Dakar Léopold Sédar Senghor Layover Guide (DKR)

What are you looking for in DKR?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Dakar Airport (DKR), officially known as Blaise Diagne International Airport, is located in Diass, about 58 km (36 miles) from downtown Dakar, Senegal. The airport opened in 2017, replacing the old Léopold Sédar Senghor Airport. Dakar is the capital and largest city of Senegal, known for its vibrant culture and historical significance. It’s also famous for its lively music scene, colorful markets, and proximity to beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches.

Can you leave Dakar Airport (DKR) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers transiting through Dakar (DKR) may exit the airport during a layover, but require an entry visa to enter Senegal. Citizens of ECOWAS states and visa-exempt countries do not need a visa. Other nationalities must obtain a visa in advance or apply for a visa-on-arrival via Senegal’s official eVisa portal. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

From Dakar or Saly: Gorée Island Half-Day Private Tour

This private four-hour layover tour whisks you by air-conditioned vehicle to UNESCO-listed Gorée Island. Explore the House of Slaves, Fort d’Estrée, and the Dakar-Gorée memorial with an expert guide. Includes hotel, airport or port pickup, licensed guide, transport, and lunch for a seamless cultural journey » book this tour

From Dakar or Saly: Half-Day Tour to Pink Lake

On this four-hour layover excursion, travel in private AC transport from Dakar or the airport to Lake Retba (Pink Lake). Learn why its waters turn pink, visit the Noflaye turtle village, and explore surrounding sand dunes. Includes private transport, entrance fee, hotel/airport pickup, guide, and lunch » book this tour

Dakar: private tour “move, eat, act like a local”

Experience Dakar like a local with a tailor-made 4–11-hour tour by scooter or car. Your guide leads you through working-class neighborhoods, markets, and scenic spots—from Plateau and the Corniche to Ngor Village—sampling traditional dishes and meeting locals. Hotel pickup, transport, meals, and flexible itinerary included » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • Île de Gorée & Maison des Esclaves Take a poignant ferry trip to UNESCO-listed Île de Gorée and explore the Maison des Esclaves, reflecting on Atlantic slave trade history amid colourful colonial architecture and tranquil ocean vistas. (Time required: 4 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (approx. 50 min) + ferry (30 min))
  • African Renaissance Monument Ascend to Senegal’s towering African Renaissance Monument atop Ouakam Hill for panoramic city and ocean views, then delve into the surrounding park’s sculptures celebrating African heritage resilience through inspiring history. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (approx. 45 min) or shuttlebus)
  • IFAN Museum of African Arts Marvel at West African art and ethnographic treasures at the IFAN Museum nestled within Point Boulevard, tracing centuries-old cultural narratives through wood carvings, textiles, masks and traditional artifacts stunning displays. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (approx. 50 min) or Le Bus Express + taxi)
  • Sandaga Market Immerse yourself in bustling Sandaga Market’s labyrinth of stalls overflowing with fabrics, spices, electronics and handicrafts, haggle with friendly vendors, sample street snacks and absorb vibrant local life in Dakar. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (approx. 50 min) or Le Bus Express + walking)
  • Soumbédioune Crafts Market Stroll along Corniche’s Soumbédioune Market at sunset, admire artisans crafting silver jewelry, wood sculptures and leather goods, purchase unique souvenirs, then savor freshly grilled local seafood from vibrant seasonal oceanfront vendors. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (approx. 50 min))
  • Place de l’Indépendance & Medina Wander through historic Place de l’Indépendance beside the Presidential Palace, then meander narrow Medina streets lined with colonial buildings, artisan shops and lively cafés buzzing with Senegalese rhythms and aromas. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (approx. 50 min) or bus + walking)
  • Plage de N’Gor Enjoy golden sands and turquoise surf at Plage de N’Gor, swim, sunbathe or kayak to nearby surf breaks, then relish fresh local seafood under palm trees at laid-back beachside cafés. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (approx. 45 min))
  • Parc de Hann & Zoo Explore Dakar’s verdant Parc de Hann, home to a zoo, botanical garden and picnic spots, then spot monkeys, lions and exotic birds amid tranquil greenery minutes from the city centre. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (approx. 50 min) or Le Bus Express + taxi)

