Cadjehoun Airport - Flight Information and Guide (COO)

Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport in Cotonou is Benin's sole international airport, located just a few kilometers from Cotonou's city center, the country's most populous city and economic capital (the political capital is Porto-Novo).

It serves as a secondary hub for West Africa, with connections to the region's major airports as well as to Europe.

Content verified on 03/09/2026

Official source: aeroport-de-cotonou.bj

How to get to Cadjehoun Airport

The city centre of Cotonou is just a few kilometres from the airport, practically within the urban fabric: the transfer takes approximately 15-25 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach the city center of Cotonou in just a few minutes, as the airport is very close to the city; however, local traffic can extend travel times during peak hours.

By Train

Benin has no passenger rail network.

By Bus

A dedicated flight-based shuttle service is not available.

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Tips Always avoid unauthorized operators who approach you outside the terminal: use only official taxis or pre-booked hotel transfer, especially for night arrivals. Having some CFA franc notes ready facilitates initial travel, as credit cards are not widely accepted outside international hotels.

Average travel time to COO

TrainNot available

Shuttle busNot a dedicated service

Taxi / Private hire15-25 minutes

Parking near Cadjehoun Airport

A short distance from the terminal is available a parking area of limited dimensions.

It is not guarded; the rates are not published online but are generally reasonable and published at the checkout.

How to get to Cotonou from COO

By Train

Benin does not have a passenger railway network.

By Bus

There is no shuttle or bus line specifically designed for the airport.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; always agree on the fare before departure, as the meter is not standard practice: approximately 10,000-15,000 XOF for the Cotonou city center, 8,000-12,000 XOF for closer areas such as Haie Vive/Fidjrosse.

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Car rental at Cadjehoun Airport

There are some international and local car rental operators in the arrivals area.

The basic documents are licence, passport and credit card, plus the IDP in most cases.

Hotels near Cadjehoun Airport

Cadjehoun Airport is a few minutes from the centre of Cotonou: there is no dedicated bus or regular city line, but taxis and moto-taxis cover the route in 5-10 minutes, including to the embassies and the Boulevard de la Marina. With such short distances, the choice matters less for transfer time and more for the type of stay: those with just a layover or a dawn flight can stay literally right by the runways, while those staying a few days find on the Boulevard de la Marina hotels of every category, from business to seafront.

Airport area

Right by the airport

The Nobila Airport Hotel is about 200 metres from the Cadjehoun terminal, with a free shuttle running round the clock.

Best for: One-night layovers and dawn flights, when every minute of transfer counts.

Pros

200 metres from the runways, the closest option in all of Cotonou
Free shuttle running round the clock, convenient for night-time schedules

Cons

Only the airport grounds around it: for the evening you need to go elsewhere
In the rooms facing the runways, the noise of take-offs can be heard

Recommended hotels

Nobila Airport Hotel About 200 metres from the Cadjehoun terminal, the closest property to the runways in all of Cotonou: free round-the-clock shuttle and continental breakfast included. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

Boulevard de la Marina

The three properties are on the Boulevard de la Marina, 2-5 minutes by car from the terminal: Ibis and Novotel offer a free pick-up, the Sofitel is reached in about 5 minutes.

Best for: Travellers staying more than one night who want embassies, ministries and the seafront just minutes from the airport.

Pros

Just minutes from the airport but already in the district of embassies and ministries
The Marina beach and seafront just steps away, useful even for a short stop

Cons

An area of offices and embassies: in the evening the choice of venues is limited outside the hotels
The Sofitel has only been open since late 2024, with still few independent reviews

Recommended hotels

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Airport services

The airport provides essential services consistent with its role as Benin's primary air gateway.

Shopping & Duty Free

A small duty-free area offers international products and local specialties including coffee and textiles, which are among the country's artisanal exports.

Lounges & relaxation

There are no private lounges, but the bar and dining area remains a comfortable alternative before departure.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available in public terminal areas, generally with a connection time limit. There is no mobile phone counter at the airport; for a local SIM it's better to visit an MTN or Moov Africa store in town.

Families & Children

Minimal but concrete assistance is provided for families traveling with children.

Terminal guide

The terminal is single and compact. From check-in to gate you generally walk 10 minutes.

It's wise to allow for longer customs checks than usual and present yourself 3 hours in advance for international flights.

Map of Cadjehoun Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Do you need a visa for Benin?

Yes, for almost all nationalities: it must be requested as an e-visa online in advance (4-5 business days), although in some cases it can be obtained on arrival in Cotonou. Applying before departure avoids complications.

Q. Is it safe to visit Benin?

Cotonou, Ouidah, Abomey and Ganvié are generally safe for tourists with normal precautions; the northern border with Burkina Faso and Niger, including Pendjari park, is instead not recommended due to the risk of terrorist attacks.

Q. Is malaria prophylaxis needed?

Yes, Benin is a malaria risk area across its entire territory: prophylaxis is strongly recommended along with mosquito protection, in addition to the yellow fever certificate mandatory for entry.

Q. What are zémidjan in Cotonou?

They are the local motorcycle taxis, among the most common means of transport in the city alongside car taxis: they have no meter, so always agree on the fare with the driver before getting on.