Getting to AIBD airport from Dakar: when to leave
Allow 45 to 70 minutes by road between Dakar and Blaise Diagne airport outside rush hour, for 43 km. Leave three hours before an international flight, and three and a half hours when traffic is being regulated. The TER train takes 55 minutes and the last one leaves at 22:00.
By Sandji Wône. Fares and timetables checked on 23 October 2026.
The question is not the theoretical travel time, it is the margin. The road to AIBD is good and the motorway is tolled, but leaving Dakar at rush hour or passing Diamniadio can double the trip without warning.
Here is how to set your departure time, by flight and by means of transport.
The departure time to aim for
- International flight in daylight, by road: leave 3 hours before departure.
- International flight at rush hour, 7:00 to 9:30 or 17:00 to 20:00: leave 3 h 30 before.
- While traffic is regulated, as during the Youth Olympic Games from 30 October to 13 November 2026: 3 h 30 at least, more on event days.
- Regional flight with no checked luggage: 2 h 30 is enough outside rush hour.
- By train: aim for one that arrives 2 h 30 before departure, counting the trip to Dakar station.
By road
43 km separate central Dakar from the terminal. The toll motorway is the only sensible route: side roads add a lot of time and are not predictable.
A city taxi is negotiated before you get in, between 20,000 and 30,000 FCFA, often without the toll. A private transfer booked ahead costs 30,000 FCFA including tax with us, toll included, and the pick-up time is agreed with you.
By train
The TER takes about 55 minutes between Dakar station and the airport, for 4,000 FCFA in second class. Monday to Saturday it runs from 5:35 to 22:00, every 24 minutes. Sundays and public holidays, 6:17 to 22:00, every 30 minutes.
Two traps: the last train is at 22:00, which rules out night flights, and you still have to reach Dakar station from your neighbourhood, with your luggage.
By Dem Dikk shuttle
The shuttle links the Guédiawaye BRT terminus to the airport for 6,000 FCFA, every two hours. Departures from Guédiawaye 4:30 to 00:30 and from the airport 6:30 to 2:30, per the operator's July 2026 announcement.
It is the only public option covering part of the night. Check the timetable before you set out: a two-hour frequency leaves little room for error.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Dakar to AIBD airport?
45 to 70 minutes by road outside rush hour, for 43 km, and about 55 minutes by TER train. At rush hour or while traffic is being regulated, add at least thirty minutes of margin.
When should I leave for a flight from AIBD?
Three hours before departure for an international flight in daylight, three and a half hours at rush hour or while traffic is being regulated. For a regional flight with no checked luggage, two and a half hours is enough outside rush hour.
Is there a night train to Dakar airport?
No. The last TER to the airport leaves at 22:00. For a night flight you are left with the Dakar Dem Dikk shuttle, which runs until 00:30 from Guédiawaye, a taxi, or a private transfer booked in advance.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from one of these sources, consulted on the date shown. Other operators' fares can change without us knowing.
- Au Sénégal, TER Dakar-AIBD: tarifs, horaires et guide pratique
- Wikipedia, Train Express Régional Dakar
- Senego, navette Dem Dikk Guédiawaye - AIBD
- Senego, prix des transports au Sénégal
- Wikipedia, Blaise Diagne International Airport
Other guides
We set the pick-up time with you
Send your flight number and your exact address. We work out when to leave and confirm it before the day.