Beaux Maraichers bus station: traveling by coach from Dakar

If you want to leave Dakar by road for Thiès, Touba, Saint-Louis, Kaolack or Casamance, chances are you will go through the Beaux Maraichers bus station in Pikine. It is the main hub for coaches, minibuses and bush taxis (the famous "sept-places") heading to almost every region of Senegal and to several neighboring countries. Here is how to get there, buy a ticket, handle your luggage and travel with peace of mind.

How the station works

The station sits in Pikine, at the gateway to Dakar's suburbs, right by the highway. It replaced the old Pompiers station, which was closer to downtown. The site is large and split by destination: each route has its own area, sometimes signposted, often simply shouted out by touts looking for passengers.

You will usually choose between three options:

• Sept-places (bush taxi): a seven-seat station wagon that leaves as soon as it is full. Fast and popular for Saint-Louis, Touba or Kaolack.
• Minibus: cheaper but slower, with many stops along the way.
• Coach: more seats and luggage space, handy for long trips to Tambacounda, Ziguinchor or across the border.

As a rough guide, expect around 6,000 to 8,000 FCFA by sept-places to Saint-Louis, 4,000 to 6,000 FCFA to Touba, and often more than 12,000 FCFA to Ziguinchor. Fares move with fuel prices, seasons and religious holidays.

Getting to Pikine and buying your ticket

From Plateau, Point E, Mermoz or Sacré-Cœur, a taxi usually costs between 3,000 and 5,000 FCFA depending on traffic and how well you bargain. From Almadies, Ngor or Ouakam, budget a little more. If you live in Guédiawaye, Parcelles Assainies or Keur Massar, a city bus or shared taxi will get you there cheaply.

Once you arrive:

• Head to the official ticket counter for your destination instead of following the first tout who approaches you.
• Ask for the fare and the luggage fee before paying, and keep your ticket.
• Carry small notes: getting change for a large bill can take a while.

To compare transport operators and agencies across the city, browse our directory of transport companies in Dakar.

Departure times, luggage and safety

Departures generally happen early in the morning, from dawn onward, because vehicles leave when full and travelers want to arrive before dark. Turning up early means a better seat and a quicker departure. Late in the day, waits get longer and some routes thin out. Around Tabaski, Korité or the Grand Magal of Touba, the station gets packed, so leave a few days ahead if you can.

Suitcases travel on the roof or in the hold, and bulky items often cost extra. Keep a small bag with you holding your ID, cash, phone, water and any medication.

A few safety habits go a long way:

• Watch your belongings in the crowd, especially at peak times.
• Keep your ID handy, as police checks are common on the road.
• Feel free to ask the driver to slow down if the driving worries you.
• In an emergency, call 17 (police) or 18 (fire and rescue).

Alternatives to the bus station

The station is not your only choice. The TER commuter train links central Dakar to Rufisque and Diamniadio, letting you skip the worst of the outbound traffic. Some intercity buses run on fixed schedules, which families often find more comfortable. And a car with driver remains the most flexible option for groups, diaspora families with lots of luggage or business trips: expect several tens of thousands of FCFA per day, with fuel included or not depending on the deal.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• BEAUX MARAICHERS GARE ROUTIÈRE DE DAKAR : Pikine, bus station.
• Senecar Tours : Dakar, transport.
• Salam Transport : VDN, transport.
• Dakar Dem Dikk(DDD): agence Thiès : Thiès, transport agency.
• Gambia Transport Service Company : Dakar, transport.

You can also see all addresses in this category or explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

• Route planner to plan your ride to Pikine.
• FCFA currency converter to work out your budget.
• Practical guide: emergency numbers, transport and key info.
• Our guide to traveling from Dakar to Saint-Louis.
• Everything you need to reach Saly and Mbour from Dakar.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Beaux Maraichers bus station?

It is in Pikine, in Dakar's suburbs, next to the highway. You can easily get there by taxi from downtown or by shared transport from the suburbs.

What time should I arrive to catch a vehicle?

Most departures happen early in the morning, from dawn. Arriving early means a faster departure, since sept-places leave as soon as they are full.

How much does a sept-places trip cost?

It depends on the destination: as a rough guide, a few thousand FCFA for Thiès or Touba, and more for Saint-Louis or Casamance. Bulky luggage is often charged extra.