Getting around Douala and Yaoundé: taxis, moto-taxis, Yango and car with driver
Updated on 23 October 2026 · 7 min read
In Douala and Yaoundé most people get around by shared yellow taxi, moto-taxi or ride app. Shared taxis are cheap but you share the car and must know how to stop one; a private ride (dépôt) costs more; the Yango app works in both cities; moto-taxis are fast but the riskiest option. For a family, luggage or a full day of errands, a car with driver is the simplest. Here is how each option works.
Getting around Douala and Yaoundé: the options at a glance
| Option | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Shared yellow taxi | Regulated fare: 350 FCFA by day, 400 FCFA at night (since 2024) | Short trips alone, by day, light bags |
| Private taxi (dépôt) | Negotiated, several times the shared fare | Going straight to an address, evenings |
| Ride app (Yango) | Shown in the app before you book | Known price, no negotiation |
| Moto-taxi | Negotiated, cheap | Not recommended for visitors |
| Car with driver | By the day, price known in advance | Families, luggage, several stops, out of town |
Shared yellow taxis: how they work
- 1Stop one on the roadsideWave as the taxi slows down and say your destination through the window: a neighbourhood or a landmark (a crossroads, a church, a pharmacy), not a street address. If the driver is going that way, he beeps or nods.
- 2Say the price if neededFor a normal trip, the regulated fare applies. For a longer trip or a detour, say your price with the destination (for example "Bonapriso, 500"); the driver accepts or drives on.
- 3Share the rideThe driver picks up other passengers on the way. Keep your bag on your knees and your phone out of sight.
- 4Pay with small notesHave coins and 500 or 1,000 FCFA notes. Drivers often have no change for a 10,000 FCFA note.
"Dépôt": a taxi just for you
Say "dépôt" and the destination to have the taxi take you straight there without other passengers. Agree the price before you get in. It is the better choice in the evening, with luggage, or if you do not know the city.
Ride apps: Yango
Yango works in Douala and Yaoundé. You see the price before booking, the driver's name and number plate are shown, and you can share the trip with someone. Download the app and set it up before you travel; payment is usually in cash, so carry small notes. Cars can be scarce late at night, at the airport, or when it rains. Check that the plate matches before you get in.
Moto-taxis (bend-skin, okada): the risks
Moto-taxis are everywhere and often the fastest way through traffic. They are also involved in many accidents, passengers are rarely offered a helmet, and several governments advise visitors not to use them. Some central roads, notably in Yaoundé, are closed to moto-taxis by local rules. If you have no other choice for a short trip by day: one passenger only, no luggage, ask the rider to go slowly, and avoid them at night and in the rain.
Car with driver: for families and busy days
When you have elderly parents, children, luggage or a day of visits, errands and family calls, a car with driver saves you from waiting for taxis and negotiating every trip. The driver knows the city, waits while you are inside and keeps your bags in the car. It is also the safest way to travel between cities, for example Douala to Yaoundé. We rent cars and vans with driver by the day; there is no self-drive rental.
Traffic: when to avoid the roads
- Rush hours are roughly 7 to 9 am and 4:30 to 7:30 pm on weekdays, in both cities. A 20-minute trip can take an hour.
- In Douala, the Wouri bridge towards Bonabéri and the big junctions such as Ndokoti are often jammed. Allow extra time to reach the airport.
- In Yaoundé, the city is spread over hills and traffic slows around the centre and the main roads out of town.
- Rain slows everything down and makes taxis harder to find, especially in Douala in the rainy months.
Getting around at night
- Avoid walking alone after dark, even for short distances.
- Prefer a booked ride, a Yango or a dépôt taxi to a shared taxi, and sit in the back.
- Send the number plate and your route to someone you trust.
- Do not travel between cities at night: roads are unlit and accidents are more frequent.
Carry your ID
Police checks are common. Always carry your passport or a certified copy with your visa page. Read our guide to safety in Douala and Yaoundé.
From the airport
Airports are where taxis are hardest to negotiate, especially at night. See our guides to Douala airport and Yaoundé-Nsimalen, or book a pickup with a fixed price.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi in Douala or Yaoundé?
A shared taxi ride has a regulated fare, set at 350 FCFA by day and 400 FCFA at night in 2024. A private ride (dépôt) is negotiated and costs several times more.
Does Yango work in Douala and Yaoundé?
Yes, the Yango app works in both cities. The price is shown before you book, and payment is usually in cash.
Is Uber available in Cameroon?
Uber is not one of the apps used in Cameroon at the time of writing. The main ride app in Douala and Yaoundé is Yango; a few smaller local apps also exist.
Are moto-taxis safe in Cameroon?
They are involved in many accidents and helmets are rare, so several governments advise visitors not to use them. Prefer a taxi, a ride app or a car with driver.
What does "dépôt" mean in a Cameroon taxi?
It means a private ride: the taxi takes you straight to your destination without other passengers, for a price agreed before you get in.