Transportation in Senegal

# Transportation in Senegal: Essential Overview Senegal offers a diverse mix of transportation options suited to different budgets and travel styles. In Dakar and other major cities, you'll find **taxis** (both metered and shared "taxi-brousse"), **car rapides** (colorful local buses), and increasingly modern **Dakar Dem Dikk** public buses. For intercity travel, **sept-places** (shared taxis seating seven passengers) connect major towns, while coach buses serve longer routes between cities like Dakar, Saint-Louis, and Ziguinchor. The country also has limited rail service and domestic flights for covering greater distances quickly. **First-time visitors should know** that transportation in Senegal operates on a mix of formal and informal systems. While Dakar has been modernizing its public transport with the TER regional train and BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system, much of the country still relies on shared transport where vehicles depart when full rather than on fixed schedules. Negotiating taxi fares in advance is essential (or insist on the meter in Dakar), and patience is key—Senegalese time operates more flexibly than Western schedules. French is the primary language for navigation, though many drivers speak Wolof. **From Blaise Diagne International Airport** (located about 50km from central Dakar), travelers typically use pre-arranged taxis, airport shuttle services, or the TER train which connects to downtown Dakar. For current pricing and booking options, check the available booking widgets, as rates vary by service type and destination within the city. Allow extra time for the journey, especially during peak traffic hours.

Taxis in Dakar typically don't use meters, so agree on the fare before starting your journey

Download the Yango app for ride-hailing service in Dakar and major cities

Rapide (blue and yellow minibuses) follow set routes but don't have printed schedules - ask locals for guidance

Keep small denomination CFA franc notes handy for public transport as drivers often lack change