How to get to Iba Mar Diop stadium in Medina for Dakar 2026

The easiest way to get to Iba Mar Diop stadium in Medina is by taxi or ride-hailing app from almost anywhere in Dakar. From 31 October to 13 November 2026, the complex hosts athletics, boxing, futsal and rugby sevens at the Youth Olympic Games.

Getting your bearings in Medina

Medina (Médina in French) sits just north of the Plateau, the city centre, bordered by Fass, Gueule Tapée, Colobane and the Corniche Ouest around Soumbédioune. It is a lively neighbourhood with narrow streets. The best known landmark is the Grande Mosquée de Dakar, the Great Mosque, visible from a distance: once you spot it, the stadium is close.

A few tips for finding your way:

• Simply tell the driver "stade Iba Mar Diop". Everyone knows it, and adding "Médina" removes any doubt.
• Agree on a precise meeting point with your group, such as a specific gate or junction, especially if you have children with you.

Taxis and ride-hailing: the practical choice

Black and yellow taxis are everywhere, and fares are agreed before you get in. As a rough guide:

• 1,000 to 2,000 FCFA from the Plateau, Fass, Point E or Colobane;
• 2,000 to 3,500 FCFA from Mermoz, Sacré-Cœur, Liberté 6 or Ouakam;
• 3,000 to 5,000 FCFA from Almadies, Ngor, Yoff or Parcelles Assainies;
• more from Pikine, Guédiawaye, Keur Massar or Rufisque, depending on the time of day.

Ride-hailing apps show the price upfront. Keep in mind that Yango and Heetch are paid in cash or through Wave and Orange Money, not by card. Both mobile wallets need a Senegalese SIM card and an ID, so short-stay visitors usually rely on cash withdrawn from an ATM. You can compare options in our list of taxi and ride-hailing services in Dakar.

Buses, TER and walking: budget options

Dakar Dem Dikk buses and Tata minibuses reach Medina from many parts of the city for a few hundred CFA francs. Cheap, but slower and crowded at rush hour.

The TER regional train makes sense if you are staying in the suburbs or near Diamniadio. It links Diamniadio, Bargny, Rufisque, Thiaroye, Pikine, Hann, Colobane and Dakar (Plateau). Get off at Colobane, the closest station to Medina, then take a short taxi ride or walk. Note that Keur Massar, Guédiawaye and Parcelles Assainies are not on the line, so you will need to reach a station first.

From the Plateau, Fass or Gueule Tapée, walking is a realistic option. Avoid the hottest hours and carry water.

Traffic and timing: beat the jams

Dakar traffic is heavy in the morning and late afternoon, and the streets around the complex will likely be even busier during the Games.

• Leave at least an hour before the session you want to watch.
• After an event, walk a few blocks away before looking for a taxi: you will find one faster and at a better fare.
• The rainy season is normally over by late October, but daytime heat is still strong, so bring a hat and sunscreen.
• For session times and tickets, rely only on the organizing committee's official website or app.

In an emergency, dial 17 for the police and 18 for the fire and rescue service.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• TAXI DAKAR : Sodida, taxi service
• Yassir Senegal : Cité Keur Gorgui, ride-hailing app
• IZYCAB GREEN SUARL : Soumbédioune, private driver company
• Sen VTC : Dakar, private driver service
• AZUR AUTO VTC : Nord Foire, private driver service

For more choice, see all addresses in this category or explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

• Route planner.
• Practical guide: emergency numbers, transport and everyday tips.
• SeneFinder Dakar 2026 page.
• How much a taxi costs in Dakar and how to negotiate.
• Our guide to taxis and ride-hailing in Dakar.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to reach Iba Mar Diop stadium?

A taxi or ride-hailing car is usually fastest from most neighbourhoods, as long as you leave early. From the suburbs, taking the TER to Colobane and then a short taxi ride avoids much of the traffic.

How much does a taxi to Medina cost?

Expect around 1,000 to 2,000 FCFA from the Plateau and 3,000 to 5,000 FCFA from Almadies or Ngor. Fares are agreed before the ride and go up at rush hour.

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

Usually not: taxis take cash, and apps such as Yango or Heetch are paid in cash or through Wave and Orange Money. Carry FCFA notes withdrawn from an ATM.