Trains in Cameroon
Camrail runs Cameroon's railway. The headline service is the overnight Yaoundé–Ngaoundéré line, the practical way to reach the north before continuing by bus toward Garoua and Maroua. Book a couchette (sleeper) in first class for comfort; trains can run late, so keep food and water with you. A daytime Yaoundé–Douala service also operates intermittently.
Buses and intercity travel
Long-distance coaches are the backbone of travel between cities. Reliable agencies include Touristique Express, Général Voyages, Garanti Express and Buca Voyages, with terminals (called *agences*) in Douala, Yaoundé, Bafoussam and Bamenda.
- Buy tickets at the agency counter the day before for popular routes
- Douala–Yaoundé takes about 3–4 hours on the A3 highway
- VIP coaches cost a little more but guarantee one seat per person
- Travel by day; night road travel is best avoided
City transport: taxis and motos
In Douala and Yaoundé, yellow shared taxis are everywhere. Wave one down, state your destination, and pay a fixed *course* (often 250–350 CFA shared, more for a private *dépôt*). Bendskins (motorcycle taxis) are fast for short hops but riskier; always agree the price first and ask for a helmet.
Ride-hailing apps
Yango operates in Douala and Yaoundé and is the most reliable app option, with upfront pricing and car or moto choices. Coverage outside the two big cities is thin, so keep some cash for shared taxis.
Car rental and driving
Rental agencies cluster around Douala airport and the big hotels. Expect to hire a car with a driver rather than self-drive, given rough roads, checkpoints and unfamiliar signage. Carry your passport and vehicle papers for the frequent police and gendarmerie stops.
Practical tips
- Keep small CFA franc notes for taxis and tolls
- Roads to the Far North and Anglophone regions can have security restrictions; check current advice
- Allow extra time in the rainy season (roughly June–October) when laterite roads turn to mud
Stay connected in Cameroon
A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online for maps, translation and bus or train bookings the moment you land, with no roaming charges. [[buy:cmr|Cameroon]]