Diass, about 47 km south-east of Dakar: this is where the journey begins for almost every traveller to Senegal. Here is how Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) works, what awaits you on the way out, and the real options for reaching your destination.
A recent airport, a fair distance from Dakar
Opened in 2017 to replace the former Léopold Sédar Senghor airport (now closed to commercial traffic), AIBD handles almost every international flight to Senegal. Its single, modern, air-conditioned terminal manages both long-haul flights (Paris, Brussels, Istanbul, New York) and regional connections.
First thing to keep in mind as you step off the plane: the airport is about 60 km from the centre of Dakar, meaning 1 hour to 1 hour 30 by road depending on traffic and arrival time. That is neither trivial nor dramatic, provided you have planned for it, especially for a night flight when you will be tired and the queues at passport control can stretch out.
Every way to leave the airport
As you come out of the Arrivals terminal, four options are open to you, with significant differences in price and comfort.
| Option | Comfort | Price range | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official taxi | Adequate | Negotiated, often high at night | Negotiate BEFORE getting in, insist on a clear fare |
| Private transfer with driver | High | Fixed, booked in advance | Driver holding the traveller's name, no waiting or haggling |
| Rental car, pick-up on site | Full independence | Varies by category | 5 rental companies at Arrivals level, open 24/7 |
| Shuttle / bus | Basic | The cheapest | Limited timetable, poorly suited to heavy luggage |
For a first stay, coming off a night flight with children or plenty of luggage, a private driver booked before departure remains, by far, the least stressful option: your name is displayed at the exit, the price is set in advance, and there is no negotiation to improvise after fifteen hours of travel.
Renting a car directly at the airport
Five rental companies are set up at the main terminal, Arrivals level, open 24/7: Mass Location, Satguru, Hertz, Sixt and Senecartours, alongside Avis. Pick-up is done without a shuttle, directly on site, a clear advantage if you plan to drive yourself straight from the exit.
- ▸Economy category: 35,000 to 60,000 FCFA/day depending on the company and the season
- ▸Deposit: 300,000 to 1,000,000 FCFA without a driver, often waived with a driver
- ▸AIBD pick-up surcharge: around 5,000 FCFA with some companies
If the idea of driving right after a long-haul flight worries you, or if you are not yet comfortable with Senegalese traffic, a package with a local guide lets you keep a vehicle on hand while avoiding having to find your own way from day one.
Preparing your arrival well
The comfort of your terminal exit is largely decided before you even land.
- ▸Book your transfer or your rental in advance: queues at the counter are longer at the end of the day, when several long-haul flights land within minutes of each other.
- ▸Keep your driver's or rental company's number available offline (a screenshot): the airport wifi is not always stable as soon as you leave the plane.
- ▸Have a little cash in FCFA for the first expenses (tip, water, taxi change): ATMs are present but not always stocked during off-peak hours.
- ▸If you drive yourself, factor in the toll: about 2000 FCFA on the motorway linking AIBD to Dakar, payable in cash or via the Xéweul card (non-stop electronic tolling).
Frequently asked questions
Allow 1 hour to 1 hour 30 by road for about 60 km, depending on the time and the traffic. Night flights often allow a smoother journey than during the day.
Yes, five rental companies are set up at Arrivals level, open 24/7, with pick-up on site and no shuttle.
The taxi is negotiated on the spot, with a fare that easily climbs at night. A private driver booked in advance offers a fixed price and a name-in-hand welcome, more comfortable after a long flight.
A little FCFA in your pocket is useful for the first expenses, even though ATMs are available on site.
In short
AIBD is in no way a complicated airport, but its distance from Dakar deserves to be anticipated: book your transport solution before you take off, keep your contact's details available offline, and plan for the toll if you drive yourself. The rest follows naturally.
Want a stress-free welcome as you leave the airport?
Book your car in Dakar before departure: driver, local guide or self-drive rental, to collect directly at AIBD.
Organise my arrival at AIBD →