How to get to Dakar Arena in Diamniadio: train, taxi and car

Dakar Arena sits in the new urban hub of Diamniadio, about thirty kilometres from central Dakar and roughly twenty minutes from AIBD airport. You have three realistic ways to get there: the TER train to Diamniadio station, driving on the toll motorway, or a taxi or ride-hailing car booked ahead. During the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, from 31 October to 13 November 2026, the arena hosts badminton and the futsal finals, so plan your return trip as carefully as the way out.

The TER: your best bet at rush hour

The Regional Express Train runs from Dakar station on the Plateau to Diamniadio, stopping at Colobane, Hann, Pikine, Thiaroye, Rufisque and Bargny among others, and continues to AIBD airport.

• Staying on the Plateau, in Médina or near Colobane: walk or take a short ride to Dakar or Colobane station.
• Staying in Point E, Mermoz, Sacré-Cœur or Liberté 6: a quick taxi to Colobane or Hann saves time.
• Staying in Almadies, Ngor, Ouakam or Yoff: these areas are not on the line. Take a taxi to Hann or Colobane, or simply go by road.
• Coming from Parcelles Assainies, Guédiawaye or Keur Massar: no station there either; Pikine or Thiaroye is usually the easiest option.

From Diamniadio station, a short taxi ride takes you to the arena. Fares depend on the zones you cross, so check at the ticket office or machines. Our guide to riding the TER from Dakar to Diamniadio covers stations and tickets in detail.

Taxi, car and the toll motorway

By road, you join the toll motorway around Patte d'Oie or Hann. Without traffic, the drive from the Plateau takes about 40 minutes; at peak times it can easily double.

• Yellow and black taxis: agree on the fare before getting in. From central Dakar to Diamniadio, expect somewhere between 8,000 and 15,000 FCFA depending on where you start, the time of day and how well you haggle. Ask whether tolls are included.
• Your own or a rental car: keep small change for the toll gates; a few thousand FCFA covers a one-way trip. Parking around the hub can fill up on finals nights, so arrive early.
• Car with driver: handy for several venues in one day, see our Diamniadio transport listings.

Coming straight from AIBD airport

AIBD airport is closer to Diamniadio than to Dakar.

• TER: the line links AIBD to Diamniadio in a few stops, ideal if you travel light.
• Taxi or ride-hailing: allow around twenty minutes to the Diamniadio hub outside traffic. Withdraw FCFA at the airport ATMs; exchange offices are hard to find once you leave Dakar.

Getting back at night

After a final, hundreds of spectators look for a ride at the same time.

• Check the time of the last train before you set off and leave yourself a margin.
• Book a ride-hailing car or driver in advance, especially if you are heading to Almadies, Ngor or Yoff, far from any station.
• Yango and Heetch are paid in cash, via Wave or Orange Money, not by card. Wave and Orange Money need a Senegalese SIM and ID, so most short-stay visitors simply use cash.
• Session times and tickets: rely only on the organising committee's official website or app.
• Emergencies: police 17, fire brigade 18.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• Diamniadio Automobile : Diamniadio, transport company.
• ElamoTours : Diamniadio, transport company.
• AIBD Dem Dikk : Dakar, transport service.
• VIP DAKAR VTC : Ngor Almadies, private driver service.

To compare more options, see all addresses in this category or explore the Diamniadio directory.

Useful tools

• Route planner to estimate your journey to the hub.
• Practical guide: emergency numbers, transport and key info.
• SeneFinder Dakar 2026 page listing every competition venue.
• Our complete Diamniadio guide to explore the new city.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to reach Dakar Arena from Dakar?

At rush hour, the TER to Diamniadio station followed by a short taxi ride is usually the most predictable. Outside peak times, driving on the toll motorway is just as quick, especially from Almadies or Ngor.

Can I pay for a taxi or ride-hailing car by card?

Rarely. Street taxis take cash, while Yango and Heetch are paid in cash, via Wave or Orange Money. Withdraw FCFA from an ATM before you leave.

How do I get back to Dakar after an evening final?

Check the last train time before setting off and, if you can, book a driver or ride-hailing car for the return.