Getting around — trains, roads, domestic flights and the ferry
In and around Dakar
The capital now has two modern mass transit systems: the TER commuter train, linking central Dakar to Diamniadio in about twenty minutes, and the BRT, an electric bus rapid transit line crossing the city from Guédiawaye to the Plateau since 2024. The TER extension to AIBD airport is announced for September 2026 after successful trials — check whether it is actually in service when you travel. In town, yellow-and-black taxis can be hailed everywhere (agree the fare before getting in) and ride-hailing apps operate.
On the road
Toll motorways link Dakar to the airport, to Mbour and the Petite Côte, to Thiès and to Touba. For touring freely, car hire — very often offered with a driver, a local formula that simplifies everything — remains the most flexible option. Main roads are good; some regional tracks require a 4x4, especially in the rainy season.
Reaching Casamance
Three options. By road, via the Trans-Gambia highway (crossing The Gambia, border formalities both ways). By air: Air Sénégal flies from Dakar to Ziguinchor and Cap Skirring several times a week. By sea: the Aline Sitoé Diatta ferry sails overnight from Dakar to Ziguinchor, calling at Carabane island — an experience in itself. Timetables and tickets from the operator COSAMA and licensed agencies; book early in high season.
Referenced car hire and transport companies
Car hire agencies and transport companies referenced on SenPages — direct contact to book.
Also in this guide
Planning your trip — formalities, health, money
Visa, passport, vaccinations, currency, phone: what to know — and double-check — before travelling to Senegal.
Read more →When to go — seasons and climate
Dry season November to May, rainy season June to October, harmattan in winter: pick your dates by region and programme.
Read more →Dakar and around — Gorée, Ngor and remembrance
Gorée Island and its House of Slaves, the African Renaissance Monument, Ngor and Madeleine islands, the Pink Lake: the peninsula at its best.
Read more →The Petite Côte — Saly, Somone and Joal-Fadiouth
Beach resorts, the Somone lagoon, Popenguine cliffs and the shell island of Fadiouth: Senegal’s holiday coast.
Read more →Saint-Louis and the North — heritage and river birdlife
The UNESCO-listed island, the jazz festival, Djoudj bird sanctuary and the Langue de Barbarie: the North between history and ornithology.
Read more →Sine-Saloum — mangrove channels and islands
A UNESCO-listed delta where pirogues, shell mounds and island villages compose one of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.
Read more →Casamance — Cap Skirring, Ziguinchor and Diola culture
Some of West Africa’s finest beaches, a majestic river, Diola culture: the lush South is welcoming visitors back.
Read more →Eastern Senegal — Niokolo-Koba and Bassari country
The great national park freshly off the danger list, the Bassari cultural landscapes and the Dindéfélo waterfall: adventure lies east.
Read more →Culture and food — Teranga, mbalax and Ceebu Jën
Teranga, Youssou Ndour’s mbalax, wrestling, the Dakar Biennale, the great pilgrimages — and a national dish on the UNESCO list.
Read more →