Getting around Cameroon takes patience and a willingness to accept that schedules are approximate. The country is large and the road network is mixed -- major routes between the big cities are paved and reasonably fast, while secondary roads (especially in the west and north) can be rough, muddy in the rains, and slow.
Buses are the main way to travel between cities. Companies like Touristique Express, Buca Voyages, and Garanti Express run fairly reliable services on the main corridors: Douala to Yaound (3-4 hours), Douala to Bamenda (6-7 hours), and Yaound to Bafoussam (5 hours). Buy tickets the day before if you can. Buses leave when full on less popular routes.
Shared taxis and minibuses fill the gaps between towns. These leave from motor parks ("gares routieres") when every seat is taken, which can mean long waits. They are cheap, crowded, and often the only option for reaching smaller towns. On dirt roads in the west and north, you may find yourself in the back of a Toyota pickup instead.
Domestic flights connect Douala, Yaound, Maroua, Garoua, and Ngaound with Camair-Co, though the airline's reliability has been inconsistent over the years. When flights operate, they save enormous time -- Douala to Maroua is a 20-hour drive or a 2-hour flight.
Trains run between Douala and Yaound (4-5 hours) and from Yaound north to Ngaound (12-15 hours, overnight). The Douala-Yaound train is a reasonable alternative to the bus. The northern train is slow but scenic, climbing from the southern plateau into the Adamawa highlands, and the sleeping berths are passable.
Car rental is possible in Douala and Yaound but is expensive and only makes sense if you want to explore at your own pace. A 4WD is essential for the Ring Road, the north, and most places off the main highways. Driving standards are unpredictable and police checkpoints are frequent -- keep your documents in order and be prepared for requests for small "tips."
Moto-taxis (motorbikes) are everywhere in cities and towns. They are the fastest way to get around locally, though safety standards are minimal. Negotiate the fare before you get on.