Getting from DKR Airport to Dakar city center

Check which airport you are actually flying into. Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport (DKR), in the Yoff district about 4 km from central Dakar, has not handled scheduled passenger flights since 7 December 2017. It now serves cargo, charter and military aviation only. Dakar's scheduled passenger flights — international and domestic alike — use Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), roughly 45 km southeast of the city. If you have booked a flight to "Dakar", you are almost certainly landing at DSS, and our [DSS guide](/airport-guides/dss) is the one you want. The fares and journey times below cannot apply to an arriving passenger at DKR, so this page no longer carries them.

DKR is a compact, aging terminal. Immigration can be slow if several flights arrive at once, but most of the time you will clear it within 20-40 minutes. Baggage claim is a single belt area and luggage appears reasonably quickly for domestic arrivals. There is limited air conditioning in the terminal so expect warmth, especially between April and November.

Once you exit through the arrivals door, you step into a crowded outdoor area. Taxi drivers and unofficial helpers will approach you immediately. This is normal in Dakar and not dangerous, but it can be overwhelming if you are tired. Having a plan before you walk out makes a real difference.

There is no dedicated meet-and-greet area inside the terminal. If you have a pre-booked driver, they will typically wait just outside the arrivals exit holding a name sign. Some transfer services will send you a WhatsApp message with the driver's photo and location.

Airport taxis: Yellow taxis are not metered anywhere in Dakar. Every fare is agreed before you get in, and drivers routinely open far above the local rate for anyone who looks like a visitor. Because there is no official tariff to check a quote against, ask your hotel what the going rate is for your route before you travel, and agree the fare before the bags go in the boot.

Private transfer (pre-booked): A driver meets you at arrivals with your name on a sign. The car is typically a newer sedan or minivan with working AC. The price is fixed and agreed before your trip, so there is no negotiation on arrival. This is the most predictable option, especially for first-time visitors or late arrivals.

Ride-hailing apps: Yango and Heetch operate in Dakar. Coverage at DKR can be inconsistent, and you will need a local SIM card or working data plan. Wait times vary — sometimes 5 minutes, sometimes 25. Fares tend to be lower than airport taxis but surge pricing can apply.

Car Rapides and public minibuses: These colourful minibuses run fixed routes around Dakar and are the cheapest way to move around the city. None run a direct airport route, you would need to walk to a nearby road to flag one down, and they are not practical with luggage.

Senegal uses the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is pegged to the euro at a fixed 655.957 CFA per euro. That peg does not move, so a euro price converts exactly; rates against other currencies float.

There is no published tariff for Dakar taxis and no fixed airport fare to quote — every ride is negotiated, so any printed range is guesswork that goes stale. Ask your accommodation what the current going rate is for your route before you set out, and settle the fare before you get in. Private transfer prices vary by vehicle type and provider but are always confirmed before you travel.

DKR no longer receives scheduled passenger flights at any hour, so if you are arriving late into Dakar you are landing at Blaise Diagne (DSS) — see our [DSS guide](/airport-guides/dss). As a general rule in Dakar, unmetered taxi fares are higher after dark and you have less bargaining power with fewer cars around.

Ride-hailing availability drops significantly after midnight. If your flight arrives late, a pre-booked transfer is the most reliable option. The roads between the airport and central Dakar are generally safe at night, but poorly lit in some stretches. The drive time is actually shorter — 10-15 minutes to Plateau — because traffic disappears.

Standard yellow taxis can handle 2-3 suitcases in the trunk, but space is tight if you are a family of four with full luggage. There are no child seats available in regular taxis.

If you are traveling with small children or have more than 3 large bags, a pre-booked minivan transfer is worth the extra cost. You can request child seats in advance through most transfer services, though availability is not guaranteed — confirm this at least 48 hours before your flight.

Luggage carts are available at the terminal but can be hard to find. Porters will offer to help carry your bags for a tip.

If you have a pre-booked transfer, the driver will be waiting just outside the arrivals exit. DKR has a single terminal so there is no confusion about which exit to use. Look for someone holding a sign with your name or the transfer company's logo.

If taking a taxi, the queue is directly in front of the terminal exit. There is no formal taxi rank — drivers cluster around the exit and the most assertive ones will approach you first. You can walk past the initial crowd to find drivers further from the door who may be more willing to negotiate.

For ride-hailing pickups, walk about 50 meters past the taxi area to the parking zone. Cell reception is decent at DKR so you should be able to use your app without issues.

Choose a taxi if: You speak some French, you are comfortable negotiating, and you are traveling light to a nearby destination like Almadies or Yoff.

Choose a pre-booked transfer if: This is your first time in Dakar, you are arriving late, you have children or heavy luggage, or you simply want someone waiting for you with no surprises.

Choose a ride-hailing app if: You have a working local SIM, you are not in a rush, and you want the lowest possible fare.

Skip public transport if: You have luggage. The minibuses are great for getting around Dakar day-to-day but they are not practical from the airport with bags.