Distances and travel times: Dakar, Diamniadio, Saly

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Dakar, Diamniadio, AIBD and Saly: distances, travel times, TER, toll motorway, taxis, cars with driver and rush hours to get around smoothly during the JOJ Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Distances and travel times between Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly

Diamniadio sits roughly 30 km from central Dakar and is reachable by TER train or the toll motorway, while Saly is about 80 km away, a drive of 1 h 15 to 2 h depending on traffic. AIBD airport lies between the two, which makes it a handy stopover. Useful to know for the JOJ Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, from 31 October to 13 November 2026, with events spread across all three hubs.

Dakar to Diamniadio: TER or motorway

The TER regional express train is the most dependable way to reach Diamniadio from the city. It leaves from Dakar station in the Plateau and stops at Colobane, Hann, Pikine, Thiaroye, Rufisque and Bargny, among others, before Diamniadio.

Keep in mind that Almadies, Ngor, Yoff, Parcelles Assainies, Guédiawaye and Keur Massar are not on the line. You first need a taxi to a station such as Colobane or Hann, adding 20 to 45 minutes.

By road, the toll motorway gets you from Dakar to Diamniadio in 30 to 45 minutes when it is clear, but that can double in the late afternoon. A taxi from Point E, Mermoz or Sacré-Cœur usually costs between 10,000 and 20,000 FCFA depending on the time and your bargaining, and the toll is sometimes extra, so agree on it before you get in.

During the Games, Diamniadio hosts venues such as Dakar Arena and the Exhibition Centre: from the Plateau or Médina, take the TER.

AIBD: the halfway point

Blaise Diagne International Airport is past Diamniadio, about 45 km from central Dakar and around 40 km from Saly. The TER serves it too, so you can reach the city without a car. Heading straight to the Petite Côte? Leave the airport by car and skip the detour through Dakar. Our article on the AIBD to Saly transfer covers this in detail.

Dakar to Saly: 80 km worth planning

Allow about 80 km, or 1 h 15 to 2 h on the toll motorway depending on traffic. The TER does not reach Saly, so the road is your only option. The main choices:

  • Car with driver: the most comfortable choice for families or groups with luggage. For a full day, expect roughly 35,000 to 70,000 FCFA, with fuel and tolls sometimes on top.
  • Taxi: a one-way trip is often negotiated between 30,000 and 50,000 FCFA. Settle the fare, and whether tolls are included, before leaving.
  • Private shuttles: convenient for transfers booked in advance.
  • Ride-hailing (Yango, Heetch): handy within Dakar, but long rides to Saly are less reliable. They are paid in cash or through Wave and Orange Money, not by card.

During the Games, Saly's west beach hosts beach volleyball, beach handball, beach wrestling, coastal rowing, triathlon and sailing. Staying in Saly spares you two long drives a day.

Rush hour and practical tips

Traffic is heavy in the morning, roughly 7 to 10 am heading into town, and again from 5 to 8 pm going out. On Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings the Petite Côte road also fills up with Dakar families heading off for the weekend.

  • Leave early or mid-morning for Saly, especially if you have a flight to catch.
  • Carry cash in FCFA: taxis, markets and small shops run on cash. ATMs are the easiest way to get it.
  • Visa cards are the most widely accepted foreign cards in hotels, supermarkets and Saly resorts, but not in taxis.
  • Wave and Orange Money require a Senegalese SIM card and ID, so most short-stay visitors stick to cash and card.
  • For event schedules and tickets, check the organizing committee's official website or app.

To compare providers, browse transport companies and chauffeur services in Dakar.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get from Dakar to Saly?

About 1 h 15 to 2 h for the 80 km on the toll motorway, depending on traffic.

Can I get to Diamniadio by TER?

Yes. The TER runs from Dakar station in the Plateau to Diamniadio. It also serves AIBD airport.

Does the TER go to Saly?

No. For Saly you need to go by road: car with driver, taxi or private shuttle, possibly starting from AIBD.