Overview
Bissau, the low-slung riverside capital of Guinea-Bissau, is one of West Africa's least-visited capitals — and that is much of its appeal. Faded Portuguese colonial buildings, a thumping Creole music scene and the nearby Bijagós islands reward travellers who make the journey. There are no direct flights from the UK to Bissau, so every routing involves one connection, usually in Lisbon or Casablanca. Use the price charts on this page to compare live fares for cheap flights to Bissau.
Best time to fly to Bissau
Guinea-Bissau has a tropical climate with two clear seasons. The dry season, roughly November to May, is the most comfortable time to visit, with lower humidity and reliable sunshine; December to February are the pick of the months, though a dusty Harmattan haze can drift in from the Sahara. The rains arrive from June and peak in August and September, when downpours are heavy and some roads and island boats become difficult. Fares tend to climb around Christmas and the February carnival — check the When to book chart above before you fix your dates.
Airlines and routes
The most established option for UK travellers is TAP Air Portugal via Lisbon, connecting from London or Manchester onto its Lisbon–Bissau service. Royal Air Maroc offers an alternative through Casablanca from London and other UK airports. Depending on the connection, expect a total journey of around 9 to 13 hours: the London–Lisbon leg takes about two and a half hours and Lisbon–Bissau close to four, plus your layover. Booking the whole trip on one ticket protects your connection if the first flight runs late.
Things to do in Bissau
Bissau is small and walkable, and works best as a relaxed base for exploring the wider country.
- Bissau Velho: the crumbling old colonial quarter, full of weathered pastel facades and quiet courtyards.
- Mercado de Bandim: the city's largest and liveliest market, the best place to feel Bissau's daily rhythm.
- Pidjiguiti Memorial: a striking monument by the port marking the 1959 dockworkers' massacre, a turning point in the independence struggle.
- Fortaleza d'Amura: an 18th-century Portuguese fort still in military hands, best admired from the outside.
- Bijagós Archipelago: a UNESCO biosphere of mangroves and beaches reached by boat from Bissau, known for sea turtles and saltwater hippos.
At Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB)
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport sits about 9 km north-east of central Bissau, a 15 to 20 minute drive. There is no train or scheduled airport bus, so a taxi is the standard option; agree the fare before you set off, as meters are not used. Many hotels will arrange a transfer if you ask in advance, which is the easiest choice after a long connecting flight.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Bissau
- Book roughly two to four months ahead; last-minute fares on the single Lisbon and Casablanca connections rise quickly.
- Fly midweek and avoid the mid-December to early-January and February carnival peaks.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the price charts on this page to spot the cheapest departure days.
- Compare TAP Air Portugal and Royal Air Maroc routings — the fastest is not always the cheapest.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa. Most travellers apply online for an e-visa before departure or obtain a visa on arrival at Bissau airport; check the latest FCDO advice, as rules change. The currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF); bring euros in cash to exchange, as ATMs are scarce and cards are rarely accepted. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry, malaria precautions are strongly advised, and your passport should have at least six months' validity.
