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Notre Dame des Apotres church, Cotonou, Benin

© Creative Commons / MVI

Getting around in Benin

Air: 

Government aeroplanes run services between Cotonou, Parakou, Natitingou, Djougou and Kandi. It is also possible to charter two-seater aeroplanes.

Side of road: 
Right
Road quality: 

The roads are in reasonably good condition (although some are poorly lit) and many of those which run from Cotonou to Dassa, and Parakou to Malanville, are paved.

There are also continual efforts to improve the roads.

Tracks are passable during the dry season but often impassable during the rainy season.

Car hire: 

Car hire: A number of local firms are available in Cotonou.

Coach: 

Minibus and bush taxi services run along major road routes.

Documentation: 

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.

Getting around towns and cities: 

Taxis are widely available in the main towns. Taxi fares should be agreed in advance.

Rail: 

Benin has about 600km (400 miles) of rail track. Trains run from Cotonou to Pobé, Ouidah and Parakou. Food is available on some services. Upholstered seats are available only in first-class cars and these exist only on the route to Parakou. Children aged under four travel free and children aged four to nine pay half fare. Approximate journey times from Cotonou to Parakou is 12 to 14 hours, to Segboroué is 2 hours 30 minutes and to Pobé is 4 hours.

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