Senegal Travel Guide - Getting Around

Air Senegal International (DS) (website: www.air-senegal-international.com) runs services to all the main towns in Senegal. There are aerodromes in Ziguinchor, Podor and Tamba.

It is often quicker to travel by sea than road. A ferry line, relaunched in 2007, runs from Dakar to Ziguinchor (journey time - 20 hours). Sea shuttles depart regularly from Dakar harbour to the Île de Gorée. An excellent service, L'Express du Senegal, links Banjul, Dakar and Ziguinchor. Fares tend to be high.

The country has a network of about 1,225km (761 miles) of rail track. Trains run from Dakar to towns en route for Bamako in Mali. There is an ongoing programme of upgrading and expansion. Children under three travel free and children aged three to nine pay half fare.

Traffic drives on the right. Asphalt roads link the major towns and the coastal region. The network of roads in the interior is rough and may become impassable during the rainy season. It is not advisable to drive at night. There are often police checkpoints at the entrance and exit to villages to enforce speed restrictions; fines are paid on the spot.

Bus: There are many buses (known locally as grand cars) available for short distances as well as minibuses (known locally as petit cars or car rapide), which are cheaper if less efficient. Long-distance services operate subject to demand only.

Taxi: Available in most towns; fares are metered. Rates increase after midnight. It is cheaper to hail a taxi in the street than arrange to be collected from the hotel. Bush taxis are good for journeys into the interior.

Car hire: Companies are found in Dakar and the main towns.

Documentation: A French or International Driving Permit and Green Card are required.

Bus and minibus services operate in Dakar.