Travel to Senegal
Flying to Senegal
Most international visitors arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), located near Diass, about 50km (31 miles) east of central Dakar. It is Senegal's main international gateway and is served by numerous African and international airlines.
Direct flights connect Dakar with several major European cities, including Paris and Lisbon, while regional services link Senegal with destinations across West and North Africa. Connections are also available to North America and the Middle East, either directly or via major international hubs.
Air Senegal is the national carrier and operates international and regional services from Dakar alongside airlines such as Air France, TAP Air Portugal and other African and international carriers.
Flight times:
From London to Dakar: 8 to 10 hours (including a layover).
Travel by rail
There are currently no international passenger rail services to Senegal. The historic Dakar-Bamako railway linking Senegal with Mali is not operating regular passenger services at the moment.
Driving to Senegal
Senegal shares land borders with Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia, and can be reached by road from all five countries. The main international routes include the coastal road from Mauritania via the Rosso border crossing, routes east from Mali towards Kidira and Tambacounda, and roads north from Guinea and Guinea-Bissau into southern Senegal.
The Gambia extends across much of Senegal from the Atlantic coast, separating the Casamance region from the rest of the country. Travellers driving between Dakar and Casamance can cross The Gambia via the Senegambia Bridge over the Gambia River, passing through Gambian immigration and customs formalities en route.
Long-distance buses and shared taxis operate on several cross-border routes, particularly between Senegal and neighbouring West African countries. Border formalities and journey times can vary considerably, so travellers should check current conditions and entry requirements before departure.
Travellers driving into Senegal should ensure they meet the entry requirements for every country on their route and carry a valid driving licence, vehicle registration documents and appropriate insurance. Those driving a vehicle they do not own should also carry written authorisation from the registered owner. Some knowledge of French can be useful when dealing with immigration, customs and police officials at land borders.
Getting to Senegal by boat
There are no regular international passenger ferry services connecting Senegal with neighbouring countries.
Cruise ships:
Cruise ships dock at the Port of Dakar, providing access to the capital and nearby attractions such as Gorée Island. Cruise schedules vary by season and itinerary, so passengers should check directly with their cruise operator.
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