# Dakar Airport Transfer Guide (DSS) Getting from Blaise Diagne International Airport to Dakar city center. The 47 km reality, taxi costs, TER train, and private transfer options. **Airport:** DSS **City:** Dakar **Country:** Senegal **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/dss --- ## Main Guide ### Quick answer Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) is Dakar's main international airport, located 47 km southeast of the city center in Diass. This is not a quick ride — the drive takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic, and Dakar traffic can be brutal. A taxi costs roughly 25,000-40,000 CFA ($40-65 USD), while a pre-booked private transfer runs 30,000-50,000 CFA ($50-85 USD). DSS replaced the old Leopold Sedar Senghor Airport (DKR) as Dakar's international hub when it opened in 2017. It is a modern, spacious terminal — a very different experience from DKR — but the distance to the city is the trade-off. If your flight lands at the old DKR airport (now mostly domestic), check our separate DKR guide instead. 👉 AirportTransferPortal offers fixed-price transfers on this route, which removes uncertainty on arrival. --- ### What actually happens after landing DSS is a modern terminal built to handle Dakar's growing international traffic. The architecture is spacious with high ceilings and working air conditioning — a pleasant contrast to the older DKR terminal. Immigration can still take time — 30-60 minutes when several long-haul flights arrive together — but the process is orderly. Baggage claim is a large hall with multiple belts. Luggage from European flights typically appears within 20-30 minutes. Carts are available and free. The arrivals hall has exchange bureaus, ATMs (SGBS, CBAO, BOA), and a few shops. Exchange rates at DSS are slightly worse than in Dakar but acceptable for getting taxi money. ATMs work with international Visa and Mastercard. Once you exit through the arrivals doors, you enter a covered pickup area that is better organized than the old airport. There is a designated taxi area, though drivers still approach you. The overall atmosphere is calmer and more structured than DKR. --- ### Transport options explained honestly **Airport taxis:** Taxis at DSS are somewhat more organized than at DKR. There is a semi-official taxi counter near the exit where you can get a fare estimate, though drivers outside may offer different prices. Vehicles are a mix — some newer, some older. None have meters. Fares are negotiated, and the 47 km distance means this is not a cheap ride. **Private transfer (pre-booked):** A driver meets you in the arrivals hall or at the exit with your name sign. The car is typically a newer sedan or SUV with working AC. For a 45-90 minute drive, the comfort difference compared to a random taxi is significant. The price is fixed and confirmed before your trip. **TER train (Train Express Regional):** This is the notable option at DSS that did not exist at DKR. The TER connects the airport to central Dakar in about 45 minutes with stops including Dakar station. Trains run several times daily and cost approximately 2,500-3,500 CFA ($4-6 USD) depending on class. The station is accessible from the terminal. However, trains do not run 24 hours, frequency is limited, and you still need transport from Dakar station to your final hotel. **Ride-hailing apps:** Yango and Heetch operate from DSS but the 47 km distance means fares are substantial — often 15,000-25,000 CFA. Wait times for a ride-hailing car to reach the airport can be 20-40 minutes since few drivers hang around DSS. Best used if you have patience and a working local SIM. **Airport shuttle buses:** AFTU buses connect DSS to Dakar. They are cheap (around 3,000-5,000 CFA) but slow, making multiple stops, and can take 1.5-2.5 hours to reach the city. Not practical when tired with luggage. --- ### Realistic pricing expectations All prices in West African CFA franc (XOF). Roughly 600 CFA = $1 USD as of 2026. | Destination | Taxi (negotiated) | Private transfer | TER train | |---|---|---|---| | Plateau (city center) | 25,000-40,000 CFA | 30,000-50,000 CFA | 2,500-3,500 CFA | | Almadies / Ngor | 25,000-40,000 CFA | 30,000-50,000 CFA | N/A (train + taxi) | | Saly / Somone (coast) | 15,000-25,000 CFA | 20,000-35,000 CFA | N/A | | Mbour | 15,000-25,000 CFA | 20,000-35,000 CFA | N/A | | Thies | 8,000-15,000 CFA | 12,000-22,000 CFA | N/A | Note: Saly, Somone, and Mbour are actually closer to DSS than Dakar is (30-40 minutes), so transfers there are cheaper and faster. If your destination is on the Petite Cote, DSS is actually well-located. --- ### Late night arrivals Many international flights from Europe and the Middle East arrive at DSS between 10 PM and 3 AM. The terminal stays open and functional for these arrivals. Exchange bureaus may close but ATMs work 24 hours. Taxis are available at night but in smaller numbers, and fares go up — expect 35,000-50,000 CFA or more to Dakar. The TER train does