Dakar BRT Bus Rapid Transit Guide

The Dakar BRT runs from Guediawaye in the northern suburbs down to Petersen, right next to the Plateau, along a dedicated lane where articulated buses simply bypass the traffic. For thousands of commuters it turns a ninety minute crawl into a short ride. Here is how the line works, where the stations are, what a trip costs and what trips up first time riders.

The line and its stations

The corridor starts at the Guediawaye terminal and heads south to the Petersen terminal downtown. On the way it runs past Parcelles Assainies, skirts Pikine, crosses the Grand Yoff and Patte d'Oie area, serves the Liberte 6 and VDN side of town, then reaches Medina before the city centre.

A few things worth knowing:

• Stations are enclosed, raised and platform level, so you step straight onto the bus. That matters with a stroller, luggage or an elderly relative.
• You tap in before entering the platform, not on board. This is the opposite of the old car rapide or a standard city bus.
• Both terminals double as interchange points for city buses, taxis and minibuses heading to Keur Massar, Rufisque or Yoff.
• Intermediate stations are built for walk up access, so expect a five to fifteen minute walk from most homes in the neighbourhood.

For the map, the printed plan in every station is the easiest reference. The route is a single straight corridor, so there are no internal connections to memorise.

Fares, cards and how to pay

The BRT is cashless on board. You need a rechargeable travel card, bought and topped up at station counters and machines.

• The card itself usually falls in a 1,000 to 2,000 FCFA range, paid once.
• The fare depends on distance travelled, roughly in a 400 to 900 FCFA band. A hop between two neighbouring districts costs clearly less than the full Guediawaye to Petersen run.
• Load enough credit for several days. At rush hour the queue at the counter is longer than the wait for a bus.
• Keep the card after boarding: some stations check it again on the way out.

A negotiated taxi over the same distance costs far more, with no guarantee on travel time. To place these figures in a monthly budget, see our Dakar cost of living guide.

Timing, crowds and seasons

Buses run from early morning until evening at high frequency, so nobody checks a timetable: you turn up and wait a few minutes.

• Morning peak: the Guediawaye to Petersen direction fills up. Shift your departure earlier if your schedule allows.
• Evening peak: the reverse, with downtown platforms crowded from late afternoon.
• Rainy season, July to October: the dedicated lane avoids the flooded suburban roads. Bring shoes that handle the walk to the station.
• Hot season: stations and buses are air conditioned, but waiting outside the gates at midday is rough.

Common mistakes and smart moves

• Do not count on the BRT for Almadies, Ngor, Ouakam or Mermoz. The line does not reach them. Get off around Liberte 6 or Patte d'Oie and finish by taxi or local bus.
• For Point E, Sacre Coeur or the northern Plateau, plan a short walk or taxi at the end.
• Large luggage is allowed but painful at peak times, when buses fill quickly.
• Airport trips: the BRT does not serve AIBD. You will need a shuttle or a transport company, as covered in our article on getting to AIBD airport.
• In an emergency during your trip, remember the official numbers: police 17, fire service 18, medical 1515.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• Waraba Transport Tamba : Dakar, transport company.
• AIBD Dem Dikk : Dakar, transport service.
• Salam Transport : VDN, transport company.
• Saou Transport Dakar : Foire, transport company.
• SENECARTOURS : Foire, transport company.

More transport operators in the capital are listed here: see all addresses.

Useful tools

• Route planner to combine BRT, bus and taxi all the way to your exact destination.
• FCFA currency converter if you are arriving from abroad and want to gauge the fares.
• Practical guide with emergency numbers, transport and everyday information.
• Choosing where to live near the corridor? Read our guide to Dakar neighbourhoods.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Guediawaye to Petersen trip take?

In the dedicated lane, expect around forty minutes end to end, compared with well over ninety minutes by car at peak times. The travel time barely changes from day to day, which is the whole point of the BRT.

Can I pay cash on the bus?

No. Payment is by rechargeable card only, bought and topped up at station counters or machines before you pass the gates.

Does the BRT reach the airport or Diamniadio?

No. The line ends at Petersen in the south and Guediawaye in the north. For AIBD or Diamniadio you need to connect with a shuttle, the TER or a private operator.