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Getting Around by Air
At the time of writing, Niger did not have a national airline or any scheduled domestic services. Charter flights can be arranged; contact Niamey Airport (tel: 732 517/9).
Getting Around by Road
Note: It is essential that all visitors report to the police station in any town where they are making an overnight stop; see the Passport/Visa section.
Traffic drives on the right. Certain roads are permanently closed to tourists without special authorisation. Principal internal roads are from Niamey to Zinder, Tahoua, Arlit and Gaya. Many tracks are impassable during heavy rain. The best season for road travel is from December to March. Petrol stations are infrequent and garages are extremely expensive. It is prohibited to travel by a different route than that entered in your passport by the police at the previous town. It is necessary to pay a toll on main routes. Travellers are advised against driving at night.
Bus: There are reasonable services between the main centres, and many roads have been sealed. Coach services operate from Niamey to Agadez, N’guemi, Tera and Zinder. The main operator is SNTV. Elsewhere, it is common practice to pay for rides in cross-country lorries; note that this can be an extremely slow and uncomfortable means of transport and that extra payment is expected of those who wish to ride in the cab.
Bush taxis: These are shared intercity taxis and are usually cheaper, but slower, than buses.
Car hire: Self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars are available, the latter being compulsory outside the capital. Much of the country requires 4-wheel drive vehicles, guides and full equipment.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required and is valid for three months. Minimum age is 23. Two photos are required.
Traffic drives on the right. Certain roads are permanently closed to tourists without special authorisation. Principal internal roads are from Niamey to Zinder, Tahoua, Arlit and Gaya. Many tracks are impassable during heavy rain. The best season for road travel is from December to March. Petrol stations are infrequent and garages are extremely expensive. It is prohibited to travel by a different route than that entered in your passport by the police at the previous town. It is necessary to pay a toll on main routes. Travellers are advised against driving at night.
Bus: There are reasonable services between the main centres, and many roads have been sealed. Coach services operate from Niamey to Agadez, N’guemi, Tera and Zinder. The main operator is SNTV. Elsewhere, it is common practice to pay for rides in cross-country lorries; note that this can be an extremely slow and uncomfortable means of transport and that extra payment is expected of those who wish to ride in the cab.
Bush taxis: These are shared intercity taxis and are usually cheaper, but slower, than buses.
Car hire: Self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars are available, the latter being compulsory outside the capital. Much of the country requires 4-wheel drive vehicles, guides and full equipment.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required and is valid for three months. Minimum age is 23. Two photos are required.
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Niamey to other major cities and towns in Niger.
| Air | Road | |
| Zinder | 0.45 | 12.00 |
| Maradi | - | 9.00 |
| Tahoua | - | 7.00 |
| Dosso | - | 1.00 |
| Tillabéri | - | 4.50 |
| Agadez | - | 17.00 |
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