MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Dakar

Air Travel

Major Airport & Airlines

Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS): Located in Diass, approx. 45 km (28 miles) east of Dakar city center. This modern airport serves as Senegal’s main international air hub.

African Airlines

  • Air Senegal: National carrier, regional West African destinations, North Africa, Europe.
  • Royal Air Maroc: Connects via Casablanca.
  • Ethiopian Airlines: Extensive connections via Addis Ababa.

European & North American Airlines

DSS connects to various continents. Find your direct route.

Direct Flights from Hubs

  • Europe: Paris (CDG), Brussels (BRU), Lisbon (LIS), Istanbul (IST), Madrid (MAD).
  • North America: New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL).
  • ASKY Airlines, Tunisair, Iberia also serve DSS.

Price Fluctuations

Flight prices rise during peak dry season (Nov-Feb), especially around holidays. Book early. Lower prices often appear during the monsoon (Jul-Oct).

Airport Facilities

DSS offers duty-free shops, various restaurants/cafes, currency exchange, ATMs, car rental agencies, VIP lounges, and generally available Wi-Fi.

Airport Transfers

Taxis are outside the terminal (XOF 10,000-15,000 to city). Ndiaga Ndiayes (shared minibuses) are cheaper. Private transfers are available. TER (Train) connects DSS to Diamniadio.

Affiliate Flight Resources

Flight Deal Services

Car Rental Resources

Land Transportation

Border Crossings

Senegal shares land borders with Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia. Crossings can be time-consuming; use official posts. Check visa requirements for neighboring countries beforehand.

Train & Bus Services

TER (Train Express Régional) is a contemporary commuter line connecting Dakar to Diamniadio. Long-distance private coach operators serve intercity routes (e.g., Saint-Louis, Thiès) and neighboring countries.

Self-Driving

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed. Self-driving is not recommended in Dakar owing to significant traffic, aggressive habits, and variable road conditions. Hiring a private driver for side trips is often a better option.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

International sea arrivals for tourists are limited, mainly to cruise ship calls. River transportation serves specific inland regions rather than the capital directly.

Details

  • Dakar’s port sometimes hosts cruise ships for day excursions into the city.
  • No regular international passenger ferry services to Dakar from other countries.
  • The most relevant ferry service for tourists is to Gorée Island, departing regularly from Port of Dakar.

River Transport & Immigration

River transport is generally for specific inland regions, not directly for Dakar.

Considerations

  • Senegal River is navigable northward (e.g., Saint-Louis), but no significant river options serve Dakar directly.
  • For cruise passengers, immigration procedures are typically handled onboard or at disembarkation.
  • The Port of Dakar is close to the city center, making taxis easy to discover upon disembarkation.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road conditions vary; major highways are paved but quality changes. Urban roads have congestion and potholes. Night driving outside major cities is not advised due to poor lighting and hazards.

Points

  • Major roads connecting cities are generally paved, the quality differs.
  • Urban roads in Dakar are often congested, many secondary roads are dirt roads.
  • Avoid driving outside major cities at night due to poor lighting and hazards.

Departure Information

Prepare for your departure to ensure a smooth exit.

Departure Process

  • Exit fees or airport fees for international flights are generally included in your airfare.
  • Arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) at least THREE hours in advance of your international flight.
  • Allow for traffic delays from Dakar city center to the airport (1-1.5 hours+).

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

  • Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS): Post-security, finds duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, VIP lounges.
  • Pre-security areas also have shops and food outlets.
  • Train/Bus Stations: Facilities are more fundamental, with small shops, snack vendors, and waiting areas.
  • Arrive with enough time, but do not expect extensive amenities at these particular stations.

Summary of Departures

Final Travel Checks

Always reconfirm your flight status 24-48 hours before departure. This enables you to stay informed of any changes.