Getting Around Senegal
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use taxis and car rapides for Dakar navigation. Rural: Rent a car for Casamance exploration. Coast: Buses and ferries. For convenience, book airport transfers from Dakar to your destination.
Train Travel
TER Urban Rail
Limited but growing train network in Dakar suburbs with services to key areas like Diamniadio.
Cost: Dakar to Diamniadio €1-2, journeys 30-45 minutes for urban routes.
Tickets: Buy at stations or via TER app, cash or mobile payment accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM for crowds and delays.
Regional Rail Passes
Occasional services on Dakar-Bamako line, but irregular; passes for multiple urban trips €5-10.
Best For: Commuters in Dakar area, savings for daily urban travel.
Where to Buy: Dakar main station or official TER outlets with ID required.
Long-Distance Options
Freight-focused rail to Mali and Mali, limited passenger; alternatives via bus recommended.
Booking: Check schedules in advance as services are sporadic, no online booking.
Dakar Stations: Main hub is Dakar Station, connections to suburbs and industrial zones.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for rural and coastal areas. Compare rental prices from €25-45/day at Dakar Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 21.
Insurance: Full coverage advised due to road conditions, verify inclusions.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 130 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal on main roads like Dakar-Thies, pay in CFA at booths.
Priority: Yield to roundabouts, pedestrians in cities; watch for animals in rural areas.
Parking: Street parking common, secure lots €2-5/day in Dakar.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available at €0.80-1.00/liter for petrol, €0.70-0.90 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for navigation, download offline maps.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Dakar during rush hours and holidays.
Urban Transport
Taxis & Car Rapides
Colorful shared minibuses and yellow taxis cover Dakar, single ride €0.50-1, day pass €3.
Validation: Pay driver upon boarding, negotiate fares for taxis in advance.
Apps: Use Yango or Uber for safer rides, real-time tracking available.
Bike & Scooter Rentals
Bike & Scooter Rentals
Limited bike-sharing in Dakar, €5-10/day via apps like Lime, coastal paths in Saly.
Routes: Flat terrain in cities, dedicated lanes emerging in urban areas.
Tours: Guided bike tours in Dakar and Sine-Saloum for eco-friendly exploration.
Buses & Ferries
SOTRAC and regional buses operate networks, €0.50-2 per ride, buy onboard.
Tickets: Cash payment, contactless limited; ferries to Goree Island €1 round-trip.
Coastal Ferries:
Connect islands and ports, €2-5 for short crossings.Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near transport hubs in Dakar for easy access, Plateau or Gorée for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (Dec-Apr) and festivals like Tabaski.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for variable weather plans.
- Amenities: Check for AC, WiFi, and proximity to markets before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G in cities like Dakar, 3G in rural Senegal including Casamance.
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 immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Orange, Free, and Tigo offer prepaid SIMs from €5-15 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 3GB for €10, 10GB for €20, unlimited for €25/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, cafes, and tourist spots; paid in some public areas.
Public Hotspots: Airports and main squares offer free access in Dakar.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in urban areas, suitable for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) 50km from Dakar, taxi €20-30 (45 min), or book private transfer for €25-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports and bus stations (€3-5/day) in major cities.
- Accessibility: Urban transport improving, but rural roads and vehicles often limited for wheelchairs.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses with carrier (€5-10), check accommodation policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on buses for €2-5, easier on ferries and trains if available.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Senegal
Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) is the main hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Blaise Diagne (DSS): Primary international gateway, 50km east of Dakar with shuttle buses.
Léopold Sédar Senghor (DKR): Older Dakar airport, handling domestic and some international, closing soon.
Cap Skirring (CSK): Regional airport for southern flights, convenient for Casamance.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (Dec-Apr) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Dakar via Europe hubs for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Air Senegal, Transair, and low-cost carriers like Royal Air Maroc serve regional routes.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and ground transport when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in recommended 24 hours before, airport fees apply.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities, fees €1-3, use bank machines to avoid high tourist charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels, less in markets; cash preferred.
- Contactless Payment: Growing in urban areas, mobile wallets like Wave common.
- Cash: Essential for transport, markets, and rural spots, carry 10,000-20,000 CFA in small notes.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants if not included, small change for taxis and guides.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport bureaus with poor exchanges.