Sierra Leone National Railway Museum

Welcome to the National Railway Museum in Cline Town, Freetown, where you can step back into Sierra Leone's rich railway history. After the Sierra Leone Government Railway closed in 1974, a dedicated collection of rolling stock was preserved at the former railway workshops. Despite years of civil strife and war—during which the workshops served as a center for displaced persons and many feared the treasures were lost—the historic collection survived.

Restoration began in 2004 through the initiative of British army officer Colonel Steve Davies, leading to the museum's official opening in 2005 with support from former President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. Today, you can explore an extraordinary range of preserved locomotives and carriages, including a 4-8-2+2-8-4 Garratt, a Hunslet tank, diesel locos, the historic Governor's coach, and a unique coach specially prepared for Queen Elizabeth II's 1961 visit.

Alongside these impressive trains, you will discover fascinating displays filled with old photographs, tickets, maps, and historical timetables. Supported by the UK-based Friends of the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum, this historic site offers an unmissable look at local heritage that survived against all odds.

What to see at Sierra Leone National Railway Museum

• Historic coach specially prepared for Queen Elizabeth II's visit in 1961
• Preserved locomotives including a 4-8-2+2-8-4 Garratt, a Hunslet tank, and diesel locos
• The historic Governor's coach alongside preserved carriages
• Displays of old photographs, tickets, maps, and original timetables

Visiting tips

While entry costs 150 SLE (as of Jan 2025), you are encouraged to leave an additional donation to assist with the museum's ongoing upkeep.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday

How to get there & what’s nearby

Sierra Leone National Railway Museum is easy to reach on Freetown’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Sierra Leone National Museum and St. George's Cathedral, Freetown. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Freetown travel guide.