Sierra Leone National Railway Museum
Explore Sierra Leone's rich railway history at the National Railway Museum, featuring historic locomotives, royal carriages, and interactive exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, less traffic
Sierra Leone National Railway Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, less traffic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Sierra Leone's rich railway history at the National Railway Museum, featuring historic locomotives, royal carriages, and interactive exhibits.
"A quiet and interesting museum that throws you back to bygone days, wishing Salone still had a public railway."
🚗 Navigate Busy Roads
The museum is in a busy area with truck traffic. Plan your route and travel time accordingly.
💰 Ticket Pricing
Expect different entry fees for locals and foreigners. Ensure you get a ticket for your admission.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Locomotives
Main Exhibition Hall
Explore a collection of well-restored train engines and carriages, showcasing Sierra Leone's rich railway past.
Royal Carriage
Special Display
See the unique royal carriage, once intended for Queen Elizabeth II, offering a glimpse into historical state travel.
Interactive Exhibits
Throughout the Museum
Engage with exhibits that bring the golden age of rail travel to life, perfect for curious minds and families.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding Admission
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Navigate Busy Roads
The museum is in a busy area with truck traffic. Plan your route and travel time accordingly.
💰 Ticket Pricing
Expect different entry fees for locals and foreigners. Ensure you get a ticket for your admission.
🚂 Train Enthusiast's Dream
A must-visit for anyone interested in the history of rail travel and iconic locomotives.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Kids friendly with interactive exhibits, making it a great outing for families.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Navigate Busy Roads
The museum is in a busy area with truck traffic. Plan your route and travel time accordingly.
💰 Ticket Pricing
Expect different entry fees for locals and foreigners. Ensure you get a ticket for your admission.
🚂 Train Enthusiast's Dream
A must-visit for anyone interested in the history of rail travel and iconic locomotives.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Kids friendly with interactive exhibits, making it a great outing for families.
🕰️ Step Back in Time
Experience bygone days and imagine a functional public railway system in Sierra Leone.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum to be an interesting and quiet place, offering a nostalgic journey into the country's railway past with well-restored engines and carriages. The friendly staff and kid-friendly exhibits are highlights, though the significant price difference for foreigners and the busy location with truck traffic are noted drawbacks.
"The museum is located along a very busy area in Clide town, which is in the eastern part of Freetown. There is the largest sea port in Freetown there and this is responsible for loaded and empty trucks plying the road regularly.
Museum entrance tickets can be bought right there and costs higher for non Sierra Leonians. The museum itself is filled with train engines, coaches, tracks, e.t.c that were in use in pre- and early post-colonial times. Makes for good viewing but it sadens and looks odd to me to have such in a museum rather than it been functional."
Elijah E.
"Quiet and relatively small but interesting.
The Museum and its contents throw you back to bygone days (and wishing that Salone still had a public railway).
Interesting to see the royal carriage for Queen Elizabeth II -that she never actually used.
Friendly staff. Different prices for locals vs. Foreigners (but I think that's acceptable)."
D
"This museum in Freetown is well worth a visit. Some well restored and well kept engines and carriages in an interesting building. The team are very friendly and knowledgeable, and some have been working here since 2004. It has a nice little guest shop."
Jon Hobson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Cline Town, Freetown, a busy area near the seaport. Be prepared for significant truck traffic. Taxis or private transport are common ways to reach the museum.
Information on dedicated parking is limited, but given the busy location, it's advisable to confirm parking options with your transport provider or inquire locally upon arrival.
The museum is situated near the largest seaport in Freetown, making it a key landmark in the Cline Town area.
While public transport options exist in Freetown, the heavy truck traffic in Cline Town might make the journey less predictable. Taxis are often a more convenient choice.
Details on accessibility are not widely available. It's recommended to contact the museum directly to inquire about facilities for visitors with mobility challenges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees differ for Sierra Leoneans and non-Sierra Leoneans, with foreigners typically paying a higher price. It's best to confirm the current rates upon arrival.
Advance booking is generally not required. Tickets can be purchased at the museum entrance.
Discounts are primarily for local residents. Information on other potential discounts, such as for students or groups, is not widely publicized.
Specific opening hours can vary. It's advisable to check with the museum or local sources for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
While some TikTok videos mention free days or free entry, reviews indicate there are admission fees, especially for non-residents. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features historic train engines, coaches, tracks, and exhibits detailing Sierra Leone's railway history. You can see the royal carriage and learn about the golden age of rail travel.
Yes, the museum is described as kid-friendly with interactive exhibits that can engage younger visitors.
A visit is generally considered quiet and relatively small, suggesting a visit of 1-2 hours would be sufficient to explore the exhibits.
Yes, guided visits are available and are described as 'good enough,' with knowledgeable staff who have been with the museum for years.
The museum offers a quiet and interesting atmosphere, transporting visitors back to bygone days and evoking nostalgia for Sierra Leone's public railway.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the museum, allowing you to capture the historic locomotives and exhibits.
Specific restrictions are not widely mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas if applicable.
The well-restored engines and carriages, especially the royal carriage, offer excellent photographic opportunities. The exterior of the museum building might also be of interest.
Drone usage is typically restricted in most public spaces and museums. It's highly unlikely to be permitted without special authorization.
Yes, many visitors share videos of their experience, highlighting the historical aspects and locomotives. +3
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧👦 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to potentially avoid the busiest traffic and crowds, making the outing more relaxed for everyone. The museum provides a unique opportunity for children to learn about Sierra Leone's past in an engaging and fun way, making it a worthwhile family adventure.
🚂 Train Enthusiasts & History Buffs
Engage with the knowledgeable and friendly staff, some of whom have been associated with the museum for years, to gain deeper insights into the exhibits and the history they represent.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Sierra Leone's Railways
Visitors often express a sense of nostalgia and a wish for the railway system to be functional again, highlighting its importance in the national consciousness. The exhibits, including the unique royal carriage intended for Queen Elizabeth II, provide fascinating insights into the historical significance and even the ceremonial aspects of rail travel in Sierra Leone.
While the museum is a repository of history, its existence also serves as a reminder of what was lost. The transition from a functional railway to a museum collection evokes a poignant reflection on development and infrastructure changes over time.
Navigating Cline Town: A Practical Guide
Travelers are advised to plan their journeys to and from the museum with this in mind. Weekday mornings might offer a slightly less chaotic experience compared to peak hours. When arriving, be prepared for the busy environment, and ensure your transportation is reliable for both arrival and departure.
Despite the logistical challenges of the area, the museum itself is described as a quiet and interesting space. The contrast between the bustling surroundings and the serene historical exhibits can be quite striking, offering a unique visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit