≡ Menu

Bus Taxi and Train Travel in Senegal

Transportation in Senegal There are many modern transportation options available in Senegal, and travelers should not find them unfamiliar. Taxis, buses, and trains are the most common ways of getting around. Taxis There are a number of taxis in Dakar, and this is a relatively inexpensive and convenient way to get around the city. It [...]

Support VBJ’s writing on this blog:

Transportation in Senegal

There are many modern transportation options available in Senegal, and travelers should not find them unfamiliar. Taxis, buses, and trains are the most common ways of getting around.

Taxis

There are a number of taxis in Dakar, and this is a relatively inexpensive and convenient way to get around the city. It is best to agree on a price with the driver before you get in the taxi because a lot of the meters are missing or broken or unreliable.

Train in Senegal

Buses in Senegal

Buses are very common, as well, and link all the cities in Senegal. They are very reasonably priced, but are slow due to poor road quality. Buses in Dakar are run by Dakar Demm Dik. Minibuses are used as well, both within a city and between cities.

Service taxi

Also popular are seven seat taxis. These are station wagons in which seven people cram in together, and are used as shared taxis. Instead of leaving at a set time, they leave when they are filled. A little uncomfortable, but they will get you around quicker than a bus.

If you look like a tourist, the buses, minibuses and shared taxi drivers may try to take advantage of you and charge you a higher price. There are usually set prices depending on where you are going, ask around to find out what the price should be before getting in.

Transportation in Senegal

Train travel in Senegal

There is a rail train system, called the Dakar-Niger system, in Senegal that links Dakar and crosses the border into Mali, and ends at Bamako. There are first and second class tickets. The journey has been reported as taking from 36 to 70 hours. There are reports that the train is currently not in service, so be sure to check before you plan this train into your itinerary.

Return to the Senegal Travel Guide

More Vagabond Journey.com Travel Guides

Filed under: Africa, Senegal, Transportation

About the Author:

I am the founder and editor of Vagabond Journey. I’ve been traveling the world since 1999, through 91 countries. I am the author of the book, Ghost Cities of China and have written for The Guardian, Forbes, Bloomberg, The Diplomat, the South China Morning Post, and other publications. has written 3699 posts on Vagabond Journey. Contact the author.

Support VBJ’s writing on this blog:

VBJ is currently in: New York City

1 comment… add one

Leave a Comment

Cancel reply

  • Angela September 24, 2011, 7:24 am

    I would absolutely love to visit Senegal and Mali, although they’ve been on my list for longtime, I’m not planning yet as I have some other trips on radar, but I really can’t wait to make it, everybody I know who’s been there was enchanted.

    Link Reply