The Traveller's Guide to
Intercity Bus Travel in Cameroon

Everything you need to know before, during, and after your journey — from choosing the right agency to what to do if something goes wrong.

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Section 01

Before you travel

Planning ahead makes the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful one. Here's what experienced travellers do before they leave:

Book early for peak periods

Public holidays, end-of-month weekends, and school break periods are when buses fill up fastest. Book at least 2–3 days in advance during these times. On regular weekdays, same-day booking is usually fine.

Know your route options

Some routes have multiple agencies. Douala–Yaoundé for example is served by many agencies with different departure times and prices. Comparing before you book saves you money.

Confirm your departure point

Different agencies depart from different locations within the same city. Confirm the exact address of your agency before travel day — some are at the main motor park, others have their own separate yards.

Arrive 30 minutes early

Most agencies hold your seat but expect passengers to board before departure. Arriving 30 minutes early avoids unnecessary stress and gives you time to find your bus.

Section 02

Choosing an agency

Not all agencies are equal. Here's what separates reliable agencies from unreliable ones, and how to make the right choice for your journey.

Signs of a reliable agency

  • Fixed, published departure times
  • Clear pricing with no hidden charges
  • Physical office at a known location
  • History of operating the route
  • Responsive to complaints

Warning signs

  • No fixed departure time — "when the bus fills up"
  • Price changes at the last minute
  • Unfamiliar name with no track record

All agencies on Treddar are verified before being listed. When you book through Treddar, you're booking with agencies that have committed to honouring your reservation.

Section 03

At the agency

What to expect when you arrive at the agency on travel day.

1

Present your confirmation code

If you booked through Treddar, show your confirmation code on your phone screen to the agent at the counter. They will verify it and confirm your seat.

2

Collect your physical ticket

Some agencies issue a physical boarding ticket even if you booked online. Keep this with you during the journey.

3

Find your bus

Agencies usually have multiple buses departing at different times. Confirm which bus is yours — ask the agent if it is not clearly indicated.

4

Luggage

Most agencies allow one bag in the hold and a small bag on board at no extra cost. Oversized or extra luggage may attract a fee. Confirm this with your specific agency.

Section 04

Payment & booking fees

Understanding how pricing works so there are no surprises.

Ticket price vs. total price

The ticket price is what the agency charges for the journey. When you book through Treddar, a small convenience fee is added on top. This fee is always shown clearly before you confirm — you will never be surprised by a hidden charge.

Payment methods on Treddar

Treddar accepts MTN Mobile Money and Orange Money. These are the most widely used payment methods in Cameroon and offer instant confirmation.

Why prices vary between agencies

Different agencies price the same route differently based on their service level, bus quality, and departure time. VIP seats with more legroom and air conditioning cost more than regular seats on the same route.

Cancellation and refunds

Cancellation policies vary by agency. When you cancel a booking on Treddar, you will see the applicable policy before confirming the cancellation. Refunds to Mobile Money are typically processed within 5–7 business days.

Section 05

What to expect on board

A realistic picture of what intercity bus travel in Cameroon looks like.

Regular seat

Standard seating, typically 3–4 seats per row. Affordable and widely available on most routes.

VIP seat

More legroom, sometimes air conditioned. Fewer seats per row. Better for longer journeys.

Journey time

Road conditions vary. A 3-hour journey on paper can take longer depending on traffic, road quality, and stops. Build buffer time into your plans.

Bring water and snacks for journeys over 2 hours. Rest stops vary by agency and route — some buses stop midway, others go straight through.

Section 06

Common problems and how to handle them

Agency says your booking is not in their system

Show your Treddar booking confirmation screen. If the issue persists, contact Treddar support from the agency counter — we can verify your booking directly with the agency.

Bus is delayed or cancelled

Ask the agency for a revised departure time or a refund. If booked through Treddar, contact us and we will help resolve the issue with the agency on your behalf.

Your seat has been given to someone else

This is a serious breach of the booking. Show your confirmation code and ask to speak with the manager. Treddar-verified agencies have agreed to honour all Treddar bookings.

You are running late and may miss your bus

Call the agency directly as soon as you know you will be late. Some agencies can hold your seat briefly. If you miss the bus, contact Treddar support to explore your options.

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