not run late at night, and shuttle buses stop service in the evening. The highway from DSS to Dakar is a modern toll road (Autoroute de l'Avenir / AIBD highway) that is well-lit and in good condition. At night with no traffic, the drive takes 40-50 minutes. This is actually the best time to make the trip in terms of speed, though the toll (about 2,600 CFA for a car) still applies. For late arrivals, a pre-booked transfer eliminates the risk of finding fewer taxis and inflated prices at 2 AM. --- ### Families and luggage DSS is better equipped than DKR for families. The terminal has more space, better bathrooms, and a less chaotic exit experience. Luggage carts are readily available. For the 47 km drive to Dakar, vehicle comfort matters more than at DKR where the ride is just 4 km. A cramped taxi with questionable AC for an hour in Senegalese heat is not pleasant with children. A pre-booked minivan with working AC and enough space is worth the extra cost. Child seats are not available in taxis. Request them through your transfer provider at least 48 hours in advance. Availability is limited but better than it used to be as the market has matured around the new airport. The TER train is family-friendly — spacious, air-conditioned, and a novelty for children — but you still need to get from Dakar station to your hotel afterward, which adds another step with bags and kids. --- ### Where you meet the driver DSS has a single terminal with clearly marked arrivals exits. Pre-booked drivers wait in the designated pickup zone outside the arrivals hall. The area is more organized than DKR — there is a parking structure and a pickup lane. Some transfer services offer meet-and-greet inside the terminal at the arrivals gate. This costs more but means someone is there as soon as you clear customs, which can be helpful if you are unfamiliar with the airport. Taxis are found in the designated taxi area to the right of the arrivals exit. There is more structure here than at the old airport, with a quasi-official queue, though drivers still approach independently. The TER station is connected to the terminal and signposted. Follow signs for "Gare TER" from inside the terminal. --- ### Decision helper **Choose the TER train if:** You are on a budget, you arrive during train operating hours, your final destination is near a train stop in central Dakar, and you are comfortable navigating a last-mile taxi from the station. **Choose a taxi if:** You speak French, you are comfortable negotiating, and you do not mind the uncertainty of vehicle quality for the 45-90 minute drive. **Choose a pre-booked transfer if:** You arrive late at night, you are traveling with family, you have heavy luggage, this is your first time in Senegal, or you simply want someone reliable waiting for you after a long international flight. For the 47 km drive from DSS, the comfort and certainty of a transfer justify the premium. **Choose ride-hailing if:** You have a local SIM, you do not mind waiting 20-40 minutes for a car, and you want app-based fare transparency. **Skip the shuttle bus unless:** You are extremely budget-conscious and have no time pressure. The 1.5-2.5 hour ride with stops is draining after a flight. 👉 This is the lowest-friction option after a long flight. --- ### Summary Blaise Diagne is a modern airport that serves Dakar well — except for the 47 km distance to the city. That distance shapes every transport decision you make. If you are going to the Petite Cote, the location is actually convenient. If you are going to Dakar, accept that the transfer will take time, choose the option that fits your budget and comfort needs, and plan accordingly. The TER train is a genuine budget option that did not exist before, and pre-booked transfers make the highway drive predictable. Either way, the era of the 15-minute ride from old DKR is over for international arrivals. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: How far is Blaise Diagne Airport from Dakar city center?** 47 km. The drive takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic. At night or early morning with no traffic, it can be done in 40-50 minutes on the toll highway. **Q: Is DSS the same as DKR airport?** No. DSS (Blaise Diagne) is Dakar's new international airport, opened in 2017, located 47 km from the city. DKR (Leopold Sedar Senghor) is the old airport, just 4 km from the center, now used mainly for domestic and regional flights. Check your ticket to confirm which airport your flight uses. **Q: Is there a train from DSS airport to Dakar?** Yes. The TER (Train Express Regional) connects DSS to central Dakar in about 45 minutes. It costs 2,500-3,500 CFA depending on class. Trains run several times daily but not 24 hours. Check the schedule before counting on it. **Q: How much is a taxi from DSS to Dakar?** Expect to pay 25,000-40,000 CFA ($40-65 USD) for a negotiated taxi fare to central Dakar (Plateau district). Nighttime fares are higher, typically 35,000-50,000 CFA. These are approximate ranges — the final price depends on your negotiation. **Q: Is there a toll road from DSS to Dakar?