Picking up your car the moment you step off the plane, with no shuttle and no detour: that's the main advantage of renting directly at Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD). Here's exactly how pick-up works, what it costs on top, and the pitfalls to avoid at the Arrivals exit.
Where the airport is and who rents cars there
AIBD is located in Diass, about 47 km south-east of Dakar, on the Petite Côte road. Allow around 1h30 to reach the city centre off-peak, longer if there's traffic on the toll motorway. Since it opened in December 2017, the airport has replaced the old Léopold-Sédar-Senghor and now handles all international traffic.
- ▸International brands: Hertz, Sixt, Avis
- ▸Regional agencies: Senecartours, Satguru Travel & Tours, Mass Location
- ▸Counters open 24 hours a day, pick-up directly inside the main terminal
Unlike many airports where rental companies are grouped in an off-site building with a shuttle, AIBD keeps its counters right at the Arrivals level of the main terminal: no shuttle to wait for, no extra walk with your luggage.
How pick-up works, step by step
- Collecting your luggageAs at most airports, allow 20 to 40 minutes after landing depending on how busy the flight is.
- Going to the rental counterShow your booking, your driving licence and your ID; some companies also ask for proof of accommodation.
- Checking the vehicleWalk around the car with the agent and photograph every existing scratch before signing the condition report.
- Paying the depositBy card in the vast majority of cases; keep the blocked amount in mind so it doesn't come as a surprise on your return.
- Hitting the roadAllow about 1h30 to reach central Dakar; the airport exit is well signposted towards the toll motorway.
How much does renting directly at the airport cost
Renting on the spot at AIBD is generally a little more expensive than in town, because of the pick-up surcharge, but this extra cost stays moderate compared with the time and transport it saves.
To put this surcharge in the context of your overall budget, our comparison car rental in Dakar: prices, agencies and 2026 comparison breaks down the ranges by vehicle category, with and without this airport surcharge.
Licence, deposit and minimum age: the paperwork on arrival
A driving licence valid for at least two to three years is required, with an international licence recommended if yours isn't written in French or English. The deposit, taken by card, varies by vehicle category: it's best to arrive with a card that has enough headroom, since a refused hold at the counter can quickly spoil the start of a trip.
The minimum age is generally around 21, sometimes 23 for SUV or prestige categories, with a "young driver" surcharge below 25 at some companies. These conditions are worth confirming by phone before your flight, especially if you land late in the evening.
Returning the car before your flight home
Returning the car deserves as much planning as picking it up. Allow at least two hours before boarding to return the vehicle: between refuelling, the joint condition check and the time to reach the check-in counter, the margin disappears fast on a departure day.
- ▸Refuel to the exact level it was at pick-up; an incomplete tank is charged at the local rate
- ▸Go back to the rental counter to sign the return report, never just drop the keys off
- ▸Photograph the vehicle from every angle again before handing over the keys
- ▸Ask for written confirmation that the deposit has been released before going through security
All the practical details on pick-up and return at AIBD are also covered on our dedicated page for car rental at Dakar airport, useful if you're comparing several providers before booking.
Renting on the spot or booking a driver before you land
The real question is whether you want to drive yourself the moment you get off the plane, after a long flight, on an unfamiliar road and at night for some arrivals. Many travellers prefer to book chauffeur pick-up from the airport in advance: the driver waits at the exit, handles your luggage, and already knows the best route options for the time of day. If you're still torn between the two options, our complete guide to car rental in Senegal details the advantages of each across the whole country. And if renting isn't necessary for your stay, our comparison of taxi, shuttle or bus from Blaise Diagne airport remains worth considering for a one-off transfer.
Frequently asked questions
It isn't compulsory, the counters are open 24/7, but booking in advance guarantees vehicle availability and often a better rate, especially in high season (December to April).
No, that's precisely AIBD's advantage: the rental counters sit directly at the Arrivals level of the main terminal, with no shuttle to wait for.
Expect around 5,000 FCFA at several local companies, to be confirmed when booking since the amount varies from one company to another.
About 1h30 to cover the 47 km between the airport and the city centre, longer at peak times on the toll motorway.
Key takeaway
Renting at AIBD makes arrival easier: counters within easy reach, no shuttle, open around the clock, but with a surcharge and paperwork to plan for before your flight. For a first stay or a late arrival, the chauffeur-driven formula is often the most relaxing choice.
Plan your arrival in Dakar without the stress
YouSenegal is with you from the moment you leave the airport, with or without a driver.
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