Taking the TER train from Dakar to Diamniadio

Thumbnail for Taking the TER train from Dakar to Diamniadio

Stations, timetables, fares and connections: what you need to know to take the TER between Dakar and Diamniadio, and reach AIBD airport without stress.

Taking the TER train from Dakar to Diamniadio

The TER links Dakar's central station, at the edge of the Plateau, to Diamniadio in roughly thirty minutes, on a route that can take well over an hour and a half by road at peak times. Carriages are air conditioned, weekday departures are frequent, and a ticket costs far less than a taxi fare. Here is how to use it with confidence.

Stations and how to reach them from your neighbourhood

The line starts at Dakar station, near the port, and calls at Colobane, Hann, Baux Maraichers, Thiaroye, Yembeul, Pikine, Rufisque and Bargny before reaching Diamniadio.

Your first move depends on where you sleep:

  • Plateau, Medina, Point E: the station is a short taxi ride away, or walkable from the northern Plateau.
  • Almadies, Ngor, Yoff, Ouakam, Mermoz, Sacre Coeur: take a BRT or Dem Dikk bus into town, or a taxi. Leave early, the VDN and the Corniche clog quickly in the morning.
  • Parcelles Assainies, Guediawaye, Pikine, Keur Massar: do not backtrack to the Plateau. Board at Pikine or Yembeul instead and save real time.
  • Rufisque: you are already on the line, with easy access in both directions.

Every station has a forecourt where taxis, clandos and feeder minibuses wait.

Timetables and when not to travel

Trains run from very early morning until evening, every ten to twenty minutes on weekdays depending on the time slot, with wider gaps at weekends and on public holidays. Schedules are adjusted periodically, so trust the station displays and announcements on the day rather than an old screenshot.

Worth knowing:

  • Morning peaks head into Dakar, evening peaks head out. Plan against the flow when you can.
  • Friday afternoons are busy with families travelling towards Diamniadio and beyond.
  • Around Magal, Gamou and Korite, passenger numbers rise sharply.
  • During the rainy season, from July to October, the train is the most dependable option: it is unaffected by the flooding that blocks roads around Pikine and Keur Massar.

Fares and tickets

The TER has two classes and prices its journeys by section. In practice, a full Dakar to Diamniadio run in second class falls in a 1,500 to 2,500 FCFA range, with first class roughly double. Short hops such as Dakar to Pikine often come in under 1,000 FCFA.

A few habits that help:

  • Buy a rechargeable card if you travel often. Tapping through the gates beats queueing at the counter.
  • Keep your ticket until you leave the destination station, it is checked on exit.
  • Carry small notes and coins, especially at busy hours.
  • First class is worth the difference when you have suitcases or a laptop.

Getting to AIBD airport from Diamniadio

The line currently stops at Diamniadio, so AIBD requires a road connection of about twenty kilometres by shuttle or taxi from the station. Build in a generous buffer: train, waiting time, motorway, then check in.

For very early or very late flights, when train frequencies thin out, a direct shuttle or a private transfer from your neighbourhood is usually the safer choice. Many diaspora travellers mix the two: TER on the way in, shuttle on the way out with the luggage.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

To compare other ways of moving around the city, you can see all addresses.

Useful tools

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Dakar to Diamniadio trip take?

Allow roughly thirty to forty minutes station to station, depending on stops. That is often two to three times faster than driving at peak hours.

Does the TER go all the way to AIBD airport?

No, the current terminus is Diamniadio. You then need a shuttle or taxi connection along the motorway to reach AIBD, so leave a comfortable margin before your flight.

Can I travel with luggage and children?

Yes. Hand luggage and suitcases are allowed, and the carriages have dedicated space. With small children or heavy bags, first class and off peak departures make the trip far more comfortable.