** Yes. The modern highway (Autoroute AIBD) has tolls of approximately 2,600 CFA for a standard car. This is usually included in pre-booked transfer prices. Taxi drivers may ask you to pay the toll separately on top of the fare — clarify this before departure. **Q: Can I get a SIM card at DSS airport?** Yes. Orange and Free Senegal have kiosks in the arrivals hall. A SIM with data costs 1,000-3,000 CFA. You will need your passport for registration. Coverage is good along the highway and in Dakar. **Q: What if I am going to Saly or the Petite Cote, not Dakar?** DSS is actually closer to Saly, Somone, and Mbour (30-40 minutes) than to Dakar. Taxi fares to these destinations are lower — 15,000-25,000 CFA. This is one case where the new airport's location works in your favor. **Q: Is there Wi-Fi at DSS airport?** Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal and generally works, though speeds vary. It is sufficient for messaging and checking email but may struggle with video calls. **Q: How early should I arrive for a departing flight from DSS?** Allow 3 hours before international departures. The drive from Dakar can take up to 90 minutes in heavy traffic, and security plus check-in queues can be long during peak departure times. **Q: Is Uber available at DSS?** Uber does not operate in Senegal. Yango and Heetch are the available ride-hailing apps. Download them before your trip and get a local SIM with data to use them. --- ## Additional Guides ### Arriving at Blaise Diagne Airport late at night **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/dss/late-night DSS receives the majority of Dakar's international flights, and many from Europe and the Middle East arrive between 10 PM and 3 AM. Late-night arrivals are common here, and the 47 km distance to the city makes preparation more important than at a closer airport. ## The terminal at night DSS stays fully operational for scheduled arrivals. Immigration is staffed, baggage belts run, and ATMs work 24 hours. Some shops and the exchange bureau may close late, but the terminal itself functions normally. The modern design means it stays well-lit and air-conditioned. ## Taxi availability Taxis are available at DSS throughout the night for scheduled arrivals, but the numbers drop significantly after midnight. Where daytime arrivals find 20-30 taxis, a 2 AM arrival might see 8-10. This means less competition and higher prices. Expect night fares of 35,000-50,000 CFA ($58-83 USD) to central Dakar. Some drivers will start at 50,000+ CFA. Negotiation is still possible but your leverage shrinks when there are few cars and you are the only person looking. ## The TER train does not run late The TER train stops service in the evening. If you arrive after the last train, this option is off the table. Check the current schedule before your trip, but as a general rule, do not plan on the TER for any arrival after 9 PM. ## The highway at night The good news: the toll highway from DSS to Dakar is modern, well-maintained, and has lighting along most of its length. At night with no traffic, the drive takes 40-50 minutes — significantly faster than during the day. The road is smooth, and the toll booths are staffed 24 hours. The toll is approximately 2,600 CFA. Make sure this is included in your taxi fare or confirm you will pay it separately. Once you exit the highway and enter Dakar proper, streets are quieter at night. The last stretch to your hotel is faster than it would be during daytime traffic. ## Safety at night The DSS highway is safe at night — it is a major toll road with regular patrol. Dakar itself is relatively safe by regional standards. The main issue is not safety but logistics: finding a good taxi at 2 AM and negotiating a fair price when tired. Police checkpoints on the highway are possible at night. They are routine. The driver handles the interaction. Keep your passport accessible. ## Ride-hailing at night Yango and Heetch availability near DSS drops to near zero after midnight. The airport is 47 km from the city — ride-hailing drivers have no reason to be in the area at 2 AM unless specifically called, and even then the wait could be 30-60 minutes. ## Recommended approach Pre-book a transfer. For late-night arrivals at DSS, this is not just a convenience recommendation — it is a practical necessity. Your driver will be waiting regardless of the hour. The price is fixed, the vehicle is confirmed, and you avoid the depleted taxi situation at 2 AM. The premium over a negotiated night taxi may be as little as 5,000-10,000 CFA, which is a small price for certainty after a long flight and facing a 47 km drive to your bed. --- ### Taxi vs private transfer from Blaise Diagne Airport **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/dss/taxi-vs-transfer The 47 km distance from DSS to Dakar changes the taxi-vs-transfer equation compared