45–55 km south-east of the city centre, Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) is not exactly on your Dakar hotel's doorstep. Which option to choose? How much does it really cost? Can you book in advance? This guide answers it all.
What you need to know before you leave
The airport, opened in December 2017, replaced the former Léopold Sédar Senghor airport. It is located in the commune of Diass, Thiès region, about 47 kilometres south-east of the centre of Dakar. Allow 45 to 60 minutes' travel depending on the option chosen and traffic density.
A toll motorway links the airport directly to the capital. The toll remains optional and, when it applies, is generally at the passenger's expense — to be clarified with the driver before departure.
- ▸IATA code: DSS
- ▸Full name: Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD)
- ▸Location: Diass, Thiès region — about 47 km south-east of Dakar
- ▸Travel time: 45 to 60 min depending on the option and traffic density
- ▸Access: direct toll motorway (toll usually at the passenger's expense)
How much does the transfer to Dakar cost?
Fares vary threefold depending on the mode of transport. Here is an overview, from the most economical to the most comfortable.
| Mode of transport | Estimated price (one way) | Approximate duration |
|---|---|---|
| Car rapide (Ndiaga Ndiaye) | ~500 FCFA | > 60 min |
| Public bus (line 8X) | ~1,000 FCFA | 60 to 90 min |
| TER (Train Express Régional) | ~2,500 FCFA | ~45 min |
| Dakar Dem Dikk shuttle | ~1,500 FCFA | ~50 min |
| Senecartours shuttle (Patte d'Oie) | ~7,500 FCFA | ~50 min |
| Ride-hailing (Yango, Heetch…) | 10,000 – 20,000 FCFA | ~45 min |
| Official taxi (daytime) | 13,000 – 15,000 FCFA | 45 to 60 min |
| Official taxi (night-time) | ~18,000 FCFA | 45 to 60 min |
| Private transfer / hotel shuttle | 20,000 – 35,000 FCFA | ~45 min |
Taxi and shuttle fares change regularly. Always confirm the price with the operator before boarding — and agree with the driver on who pays the toll.
The transport options in detail
TER — the best value for money
The TER is probably travellers' most underrated option. The station is built directly into the airport terminal — no intermediate transfer needed. Departures run roughly every 30 minutes, from 6 AM until late evening, for a fare of about 2,500 FCFA per person. The trip to Dakar takes around 45 minutes, jam-free and fully air-conditioned. From Dakar station, a taxi or bus makes it easy to reach any neighbourhood.
Check the TER timetable before your flight: it does not run around the clock. For a late arrival (after 11 PM), plan for a taxi or a ride-hailing car.
Official taxi — available at any hour
Hundreds of licensed taxis wait at the arrivals exit, available 24/7. The official fare is 13,000 FCFA in the daytime and 18,000 FCFA at night to reach Dakar. The motorway toll, if the driver takes it, is added to the fare. Always agree the price before getting in and check that the driver is clearly identified by an official badge.
Airport shuttle — the practical compromise
Several operators run regular shuttles between AIBD and the centre of Dakar:
- ▸Dakar Dem Dikk — departures every hour between 5 AM and 2:30 AM, fare around 1,500 FCFA
- ▸Senecartours — air-conditioned shuttles at fixed times (8:30, 13:30, 16:30, 18:30, 21:30, 2:00, 4:00); 7,500 FCFA to Patte d'Oie, 10,000 FCFA to the seafront hotels
- ▸Aerobus Direct AIBD — serves Dakar, Mbour and Thiès
Ride-hailing (Yango, Heetch) — flexibility at a displayed price
Yango and Heetch are available from AIBD. The fare is shown before you confirm the ride, with no haggling. Expect between 10,000 and 20,000 FCFA depending on the time and exact destination. A dedicated ride-hailing meeting point is set up at the terminal exit. If you'd like to explore Dakar entirely on your own, our selection of self-drive vehicles in Dakar may also interest you. Open the app before clearing customs to avoid the wait.
Pre-booked private transfer — zero stress on arrival
After a long-haul flight, the last thing you want is to hunt for a taxi in the Senegalese heat. Private transfers — booked through specialist platforms or directly with local providers such as our transfer with a driver in Dakar service — include a named meet-and-greet at the arrivals exit, flight tracking and help with luggage. Prices start at around 20,000 FCFA for an individual vehicle. Some providers offer hybrid vehicles with onboard wifi, mineral water and chargers.
How to book your transfer?
Online, before departure
This is the most reassuring option, especially for a late arrival or a first trip to Senegal. Platforms such as GetYourGuide, Viator or MyTransfers let you compare offers and book with instant confirmation. Most offer deferred payment: you book free of charge and pay on the date of the trip. For Dakar Dem Dikk shuttles, book directly on demdikk.sn.
On site, at the airport
If you prefer to improvise, official taxis, shuttles and ride-hailing desks are accessible directly at the arrivals hall exit. For ride-hailing, open the app before clearing customs to avoid the wait.
What to tell your provider
- ▸Flight number and actual arrival time
- ▸Exact address of the accommodation in Dakar
- ▸Number of passengers and bags (bulky suitcases, bicycle…)
- ▸Special request: child seat, reduced mobility, pet
Which option for your profile?
There is no single right answer — it all depends on your priorities.
Tight budget
Public bus or TER, both under 2,500 FCFA. The best price without sacrificing reliability.
Price / comfort balance
TER or Dakar Dem Dikk shuttle: air-conditioned, punctual, without blowing the budget.
Flexibility
Official taxi or ride-hailing at the terminal exit, with no prior booking.
Total comfort
Pre-booked private transfer, ideal in a group, with family or with heavy luggage.
A family trip with bulky suitcases naturally points towards the taxi or private transfer. A solo traveller, flexible and used to West Africa, will probably prefer the TER for its reliability and unbeatable price. To go further in discovering the capital, our guided tours in Dakar are an excellent way to round off your stay.
The TER stands out as the revelation of recent years: fast, air-conditioned, punctual, under 2,500 FCFA, with a station right inside the airport terminal.— Our verdict
In summary
To reach Dakar from Blaise Diagne airport, every traveller has their ideal option. The TER wins on efficiency and price. The official taxi reassures with its round-the-clock availability. The pre-booked private transfer removes all stress on arrival, especially for first-time visitors or night arrivals.
Whatever your constraint, the key is not to wait until the terminal exit to decide — a minimum of preparation will save you nasty surprises and tiresome haggling after ten hours of flying.
Book your transfer with peace of mind
A named meet-and-greet at the arrivals exit, flight tracking and a French-speaking driver: arrange your private transfer Blaise Diagne Airport → Dakar with YouSenegal right now.
Request my transfer →