The Dakar Airport used to be smack in the middle of the city. Thirty minutes after landing you could find yourself drinking a beer next to the ocean in Ngor or Almadies. That is no longer the case. The new airport (as of December 2017) is nearly 60 kilometers away.

The Senegalese government has grand plans for this area of the country, but for the moment there is the airport, a train terminal in nearby Diamniadio, and a smattering of lovely baobab trees.

In this post, we will cover the airport itself; how to get to and from it; and places to check out nearby, including where to sleep if you don’t want to stay in the airport and don’t want to go all the way to Dakar.

Eating, Relaxing and Sleeping at DSS Airport

There are two lounges at the airport. Otherwise, you can cruise around the airy terminal, grabbing a bite at either Mamamia and Planet Kebab. Both of these are Dakar based franchises and the food is reliably tasty. Mamamia can be a bit expensive, but it’s good pizza and you are in an airport. Bring your own food if you are strapped for cash.

There are also two cafés selling pastries, sandwiches and drinks, including beer. We can recommend the espresso. The tinned Flag not so much.

Sleeping in the Dakar Airport

Chairs are uncomfortable and have the burdensome armrests that prevent you from lying down. That said, no one will bother you if you do decide to pass out somewhere, and it’s not a problem sleeping overnight.

If you are looking for any sort of comfort, plan to bring your own sleeping mat to set up on the floor.

Getting to and from the Dakar Airport

When it first opened, private car or taxi were the only options. Now there is the DemDikk bus and the train is almost there! Please see the map for some important landmarks concerning transport.

Taking the Train To and from the Airport to Dakar

Nope, sorry, not yet. The Train Express Regional (TER) is finally up and running, but it doesn’t quite make it to the airport. You can get awfully close, though, and the price is right.

It departs from downtown Dakar at the central train station and goes to Diamniadio, which is 20 kilometers and change away from the airport. In theory you could take the train to Diamniadio for 1500 CFA (or 2500 CFA for a first class ticket) and then take a taxi for 10-15000 CFA for the rest of the way.

You could also take a DemDikk bus the rest of the way for 3000 cfa. Just give yourself a healthy amount of time if you plan on doing this (or take a DemDikk bus from Dakar to begin with. See info in the next section)

The train starts running at 5h35 in the morning and it goes until just before 22h at night. While it was originally promoted as a 20-minute trip, count on an hour and 15 minutes just to be on the safe side. Also, the train is supposed to run every ten minutes but don’t count on this either.

Taking the Bus To and From the Dakar Airport

For the convenience, comfort and price combination, we like The DemDikk bus. It is air-conditioned, runs reliably every 30-45 minutes and it is only 6000 CFA. It takes you into Dakar just near the Leopold Sedar-Senghor stadium. You would still need to take a taxi to your final destination but this would only be for a few thousand CFA once in Dakar.

Taking a Taxi to and From the Dakar Airport

The most expensive option, but clearly the most convenient. Also the most hassle.

Taxi coaxers and drivers will greet you at the exit of the airport. They are typically a bit demanding, but stay smile and stay cool. Take your time.

You do need to negotiate the price beforehand. Do not mind the signs with suggested prices. Know that you will most likely pay a minimum of 25,000 CFA (including tolls) if you are going to Dakar and you want to take the highway.

Where to Stay Close to the Dakar Airport

Our first recommendation is Toubab Dialaw. From our article on the town:

Senegal’s Petite-Côte (little coast) runs from just south of Dakar down to the Sine-Saloum. While most people gravitate to the beachside town of Saly, if you want something a bit more laid back the small town of Toubab Dialaw is your spot.

It is a short drive from the airport and it has this immaculate beach that is often deserted, a welcome change of pace if you have spent any time on the beach in Saly.

Stay at the eccentric and highly affordable Sobo Bade, and enjoy the beach and the small cafes that you can find on the edge of the water.

Toubab Dialaw is geographically the closest to the airport, but due to time on the road itself, towns like Popenguine and Somone may actually be more accessible. There are also plenty of affordable and interesting lodging options in those locales, including small auberges, guesthouses and airBnB rentals.

If you go to Somone, you can enjoy the beach as well as the lagoon, a nice reprieve from travel and the airport.