Getting from AIBD Airport to Central Dakar

Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) sits in Diass, about 45 km from central Dakar. Unlike the old Yoff airport, you now need to plan a real journey to reach the city. Here are all the options, with travel times and price ranges.

How long does it take?

Expect roughly 1 to 1.5 hours to reach downtown (Plateau) depending on traffic. The Ila Touba / Diamniadio toll highway keeps the trip smooth outside rush hour, but congestion at the entrance to Dakar can slow everything down.

Your transport options

1. Official taxi

Taxis wait outside the arrivals hall. The ride to Plateau or the Almadies usually costs 20,000 to 30,000 FCFA. Negotiate and agree on the price before getting in, as meters are rare. The highway toll is sometimes added on top.

2. Ride-hailing apps

Ride-hailing apps operate in Dakar and serve the airport. Fares are often more predictable, around 15,000 to 28,000 FCFA to the center, paid in cash or mobile money depending on the service. Check availability on arrival.

3. Shuttles and hotel transfers

Many hotels offer a private transfer on request, between 20,000 and 35,000 FCFA. It is the simplest option after a night flight, especially with luggage.

4. The TER (regional express train)

The TER links Diamniadio and Dakar quickly and cheaply. From the airport, a shuttle connection is needed to reach Diamniadio station, then the train to the center. It is the cheapest option (train ticket from a few hundred up to 1,500 FCFA), but less convenient with heavy luggage.

5. Car rental

Rental agencies operate at the airport. Expect from 25,000 to 45,000 FCFA per day depending on the vehicle. Useful if you plan trips or day tours outside Dakar.

Practical tips

• Withdraw cash: ATMs are available at the airport and handy for taxis.
• Agree the price in advance with taxis, toll included or not.
• Avoid rush hour (7-9am and 5-8pm) at the entrance to Dakar if possible.
• Book ahead for a transfer if your flight arrives late at night.
• Keep the exact address of your accommodation written down in French.

Comparing providers

To compare drivers, transfer companies and rental firms, a local directory helps. Check the transport category or browse providers in the city of Dakar. If you plan to rent a vehicle to explore, also look at the automotive category.

Safety and budget

For a first stay, favor a pre-booked transfer: the driver waits with your name, which avoids being approached outside and improvised fares. If you take a taxi on the spot, never get in without agreeing the price, toll included or not, and keep your luggage within reach. Carry a small reserve of cash in small notes: after a night flight, not everyone has change. Finally, remember that the return to the airport needs the same planning: leave the city center at least 3 hours before a flight to absorb traffic and check-in.

In short

From AIBD, taxis and ride-hailing remain the most direct ways into Dakar, while the TER offers the cheapest option with one connection. Plan the trip, agree your prices and allow time: the distance to the capital often surprises newcomers.