to most airports. This is not a quick hop — it is a 45-90 minute highway drive where vehicle comfort and reliability matter. ## The taxi experience DSS has a more organized taxi area than the old DKR airport. There is a semi-official counter where you can get fare guidance, though the final price is still negotiated with the driver. Expect to pay 25,000-40,000 CFA ($40-65 USD) to central Dakar. Vehicle quality is mixed. Some taxis serving DSS are newer and well-maintained. Others are the same aging sedans that work the city streets. For a 45-90 minute ride, the AC and seat condition matter — sitting in a hot, uncomfortable car in Senegalese heat for over an hour is draining. The highway itself is modern and smooth. The challenge is Dakar traffic once you leave the highway — the last 10-15 km through the city can take as long as the first 35 km on the toll road. ## The private transfer experience Your driver waits at arrivals with your name. The car is a newer sedan or SUV with confirmed working AC. You get in, drive the highway, and arrive at your hotel with no surprises. Cost: 30,000-50,000 CFA ($50-85 USD). For a 47 km drive, the extras matter: water bottles, phone charger, a driver who knows the best route through Dakar traffic at your specific arrival time. Good transfer services provide these without being asked. ## What about the TER train The TER is the wildcard option that neither taxis nor transfers can match on price: 2,500-3,500 CFA ($4-6 USD). It takes about 45 minutes, it is air-conditioned, and it runs on rails so traffic is irrelevant. The downsides: limited schedule (no late-night service), you need to get from Dakar station to your hotel separately, and managing luggage on a train is less convenient than a door-to-door car service. But for budget-conscious travelers arriving during train operating hours, it is a legitimate option. ## Cost comparison | Option | Cost to Plateau | Time | Comfort | |---|---|---|---| | TER train | 4,000-7,000 CFA total | 45 min + last mile | Good (AC, seats) | | Taxi | 25,000-40,000 CFA | 45-90 min | Variable | | Ride-hailing | 15,000-30,000 CFA | 45-90 min + wait | Variable | | Private transfer | 30,000-50,000 CFA | 45-90 min | High | ## Who should choose what The TER train is best for solo travelers or couples with light luggage who arrive during daytime hours and do not mind the station-to-hotel connection. A taxi works for French-speaking travelers comfortable with negotiation who want door-to-door service at a moderate price. A private transfer is best for night arrivals, families, travelers with heavy luggage, first-time visitors, or anyone who has been traveling all day and wants zero friction between the airport and their bed. The $10-20 premium over a taxi buys a meaningful upgrade in comfort for a drive this long. --- ### Arriving at Blaise Diagne Airport with family and kids **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/dss/family-and-kids DSS is a modern terminal and more family-friendly than the old DKR airport. The challenge for families is the same as for everyone else — the 47 km drive to Dakar, which takes 45-90 minutes and demands a comfortable vehicle. ## The terminal Blaise Diagne is spacious and air-conditioned. Compared to many West African airports, it feels modern and well-maintained. Bathrooms are clean and functional. There is no dedicated baby changing room, but the space in the restrooms is adequate. A few food and drink outlets are available in the arrivals area. Luggage carts are free and readily available. The terminal layout is straightforward — a single flow from immigration through baggage claim to arrivals exit. ## The drive with children The highway portion of the drive is smooth and modern — similar to a European motorway. Children will be fine for this stretch. The challenge comes in the final 10-15 km through Dakar traffic, which can be slow and chaotic during rush hours. The total drive time can reach 90 minutes in heavy traffic. For a drive this long in Senegalese heat, AC is essential. This is the strongest argument for a pre-booked transfer over a random taxi — you know the AC will work. An hour in a hot car with children after an international flight is miserable. ## Child seats Taxis at DSS do not have child seats. The TER train does not require them. For a private transfer, request child seats at least 48 hours in advance. The market around DSS is more developed than at the old airport, so availability has improved, but confirm the specific seat type you need. If you are bringing your own travel car seat, it will work in any vehicle. This remains the most reliable approach. ## Vehicle space A family of four with standard luggage (2 large cases, carry-ons, stroller) will be tight in a standard taxi sedan for a 47 km drive. A minivan transfer is strongly recommended — 40,000-65,000 CFA ($67-108 USD) to central Dakar. The extra space for luggage, legroom for children, and the ability to move around slightly during the