Niamey Diori Hamani Layover Guide (NIM)

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

Niamey Airport (NIM) is an international airport located in Niamey, the capital of Niger. It’s situated approximately 9 km (5.6 miles) southeast of downtown Niamey. The airport officially opened in 1972. Niamey is the largest city in Niger and serves as its administrative, cultural, and economic center. The city is known for its vibrant markets, proximity to the Niger River, and as a gateway to explore West African history and landscapes.

Can you leave Niamey Airport (NIM) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers can exit Niamey Airport if they hold a valid Niger entry or transit visa. Transit without visa is only possible airside for under 24 hours. Landside movement requires applying for a visa in advance through Niger mission. Citizens of many countries must apply; some may obtain visa on arrival. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Grand Mosque Admire intricate Sudano-Sahelian architecture at Niamey’s iconic Grand Mosque in a serene courtyard. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside prayer times. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (15 min))
• Niger National Museum Explore the Niger National Museum in the Palais du Gouverneur showcasing prehistoric fossils, colonial memorabilia and vibrant traditional costumes. Engage with informative guided audio tours and learn about rich Nigerien heritage. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (15 min))
• Niger River Promenade Stroll along the Niger River promenade at late afternoon absorbing vibrant riverbank life. Browse market stalls, watch fishermen navigate wooden pirogues, sample fresh juice and enjoy scenic sunset over water. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (20 min))
• Grand Marché Wander through Grand Marché open-air market for spices, leather, colorful textiles and crafts. Haggle with friendly vendors, taste local street snacks, soak in authentic Niamey bustle and discover unique souvenirs. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (15 min))
• Jardin Botanique Discover tropical flora at Niamey’s Jardin Botanique shaded pathways and birdwatching spots. Relax under baobab trees, admire medicinal plants, photograph colorful hibiscus and learn about Sahelian biodiversity guided by experts. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (20 min))
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, a striking colonial-era church featuring stained glass windows and soaring arches. Reflect in the peaceful nave, photograph intricate murals and enjoy calm respite from bustling city amid greenery. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (15 min))
• Centre National d’Artisanat Stop by Centre National d’Artisanat to view superb woodcarvings, pottery and woven goods. Watch artisans craft items, sample traditional jewelry, buy authentic souvenirs and support local craftsmanship in a vibrant workshop atmosphere. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (15 min))
• La Terrasse Rooftop Dine at La Terrasse rooftop restaurant savoring grilled tilapia and local specialties with chilled fresh juices. Enjoy panoramic city and river views, friendly service and relaxed ambiance, perfect for a mid-layover indulgence. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (15 min))

Things to Do in Niamey Airport (NIM)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Niamey Airport features a single airside lounge, the VIP Salon. Accessible by paying at the door, it offers comfortable seating, refreshments, newspapers, and basic amenities in a quiet environment. No membership is required, making it a convenient spot to unwind before departure. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are no on-site hotels at Niamey Airport. Nearby accommodation options include Radisson Blu Hotel, Bravia Hotel, and Hôtel Ténéré in central Niamey, all offering airport shuttle services, 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable rooms. Booking in advance is recommended due to limited availability. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Niamey Airport lacks dedicated rest zones or sleeper pods. Airside seating consists of hard plastic benches, which can accommodate brief naps but may prove uncomfortable. Travellers often carry travel pillows, earplugs, and eye masks for better rest. 24-hour food outlets nearby help bridge long layovers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Niamey Airport’s landside and airside terminals. Passengers can connect instantly upon landing, although speeds and coverage may vary. No password is required, but sessions may be time-limited. Charging stations and mobile-device charging points are also provided near seating areas.

SIM/eSIM Card: Prepaid SIM cards from Airtel Niger, Orange Niger, and Moov Africa are sold at kiosks curbside and airside. SIMs cost around 500 XOF (~$0.85 USD), with data packages from 2,000 XOF for 2 GB (7 days) up to 20,000 XOF for 30 GB. A valid ID is required for registration. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis operate 24/7 from the rank outside arrivals. Fares to Niamey city centre (8–10 km) range from 15,000 to 18,000 XOF (~$25–30 USD), depending on negotiation. Meters are uncommon, so agree on a price before boarding. Drivers accept cash only.

Train: Rail connections at Niamey Airport are currently non-operational. The track linking to Niamey railway station and beyond has been abandoned since construction. No passenger train services are available at this time. (more info)

Bus: Public minibuses (‘faba faba’) run between Niamey city centre and the airport every 15–30 minutes. Tickets cost approximately 200–300 XOF (~$0.35–0.50 USD). Buses board from main bus stations; luggage space is limited. Service hours and routes may vary, so confirm before travel. (more info)

Shuttle: Several city hotels and private operators offer pre-booked airport shuttles. Rates start from around $15 USD one-way for shared services and $30 USD for private transfers. Shuttles must be booked in advance via hotel concierge or tour provider; drivers wait at the arrivals hall.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies (Avis, CFao, Europcar) operate desks landside at arrivals. Offices are typically open from 07:30 to 18:00. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs. Full insurance and a valid driver’s license (with an International Driving Permit) are required. Pre-booking online secures availability and best rates. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Niamey Airport offers two parking zones: a free lot and a paid lot adjacent to the terminal. Paid parking fees begin after a short grace period and are billed hourly, with daily maximums. Both areas accommodate cars and SUVs and are monitored via CCTV.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No luggage storage facilities or lockers are available at Niamey Airport. Passengers requiring secure storage must make arrangements with their airline or use nearby hotel services. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Niamey Airport (NIM) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks