There is no public transport from Nsimalen Airport, so every option involves paying for a private vehicle. Cameroon has no official metered taxi tariff, so the figures below are not a fixed or published price list — confirm the fare before you travel.
Pre-booked private transfer
A sedan transfer from the airport to central Yaounde is priced by the operator at booking, so you know the fare before you fly. Larger vehicles for groups or families cost more. The price is confirmed when you book, which means no negotiation and no surprises. Some providers accept online payment, others collect on arrival.
Fixed-price private transfer
YAO Yaounde City Center
From€55for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €75 per vehicle, about €19 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Airport taxi
Taxis outside the terminal charge a negotiated fare to central Yaounde; there is no meter and no published rate. Drivers typically start high and expect you to counter. If you speak French and are familiar with local pricing, you can usually negotiate a lower fare than a first-time visitor would be offered. Agree the price before getting in. All payments are cash, in CFA francs.
Shared taxi
Shared taxis (where you share the vehicle with other passengers heading in the same direction) are the cheapest per-person option, priced informally by the driver. They come with significant trade-offs: you wait until the car fills, the route is indirect with multiple stops, the vehicles are often old, and luggage space is limited. Fine for experienced travelers with a backpack, not suitable for families or anyone with substantial luggage.
Hotel pickup
Many mid-range and upscale hotels in Yaounde offer airport transfers for their guests. Some include it in the room rate, others charge separately — ask your hotel for its current price when you book. If your hotel offers this, it is often the simplest option as the logistics are handled for you.
Hidden costs and tips
ATMs at the airport are unreliable. If you arrive without CFA francs, you may need to exchange currency at poor rates inside the terminal. Some taxi drivers will claim a higher rate for luggage or night arrivals. These surcharges are informal and negotiable. Tipping is not expected for taxis, but a small tip is appreciated for good service on a private transfer.
What we recommend
For most travelers, a pre-booked transfer offers the best balance of cost, comfort, and certainty, since the price is agreed before you land. For budget travelers comfortable with the local system, a negotiated taxi is workable during daylight hours.
When a private transfer from YAO is the right choice
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Yaounde City Center is from €75, about €19 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
- Going to a specific address rather than the main station: the car goes to the door, so the public-transport fare is not the whole cost of the trip.
- Arriving tired or late: the driver waits at arrivals with your name, included for 60 minutes after landing.
YAO → Yaounde City Center from €55Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.