Blaise Diagne International Airport, opened in 2017, is Senegal's sole international terminal, located approximately 43 km east of Dakar, having replaced the former Yoff city airport, now permanently closed to commercial traffic.
The gateway to Senegal's capital, the historic Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Petite Côte beaches.
How to get to Blaise Diagne International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to DSS
Parking near Blaise Diagne International Airport
Adjacent to the terminal is a multi-level parking garage.
Fares are in line with the standards of a major West African hub.
How to get to Dakar from DSS
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Blaise Diagne International Airport
Counters for major car rental operators are located near arrivals.
A driving license, passport, and credit card are the basic documents; an IDP is almost always required.
Hotels near Blaise Diagne International Airport
Diamniadio, near the airport
About 20-30 minutes by car or hotel shuttle from the airport; for central Dakar you then need another 30-45 minutes on the same tolled motorway.
Best for: One-night layovers, morning departures and business trips tied to the new administrative city, to avoid the longer trip to Dakar.
- The shortest possible transfer from the airport, with its own shuttle at both hotels
- Diamniadio is Senegal's fastest-growing city, with a newly built sports arena and shopping centres
- An area still under construction: few restaurants or bars outside the hotels themselves
- Dakar's historic centre and Gorée are still 45-60 minutes away by car
Recommended hotels
- Courtyard by Marriott Dakar Diamniadio Senegal's first Marriott hotel, opened at the end of 2024 about 20 minutes from the airport; shuttle to Blaise Diagne and rooms designed for business travellers of the new administrative city. View availability
- Four Points by Sheraton Dakar Diamniadio About 20 minutes from the airport with its own shuttle; same Diamniadio hub as the Courtyard, designed for those stopping just one night between two flights. View availability
Place de l'Indépendance and the Plateau
About 45 km and 60-90 minutes by car or taxi from the airport; the airport shuttle costs less but also takes 75-105 minutes.
Best for: Those who want the historic centre, the Kermel market and the ferry to Gorée island within walking distance, accepting a longer transfer from the airport.
- Place de l'Indépendance, the Kermel market and the Gorée ferry terminal within walking distance
- The city's highest concentration of restaurants and evening life, plus the bay's seafront
- The transfer from the airport remains the longest among all the city's areas
- Heavy traffic at rush hour on the only motorway connecting Diass to the Plateau
Recommended hotels
- Pullman Dakar Teranga On the bay of Dakar a few steps from Place de l'Indépendance, with a heated pool and views of Gorée; among the most central chain hotels in the city. View availability
- Ibis Styles Dakar On the same Avenue Abdoulaye Fadiga as the Novotel, in the Plateau; outdoor pool and kids' mini-club at a more affordable price. View availability
Fann and the Corniche
Same distance from the airport as the Plateau (45 km, 60-90 minutes), plus another 10-15 minutes by taxi along the Corniche Ouest to reach the district.
Best for: Those who want the sea and an ocean view without being in the middle of the Plateau's traffic, accepting about ten minutes by taxi to the historic centre.
- A hotel literally on the beach, in the elegant Fann district on the Cape Verde peninsula
- Quieter than the Plateau in the evening, with an in-house spa and pool for those who don't want to move around
- You still need a taxi for Place de l'Indépendance and the Kermel market
- Among the highest prices in the city, in line with the 5-star positioning
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, modern and spacious, is Senegal's primary air hub.
It is customary to arrive 3 hours in advance for international flights.
Map of Blaise Diagne International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is Dakar's old airport (DKR) still active?
No, it has been permanently closed to commercial traffic since 2017: all scheduled flights now use Blaise Diagne International (DSS), 43 km east of the city.
Q. Is it safe to visit the Casamance region from Dakar?
It requires more caution than the rest of the country: Senegal is generally stable and safe, but for Casamance in the south it's always wise to check updated travel advisories before planning your itinerary.
Q. Do you need a visa for Senegal?
Citizens of more than 60 countries, including Italy, don't need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
Q. Is Dakar a good base for Gorée Island?
Yes, the historic island linked to the slave trade, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is reachable by ferry from Dakar's port.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
