Getting around Gabon takes patience and planning. The country is about the size of Colorado but has very little paved road, and the rainforest makes overland travel slow.
The Trans-Gabon railway is the backbone of inland transport. It runs from Libreville to Franceville, about 650 km, with stops at Ndjole, Lope, Booue, Lastoursville, and Moanda. The journey takes roughly 12 hours when it runs on time, which it often does not. There are first and second class carriages. First class is air-conditioned and reasonably comfortable. The train is the best way to reach Lope National Park and Franceville.
Domestic flights connect Libreville with Franceville, Port-Gentil, and a few other towns. Afrijet and Allegiance Air operate most routes. Flights are not cheap but save enormous amounts of time compared to overland travel. Book ahead and confirm repeatedly, as schedules shift.
Bush taxis (shared minibuses and cars) are the main form of transport between towns not served by rail or air. They leave when full, not on a timetable, and the vehicles are often in poor condition. The main paved highway runs from Libreville south to Lambarene and on to Mouila and Tchibanga. Beyond that, roads are mostly unpaved laterite that becomes treacherous in the rainy season. A 4x4 is essential for most off-highway travel.
In Libreville, taxis are everywhere but meters are nonexistent. Agree on a price before getting in. Shared taxis follow fixed routes and are cheap. Private taxis cost more but save time.
The ferry between Libreville and Port-Gentil runs regularly and takes about four hours. There is no road between the two cities, so your options are the ferry or a short flight.
Reaching the national parks usually requires a combination of rail, road, and sometimes boat. Loango, the most famous park, is reached by bush plane from Libreville or by boat from Omboue. Ivindo requires the train to Booue followed by a long drive. Plan carefully and expect delays.