Transportation in Dakar

Dakar moves on a mix of shared taxis, car rapides (the colorful minibuses), and standard yellow taxis. The car rapides are the cheapest way to get around but require some French/Wolof and exact change. Routes are written on the front but rarely match reality, so ask the apprentice hanging out the door before boarding. Yellow taxis are everywhere and moderately priced, always insist the meter goes on or settle the fare before you close the door. Ride-hailing apps like Heetch and Yango work well in the city center and spare you the haggle. From Blaise Diagne International Airport, the express Ndiaga Ndiaye bus is the budget move: it runs frequently, takes about an hour, and drops you downtown for a fraction of a taxi fare. If you land late or are luggage-heavy, the official taxi rank outside arrivals is the safest bet, ignore the freelance touts inside the terminal and head straight to the uniformed dispatcher.