| February | €480 | medium |
| March | €450 | medium |
| April | €470 | medium |
| May | €380 | low |
| June | €320 | low |
| July | €350 | low |
| August | €370 | low |
| September | €310 | low |
| October | €340 | low |
| November | €380 | low |
| December | €580 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Royal Air Maroc (connecting): from €340 — Most consistent pricing and reliable connections via Casablanca (CMN). Book 6-8 weeks ahead for best rates. Tuesday and Wednesday departures often cheapest.
- Brussels Airlines (connecting): from €420 — Best option if starting from London Gatwick. Can sometimes find business class upgrades at reasonable rates. Check Brussels Airlines app for flash sales.
- TAP Air Portugal (connecting): from €380 — Excellent stopover program in Lisbon – can get free hotel and city tour for longer layovers. Book via TAP website directly for best prices.
- Turkish Airlines (connecting): from €400 — Longest total travel time but often competitive pricing. Istanbul stopover can be 5+ hours – factor this into your planning.
Booking Strategy
The optimal booking window for London to Banjul is 6-8 weeks before departure, though during peak season (December-January, Easter) you should book 10-12 weeks ahead to secure the best fares. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are consistently €40-80 cheaper than Friday and Sunday flights, which see the highest demand from Gambian diaspora traveling home. Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca offers the most reliable connections with 1h 30m-3h layovers. Use Skyscanner or Google Flights with ‘flexible dates’ to compare across the full month – you’ll often find significant savings by shifting your departure by 2-3 days. Gatwick (LGW) generally has better fares than Heathrow for this route. Avoid booking too early (more than 12 weeks) as airlines often release seats at higher prices initially before lowering them closer to departure.
Route Tips
- Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca typically offers the shortest connection times (under 7 hours total) and the most competitive pricing on this route
- Gambia visa on arrival costs approximately €50 for UK citizens – have exact cash ready and ensure your passport has 6 months validity beyond arrival
- London Gatwick (LGW) departures generally have better availability and pricing than Heathrow for this route – compare both airports when searching
- If flying during the wet season (June-October), note that some roads in rural Gambia can be difficult – this is also when birdwatching is at its best with migratory species
- Brussels Airlines offers free shuttle transfers at Brussels Airport between terminals, making connections smoother if your flight arrives in a different terminal
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from London to Banjul?
There are no direct flights from London to Banjul. All services require at least one stop. The shortest total travel time is approximately 6 hours 30 minutes with Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca, where the layover is typically 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. Other routes via Brussels, Paris, Lisbon, or Istanbul range from 7 to 9 hours depending on connection times. The London to Casablanca segment is around 3 hours 30 minutes, with the second leg taking about 3 hours to Banjul.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Banjul?
Return flights range from €300 to €650 depending on season and airline. The cheapest deals around €300-€380 are available in the low season (June, September, October) when Gambia’s rainy season deters most tourists. Peak season pricing from December to January sees fares climb to €500-€650, particularly around Christmas and New Year when Gambian expatriates return home. Royal Air Maroc typically offers the lowest prices at €340-€420 return, while Brussels Airlines and Turkish Airlines hover around €400-€480.
Are there direct flights from London to Banjul?
No, there are no direct flights from London to Banjul. The route requires at least one stopover. The most popular connections are via Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc), Brussels (Brussels Airlines), Paris (Air France), Lisbon (TAP Air Portugal), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines). Most UK departure points are from London Gatwick or London Heathrow, though Manchester may occasionally have seasonal charter services. The shortest connection time is typically via Casablanca at 6h 30m total.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Banjul?
June and September offer the cheapest flights, with average prices around €310-€320. These months fall during Gambia’s wet season (June-October), which sees fewer tourists and therefore lower demand. October is also reasonably priced at around €340. The most expensive period is December (€580 average) and January (€520) due to the Christmas/holiday peak and dry season tourist rush. If you have flexibility, avoid mid-December to early January entirely – fares can exceed €650.
Which airlines fly from London to Banjul?
Four main carriers operate this route with connections: Royal Air Maroc (via Casablanca, most frequent and often cheapest), Brussels Airlines (via Brussels), TAP Air Portugal (via Lisbon), and Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul). Air France also operates seasonally via Paris Charles de Gaulle. Royal Air Maroc and TAP typically offer the best value, while Brussels Airlines provides a convenient option from Gatwick. None offer direct flights – plan for at least one stop.
What airport do I fly into in Banjul?
You will arrive at Banjul International Airport (BJL), located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the city center. The airport is relatively small but functional. Taxis to Banjul city center cost approximately €15-20 (GMD 1,000-1,200) and take about 20-25 minutes. Shared taxis (bush taxis) are cheaper at around €5 but less comfortable. Most resorts along the Atlantic Coast (Kololi, Bakau, Cape Point) are a 30-45 minute drive from the airport. Hotel transfers can be arranged in advance.
How far in advance should I book London to Banjul flights?
For this route, book 6-8 weeks ahead for the best balance of availability and price. During peak season (December-January, Easter week), book 10-12 weeks ahead as seats fill quickly and prices rise significantly in the final month. Avoid booking more than 12 weeks in advance as airlines initially release seats at higher prices. Last-minute bookings (within 2 weeks) can occasionally yield deals if airlines are trying to fill remaining seats, but this is risky especially in high season.
Is it cheaper to fly from London to Banjul on weekdays?
Yes, Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €40-80 cheaper than weekend flights. Thursday also offers reasonable pricing. Friday and Sunday are the most expensive days, with Sunday being particularly pricey as Gambian diaspora travelers return to the UK after weekends at home. If your schedule is flexible, shifting from a Sunday departure to Tuesday can save you 15-25% on the fare. Mid-week flights also tend to have shorter queues at check-in and more availability.
Data updated: 2026-03
