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Getting Around Ouagadougou

Getting Around Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou Centre, Burkina Faso Travel Guide

Public Transportation in Ouagadougou

Public transportation mainly consists of Ride-sharing Taxis (Bac/Fada-Fada), which are yellow-green colored taxis operating on fixed routes, picking up and dropping off multiple passengers. They run as the most common form of "public bus." Fares are fixed for specific routes. Moto-Taxis (Zemidjan) are motorcycles for quick, individual transport, popular for short trips and navigating traffic.

A limited network of larger City Buses (SOTRACO) exists, but their routes are less comprehensive than shared taxis. Formal route maps for shared taxis and zemidjans are non-existent; routes are known by locals. Major hubs are typically intersections or markets where many routes converge.

Transit System Overview

  • Shared Taxis (Bac/Fada-Fada): Fixed routes, pay cash to driver.
  • Moto-Taxis (Zemidjan): Negotiate fare for private rides, popular for speed.
  • City Buses (SOTRACO): Limited network, pay cash on board.
  • Operating Hours: Early morning until late evening (10-11 PM) for taxis/moto-taxis.

Accessibility

Public transport is generally not accessible for travelers with mobility challenges.

Language Tip

Learn French phrases for guidance and bargaining.

Fare Negotiation

Always confirm your destination and negotiate the fare for private taxis or zemidjans before starting.

Tips for Navigating Public Transport

Shared Taxis & Zemidjans
  • Formal route maps are non-existent; ask locals for guidance.
  • Pay cash directly to the driver for shared taxis; fares are fixed.
  • For moto-taxis, negotiate the fare for a private ride before getting on.
General Transit Advice
  • Be vigilant, especially on crowded shared transport.
  • Tell shared taxi drivers your destination; they will confirm if it is on their route.
  • Major hubs for collective transport are typically busy intersections or markets.

Public Transit Overview

Shared Taxis

Most common, fixed routes.

Moto-Taxis

Quick, individual rides.

SOTRACO Buses

Limited city network.

No Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber/Bolt not widely operational.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis provide a common method of transportation Ouagadougou. Ride-sharing apps are not widely available.

Licensed Taxis

  • Identification: Easily recognizable by their yellow-green color.
  • Hailing: You can hail taxis anywhere on the street.
  • Negotiation: Fares are almost always negotiated before the ride begins, meters are rarely used.
  • Payment: Cash (XOF) is the exclusive accepted method. Have small denominations.

Fares and Safety

  • Usual Prices: Short rides within the city center 1,000-2,000 XOF; longer distances 2,500-5,000 XOF.
  • Airport Transfers: Usually 3,000-5,000 XOF.
  • Safety for Taxis: Choose officially marked taxis. Avoid unlit taxis at night.
  • Ride-Sharing: Formal international apps like Uber or Bolt are not widely available.

Moto-Taxi Zemidjan Safety

  • Moto-taxis are more susceptible to accidents.
  • Always wear a Helmet (often provided, but quality varies).
  • Not recommended for long distances or with heavy luggage.
  • Avoid traveling alone at night, regardless of chosen transport.
  • Taxis are readily available outside airport/bus stations.
  • Be prepared for aggressive touts at bus stations; firmly negotiate.

Taxi & Moto-Taxi Comparison

Taxis Yellow-Green

Standard, comfortable, negotiate fare.

Moto-Taxis Zemidjan

Fast, negotiate, higher accident risk.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Not widely available or operational.

Rental Options

Renting a vehicle offers independence, but self-driving has challenges.

Car Rental

  • Requires valid national driver's license and International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • A deposit is usually necessary.
  • A few international (e.g., Hertz, Europcar) and local agencies operate.
  • Renting a car with a driver is strongly recommended over self-driving.

Motorcycle/Scooter & Bicycle Rentals

  • Motorcycle/scooter rentals are available from local shops but not recommended due to safety risks.
  • Often a lack of adequate insurance coverage and rudimentary helmets.
  • No formal city-wide bicycle sharing programs exist.
  • Some hotels or guesthouses may offer bicycle rentals.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Driving Side

Drive on the right side of the road.

Laws are often loosely followed.

Road Quality

Varies greatly. Paved roads can have chuckholes; many are unpaved, dusty.

Impassable during wet season.

Parking

Generally informal. On-street parking is common.

Paid lots in commercial areas.

Specialized Transportation & Accessibility

Tour & Unique Transport
  • No formal hop-on-hop-off bus services.
  • Local tour operators may offer private tour buses for groups.
  • No boat taxis, water transportation, cable cars, or funiculars.
Mobility Needs
  • Accessibility services for travelers with mobility needs are very limited.
  • Infrastructure is not adapted for mobility impairments.
  • Specialized services need pre-arrangement independently.

Walking & Cycling Safety

  • Walking is possible during daylight, but sidewalks are uneven or non-existent.
  • Dedicated bicycle lanes are limited; cyclists share roads with heavy traffic.
  • Avoid walking or cycling alone at night, especially in dimly lit areas.
  • Areas with high traffic density pose danger for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Bangr-Weoogo Urban Park offers a dedicated and safer environment for walking.
  • Restricted formal self-guided walking tours exist. Local guides enhance safety and insights.
  • Refer to general security advisories for regions beyond downtown where walking/cycling is extremely risky.

Final Transportation Tip

Always carry a small amount of cash for transportation.

Be prepared to haggle over prices for private taxis and zemidjans before starting your journey.

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