drive make a real difference. ## The TER train option for families The train is actually family-friendly — spacious, air-conditioned, and children often enjoy trains. At 2,500-3,500 CFA per person, it is dramatically cheaper than a car. The downside is managing luggage on and off the train and needing a taxi from Dakar station to your hotel. With a stroller and multiple bags, this adds complexity. But for families with older children and lighter luggage, it is a viable and affordable option. ## Recommended approach Book a minivan transfer with child seats if needed. The 47 km drive is too long to gamble on taxi comfort. Confirm the vehicle type, AC, and child seat availability in advance. If budget is tight and you arrive during train hours, the TER is a solid alternative — just plan the last-mile connection from Dakar station to your hotel. --- ### How much does it cost to get from DSS Airport to Dakar **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/dss/cost-to-city Blaise Diagne International Airport is 47 km from Dakar city center, making it one of the longer airport-to-city transfers in West Africa. The cost reflects this distance. ## Taxi fares Taxis at DSS do not use meters. Fares are negotiated. To central Dakar (Plateau), expect 25,000-40,000 CFA ($40-65 USD) during the day. At night, 35,000-50,000 CFA ($58-83 USD). To Almadies or Ngor, similar ranges apply since the distance is comparable. The fare should cover the toll road (approximately 2,600 CFA) but some drivers will try to charge the toll separately. Clarify before you depart whether the toll is included in the agreed price. To closer destinations: Thies is 8,000-15,000 CFA, and the Petite Cote (Saly, Somone, Mbour) runs 15,000-25,000 CFA. These destinations are closer to DSS than Dakar is. ## TER train The most affordable option. The TER train from DSS to Dakar station costs approximately 2,500 CFA for second class and 3,500 CFA for first class ($4-6 USD). The journey takes about 45 minutes. The catch is that trains run on a limited schedule — roughly every 1-2 hours during operating times, and not at all late at night. You also need to get from Dakar train station to your hotel, which adds another 1,000-3,000 CFA for a short taxi ride. Total cost via TER: roughly 4,000-7,000 CFA ($7-12 USD). This is dramatically cheaper than any other option. ## Pre-booked private transfers A sedan transfer to central Dakar costs 30,000-50,000 CFA ($50-85 USD). SUVs and minivans run 40,000-65,000 CFA ($67-108 USD). Premium vehicles can reach 80,000-100,000 CFA. These prices include the toll, meet-and-greet, luggage assistance, and a guaranteed vehicle with AC. There are no hidden charges with a proper booking. ## Ride-hailing apps Yango and Heetch fares from DSS to Dakar typically show 15,000-25,000 CFA on the app. This is cheaper than a negotiated taxi but the challenge is availability — few ride-hailing drivers are positioned near DSS, so wait times of 20-40 minutes are common. Surge pricing can push fares to 30,000+ CFA during peak arrival times. ## Shuttle buses AFTU shuttle buses between DSS and Dakar cost 3,000-5,000 CFA. They are air-conditioned but slow — 1.5-2.5 hours with multiple stops. This is the second cheapest option after the TER but the time cost is high. ## The toll road factor The highway from DSS to Dakar is a modern toll road. Tolls for a standard car are approximately 2,600 CFA. Pre-booked transfers include this. Taxis should include it but confirm. If you are in a ride-hailing car, the toll is typically added to your fare automatically. ## Bottom line Your realistic cost range is 4,000-50,000 CFA ($7-85 USD) depending on transport type. The TER train is a genuine budget option at under $12 total. A taxi runs $40-65. A private transfer costs $50-85 but removes all uncertainty from the longest airport transfer in Senegal. --- ## Related Pages - [Main arrival guide](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/dss) - [Late night arrivals](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/dss/late-night) - [Taxi vs transfer](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/dss/taxi-vs-transfer) - [Family & kids](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/dss/family-and-kids) - [Cost to city](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/dss/cost-to-city) --- ## Check before you land 👉 This route is actively served by AirportTransferPortal with fixed-price booking available before arrival. Check real vehicles and prices before your flight. Booking takes a few minutes and ensures someone is waiting when you arrive. --- ## Operational Note This guide reflects real operational conditions, pricing ranges, and traveler experience at Dakar (DSS). Transfer availability is supported by AirportTransferPortal's verified supplier network. --- ## Attribution Published by AirportTransferPortal (airporttransferportal.com), a global airport transfer marketplace operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.