Getting Around Chad
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use bush taxis for N'Djamena and major towns. Rural: Rent a 4x4 for Sahara and Lake Chad exploration. Remote: Domestic flights or chartered vehicles. For convenience, book airport transfers from N'Djamena to your destination.
Train Travel
Limited Rail Network
Chad's rail system is underdeveloped, mainly freight-focused with short lines like Moundou-Ngoma, no regular passenger services available.
Cost: Not applicable for tourists; alternatives like buses cost 5,000-10,000 CFA (~€8-15) for similar distances.
Tickets: Passenger trains rare; check local updates via government sites or opt for road transport instead.
Peak Times: Avoid rainy season (June-Oct) when tracks may flood; plan around dry season travel.
Rail Alternatives
No national rail passes; focus on bus or flight options for multi-stop trips across regions like Kanem or Hadjer-Lamis.
Best For: Industrial or mining areas only; for tourism, combine buses with 4x4 rentals for 3+ destinations.Where to Buy: Local agencies in N'Djamena for bus tickets; no rail apps, use offline maps for planning.
Regional Connections
Potential links to Cameroon via planned Abadam-Moundou line, but not operational for passengers in 2026.
Booking: Monitor development; currently, use cross-border buses to Cameroon for €20-40, book locally.
Main Stations: Sparse; N'Djamena has no major hub, rely on road depots for alternatives.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for remote areas like Zakouma Park; compare 4x4 rentals from €50-100/day at N'Djamena Airport and limited city outlets.
Requirements: International license, credit card, minimum age 25; 4x4 mandatory for off-road.
Insurance: Full coverage essential due to poor roads; includes theft and breakdown in remote areas.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h paved roads, no limit on dirt tracks but caution advised.
Tolls: Minimal on main routes like N'Djamena-Abéché; pay informal fees at checkpoints (~1,000 CFA).
Priority: Yield to military convoys; animals and pedestrians common on roads, drive defensively.
Parking: Free in most areas, secure guarded lots in cities at 2,000-5,000 CFA/night.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel scarce outside cities at 600-800 CFA/liter (~€1-1.20) for petrol; carry extra jerry cans for long trips.
Apps: Google Maps limited offline; use GPS devices or paper maps for Sahara routes.
Traffic: Heavy in N'Djamena markets; avoid night driving due to security and poor lighting.
Urban Transport
N'Djamena Taxis & Minibuses
Shared taxis and green minibuses cover the capital; single ride 500-1,000 CFA (~€0.80-1.50), no formal day pass.
Validation: Pay driver upon boarding; negotiate fares for private taxis to avoid overcharges.
Apps: Limited; use local apps like Tchad Taxi for basic routing in urban areas.
Motorbike & Bike Rentals
Motorbike taxis (motos) common in towns, 300-700 CFA/ride; bike rentals rare but available in N'Djamena for €5-10/day.
Routes: Flat terrain suits cycling in Sahel areas, but dust and heat limit use.
Tours: Guided moto tours in tourist zones like around Lake Chad, focus on safety.
Bush Taxis & Local Buses
Bush taxis (clandos) connect towns; operators like STMA run intercity services from 5,000 CFA.
Tickets: Buy at stations or roadside; shared rides common, depart when full.
Regional Lines: Routes to Abéché or Sarh take 8-12 hours, €10-20 depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near main roads in cities for access, central N'Djamena for markets, secure compounds in rural areas.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (Nov-May) and events like FESPACO influences.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for security-related travel changes.
- Amenities: Check for generators, secure parking, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and security updates.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
3G/4G in cities like N'Djamena, spotty in rural Chad; 2G in remote areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works in urban zones.
Local SIM Cards
Airtel and Moov offer prepaid SIMs from 2,000-5,000 CFA (~€3-8) with variable coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 1GB for 2,500 CFA (~€4), 5GB for 10,000 CFA (~€15), top-up via mobile money.
WiFi & Internet
WiFi in hotels and cafes in N'Djamena, limited elsewhere; use cafes for reliable access.
Public Hotspots: Airports and government buildings offer free but slow WiFi.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps in cities, unreliable for video; satellite options for remote stays.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT), UTC+1, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: N'Djamena Airport 5km from city center, taxi 2,000-5,000 CFA (~€3-8, 15 min), or book private transfer for 10,000-20,000 CFA (~€15-30).
- Luggage Storage: Available at airport and bus stations (1,000-3,000 CFA/day), limited options in towns.
- Accessibility: Roads and vehicles not wheelchair-friendly; plan for assistance in urban areas.
- Pet Travel: Difficult; check airline policies, road travel possible but veterinary certs required.
- Bike Transport: Motorbikes can carry small items; no formal public options, rent separately.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Chad
N'Djamena International (NDJ) is the main hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
N'Djamena (NDJ): Primary international gateway, 5km from city with taxi connections.
Moundou (MQQ): Domestic hub 400km south, flights to N'Djamena ~€50-100 (1 hour).
Abéché (AEH): Eastern regional airport with limited flights, useful for Ennedi access.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (Nov-May) to save 20-40% on fares to Africa routes.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) cheaper; avoid peak pilgrimage seasons.
Alternative Routes: Fly via Addis Ababa or Paris and connect domestically for savings.
Budget Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines, Air France, and local Air Tchad serve NDJ with regional connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and visa stops when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online 24-48 hours before; airport processes can be slow.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Limited to N'Djamena, fees 1,000-2,000 CFA (~€1.50-3); carry cash for rural areas.
- Credit Cards: Visa accepted in hotels, rare elsewhere; Mastercard limited.
- Contactless Payment: Uncommon; mobile money like Orange Money widely used.
- Cash: Essential for markets, taxis, and remote spots; keep 50,000-100,000 CFA in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but 500-1,000 CFA for good service in tourist areas.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid informal exchangers with poor rates.