Getting Around Benin
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use zémidjans (motorcycle taxis) for Cotonou and Porto-Novo. Rural: Rent a car for northern regions like Pendjari. Coast: Bush taxis and ferries. For convenience, book airport transfers from Cotonou to your destination.
Train Travel
Benin Rail Network
Limited but scenic train service connecting Cotonou to Parakou, with occasional freight-passenger mixed trains.
Cost: Cotonou to Parakou 5,000-10,000 XOF, journeys 8-12 hours depending on stops.
Tickets: Purchase at Cotonou station or through local agents; cash preferred, schedules variable.
Peak Times: Avoid market days (Wed/Fri) for less crowding; services run 2-3 times weekly.
Rail Passes
No formal rail passes available; opt for multi-journey tickets for frequent northern travel at 20% discount.
Best For: Budget explorers visiting multiple stops like Bohicon or Savalou, savings for 3+ segments.Where to Buy: Main stations in Cotonou or Parakou, or inquire at tourism offices for group deals.
Regional Connections
Limited international links via Niger; occasional trains to Niamey, but mostly road alternatives recommended.
Booking: Advance notice at stations for seats; no online system, expect basic amenities.
Main Stations: Cotonou Central for south, Parakou for north with onward bus connections.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for national parks and rural exploration. Compare rental prices from 20,000-40,000 XOF/day at Cotonou Airport and major cities.
Requirements: International Driving Permit recommended, credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Full coverage essential due to road conditions; verify theft and accident protection.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 110 km/h highways where paved.
Tolls: Minimal on main routes like Cotonou-Parakou; pay 1,000-5,000 XOF at checkpoints.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, motorcycles have informal priority in cities.
Parking: Free in rural areas, guarded lots in cities 2,000-5,000 XOF/day; avoid street parking at night.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available in towns at 600-700 XOF/liter for petrol, 550-650 XOF for diesel; carry extra for rural trips.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, as signals can be spotty.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Cotonou markets; potholes common on rural roads during rainy season.
Urban Transport
Cotonou Taxis & Minibuses
Shared taxis and sotrama minibuses cover the city, single ride 200-500 XOF, day pass unavailable but multi-rides negotiable.
Validation: Pay driver upon boarding; agree fare first to avoid overcharges for tourists.
Apps: Limited; use local apps like Yango for rides in Cotonou, or hail traditional taxis.
Bike & Moto Rentals
Zémidjan motorcycle taxis ubiquitous in cities, 300-1,000 XOF per short trip; bike rentals rare but available in tourist areas for 2,000 XOF/day.
Routes: Flat coastal paths ideal for cycling, but traffic heavy; helmets recommended for motos.
Tours: Guided moto tours in Ouidah for voodoo history, combining transport with cultural insights.
Bush Taxis & Intercity Buses
Benin-Routes and private operators run bush taxis from Cotonou to destinations like Abomey or Natitingou.
Tickets: 1,000-5,000 XOF per ride, buy at stations or from touts; depart when full.
River Ferries: Essential for crossing to Porto-Novo or Ganvie stilt village, 500-2,000 XOF round-trip.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near markets in cities for easy access, central Cotonou or Ouidah for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (Nov-Apr) and major festivals like Voodoo Festival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable rainy season travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to moto stands before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in cities like Cotonou, 3G/2G in rural Benin; coverage improving in north.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 2,500 XOF for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
MTN Benin, Moov, and Libercom offer prepaid SIMs from 1,000-5,000 XOF with decent coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 2GB for 2,500 XOF, 5GB for 5,000 XOF, unlimited for 10,000 XOF/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels and some cafes in Cotonou; limited elsewhere, power outages common.
Public Hotspots: Airports and major markets have paid/public WiFi for 500-1,000 XOF/hour.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps in urban areas, suitable for messaging; use data for reliability.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT), UTC+1, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Cadjehoun Airport 5km from Cotonou center, taxi 2,000 XOF (15 min), or book private transfer for 10,000-20,000 XOF.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (1,000-2,000 XOF/day) and hotels in major cities.
- Accessibility: Limited ramps on public transport; motos not wheelchair-friendly, plan for assistance.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on bush taxis with fee (2,000 XOF), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Motos can carry bikes for extra fee (1,000 XOF); trains allow if space permits.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Benin
Cadjehoun Airport (COO) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Cadjehoun Airport (COO): Primary international gateway, 5km from Cotonou with taxi connections.
Parakou Airport (PKO): Domestic hub 600km north, flights to Cotonou 10,000-20,000 XOF (1 hour).
Natitingou Airport (NATI): Small airstrip for regional flights, mainly charters to northern areas.
Booking Tips
Book 1-2 months in advance for dry season travel (Nov-Apr) to save 20-40% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Lomé (Togo) or Lagos (Nigeria) and taking bush taxi to Benin for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Air Peace, ASKY Airlines, and Ceiba Intercontinental serve Cotonou with West African connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in where available 24 hours before, airport fees higher for walk-ins.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in Cotonou and major towns, typical withdrawal fee 500-1,000 XOF, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels, limited elsewhere; cash preferred in markets.
- Contactless Payment: Emerging in cities, but rare; mobile money like MTN MoMo widely used.
- Cash: Essential for transport and rural areas, keep 10,000-50,000 XOF in small denominations.
- Tipping: Not customary but 500-1,000 XOF appreciated for good service in restaurants.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.