How to Travel from Dakar to Saint-Louis

Saint-Louis sits about 260 kilometres north of Dakar on a paved national road, and the trip takes 3.5 to 6 hours depending on how you go and when you leave. Your three realistic choices are an intercity coach, a sept places shared taxi from one of the city's bus stations, or a car, whether your own, a rental or one with a driver.

The sept places shared taxi

The sept places is the old Peugeot estate that seats seven passengers, and it is how most Senegalese travel between cities. The rule is simple: the car leaves when it is full, not at a fixed time. Expect roughly 6,000 to 9,000 FCFA per person, plus a small baggage fee paid separately.

A few things that make the trip smoother:

• Arrive early. Between 6am and 9am cars fill within twenty minutes. In the afternoon you may wait an hour or more for the last seat.
• Ask for the middle row if you are travelling as a pair. The back bench is the least comfortable seat in Senegal.
• Pay the baggage fee to the official agent at the station and keep your receipt.
• Carry small notes: stops in Kébémer or Louga are cash only.

If you are staying in Parcelles Assainies, Pikine, Guédiawaye or Keur Massar you are already on the northern side of the city, so there is no reason to travel down to Plateau first. From Almadies, Ngor, Yoff or Ouakam, allow a solid hour by taxi during rush hour.

Taking the coach

Large air conditioned coaches run the Dakar to Saint-Louis route with announced departure times, numbered seats and a luggage hold. This is the calmest option if you have just landed or are travelling with children. Tickets usually fall between 7,000 and 12,000 FCFA.

Coaches stop less often than shared taxis, but they rarely pull away at the exact advertised minute, so turn up thirty to forty minutes ahead. Morning departures are the most dependable: in the afternoon, getting through Pikine and Rufisque alone can add an hour to the journey.

Renting a car or hiring a driver

Driving yourself makes sense if you plan to explore beyond the city, for example the Langue de Barbarie, the Djoudj bird sanctuary, or the river road towards Podor. The highway is in good condition for almost the whole route, but avoid driving after dark. Unlit carts, stray animals and parked lorries are common on the stretch past Louga.

Plan for:

• Fuel both ways. Filling up around Diamniadio before the long quiet section is a sensible habit.
• An international driving permit if you are visiting from abroad, and a careful read of the insurance clause in your contract.
• Gendarmerie checkpoints along the way. Keep your documents and ID within reach.

Hiring a driver or a long distance VTC is a good middle ground if you would rather not drive here yourself. Rates are negotiated by the day and often include waiting time on site. Many agencies are based in Plateau, along the airport road, in Mermoz or around Sacré-Cœur.

Seasons, timing and what to pack

From November to February the drive is pleasant and northern evenings turn cool, so bring a light jacket. Between July and October, rain slows the exit from Dakar and leaves muddy verges along the road. In the hottest months, leave before 8am.

In your bag: water, snacks, a charger and some cash. For emergencies on the road, remember 17 for the police, 18 for the fire service and 1515 for the ambulance.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• AIBD Dem Dikk : Dakar, transport
• CarRent : Plateau, car rental
• Gambia Transport Service Company : Dakar, transport
• Hertz Car Rental : Airport road, car rental
• Location Pick UP DAKAR : Dakar, vehicle rental
• MAPAUTO location de voitures et VTC Dakar : Mermoz, car rental and VTC

To compare more transport options in Dakar, you can see all addresses.

Useful tools

• Route planner to map your trip and its stops.
• FCFA currency converter to work out your budget before you leave.
• Practical guide with emergency numbers and transport basics.
• Once you arrive, plan your stay with our guide to what to see in Saint-Louis and our pick of the best restaurants in Saint-Louis.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Dakar to Saint-Louis trip take?

Allow 3.5 to 4 hours by private car with an early start, and 4.5 to 6 hours by coach or sept places once you count stops and the drive out of Dakar.

What is the cheapest way to get there?

The sept places shared taxi is the cheapest, generally between 6,000 and 9,000 FCFA per person, with luggage charged separately.

Can I do it as a day trip?

It is possible by car if you leave before 7am, but it makes for a very long day. To actually enjoy Saint-Louis, plan at least one night there.