Things to Do in Dakar Airport (DKR)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
There are four airside lounges—Odyssee, Top Kapi, Ultimate and Hayoma—located near gates 1 and 6. Access via business-class ticket, Priority Pass or pay-at-door (€35). Lounges open 24/7 with max three-hour stays, offering complimentary Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, workstations, charging ports, newspapers and paid shower or massage chair facilities. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
No on-site airport hotel exists, but nearby properties in Diass and Diamniadio include Hotel Mimosa, Immeuble Sali-Laye, Courtyard by Marriott and Radisson Blu (10–20 minutes by car). Rates start around €30/night. Most offer free Wi-Fi, airport shuttle, pool and meeting rooms. Advance booking recommended, especially during peak season. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Free seating areas exist landside and airside with benches and carpeted lounges. No dedicated sleep pods; passengers rest on chairs or mats. Charging outlets are limited. A prayer room and kids’ play area offer mats. Airport operates 24/7, but security may patrol; bring eye mask and ear plugs to block noise and bright lights.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all lounges via “#Free_Airport_WiFi” or similar SSID, requiring minimal registration. Signal extends into departure halls and cafés. Speeds support email, messaging and light browsing. No paid public Wi-Fi elsewhere. Many cafés and bars offer USB and European-style 220 V charging outlets at no cost.

SIM/eSIM Card: Orange, Expresso and Tigo kiosks are landside past customs. Prepaid SIM cards cost around €5–10 with data bundles; passport required for registration. eSIM activation via Orange app is also available. Top-up vouchers sold at kiosks and duty-free shops. Network offers nationwide 4G coverage; customer service desks can assist setup and troubleshooting. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Dakar Airport (DKR) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official yellow taxis wait outside arrivals. Fares to Dakar city centre are negotiated, typically XOF12,000–25,000 (€18–38) for a 45–60 minute ride. Night and luggage surcharges may apply. Ride-hailing apps (Bolt, Yango, Heetch) also operate. Always agree and confirm the price before boarding. Drivers may accept cash only.

Train: The Train Express Régional (TER) links central Dakar with Diamniadio and will extend to Blaise Diagne Airport in 2025. Phase 1 runs daily between Dakar and Diamniadio, stops at 13 stations, tickets from XOF300. High-speed electric trains reach 160 km/h. (more info)

Bus: Dakar Dem Dikk operates express buses between the HLM Grand Yoff station and the airport from 06:00 to 21:00 hourly. Fare is XOF6,000 (€9) with a ~75 minute journey. Tickets purchased onboard. Local 404 buses run during the day with transfers. Comfortable minibuses, air-conditioned. (more info)

Shuttle: Private shared shuttles and hotel shuttles run 24/7 on flight schedules. Senegal Shuttle and other operators offer door-to-door transfers to Dakar hotels for XOF10,000+ per person. Pre-booking online ensures driver meet-and-greet in arrivals hall. Ideal for groups, families or heavy luggage travellers.

Car rentals: Major rental firms (Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Budget, Sixt) have counters in the arrivals hall. Drivers must be 21+, hold a valid license and credit card. Rates start at €40/day. Pre-booking recommended. Options include GPS, child seats and full insurance. Pickup and return on airport grounds for convenience. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term (P1) and long-term (P2) parking lots adjacent to the terminal. The first hour is free; thereafter XOF500/hour, up to XOF5,000/day. Long-term flat rate XOF3,000/day. Card and mobile payments accepted at kiosks. Covered and open-air spaces; disabled spaces near entrances. Security patrols 24/7.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No official baggage storage or self-service lockers are available. Travellers needing storage should arrange with hotels or private off-site services in Dakar. Luggage trolleys and wrapping stations operate landside. For advice on safe luggage handling, consult the information desk in the main lobby. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Dakar Airport (DKR) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks