Overview
Lomé is Togo's seaside capital, strung along the Gulf of Guinea where palm-lined boulevards meet a busy West African port. It's known for its sprawling markets, faded German and French colonial architecture and a long Atlantic beachfront. For UK travellers it makes a rewarding standalone trip or an easy pairing with neighbouring Ghana. There are no direct flights from the UK, so every routing involves one connection, but the compact airport sits just minutes from the centre.
Best time to fly to Lome
The main dry season runs from November to March and is the most comfortable time to visit, with warm days near 30°C and lower humidity. From December to February the dusty Harmattan haze can drift down from the Sahara. The long rains arrive around April and last into July, followed by a drier August and lighter rains in September and October. Fares tend to rise around Christmas and the European summer, so check the When to book chart above before fixing your dates.
Airlines and routes
No airline flies non-stop between the UK and Lomé, so you'll connect through a European or African hub. Air France via Paris and Brussels Airlines via Brussels are the most straightforward one-stop options from London and Manchester. Turkish Airlines connects through Istanbul, Royal Air Maroc through Casablanca and Ethiopian Airlines through Addis Ababa; Lomé is also the home hub of regional carrier ASKY. Allowing for the connection, expect around 10 to 13 hours from London and a little longer from Manchester. Some travellers instead fly into Accra in Ghana and continue overland.
Things to do in Lome
Lomé rewards curious travellers who enjoy markets, history and an unhurried coastal pace.
- Akodesséwa Fetish Market: The world's largest traditional-medicine market, central to West African Vodun practice.
- Grand Marché: The bustling commercial heart of the city, long associated with its celebrated "Nana Benz" textile traders.
- Palais de Lomé: A restored colonial palace with art galleries, exhibitions and tropical gardens.
- Togo National Museum: A compact introduction to the country's peoples, kingdoms and crafts.
- Lomé Cathedral: A striking German-era church at the heart of the old colonial quarter.
At Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport (LFW)
The airport, also known as Lomé–Tokoin, lies roughly 5km north of the city centre, usually a 15 to 20 minute drive. There is no rail link, so a taxi is the standard choice — agree the fare before setting off or use the official rank outside arrivals. Many hotels arrange airport pick-ups, and car hire desks operate in the terminal.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Lome
- Book roughly two to four months ahead; last-minute fares to West Africa climb steeply.
- Fly midweek and avoid the mid-December to early-January peak and the European summer holidays.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the price charts on this page to spot cheaper departure days.
- Compare hub routings — Paris, Brussels, Istanbul and Casablanca can differ widely for the same trip.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa for Togo, which runs an online e-visa system — arrange it before you travel and carry printed confirmation. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry, and anti-malaria precautions are strongly advised. The currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF), pegged to the euro; carry cash, as card acceptance is limited outside larger hotels. Always check the latest FCDO travel advice before you book.
