Getting Around Benin

Air

Road

Side of the road

Road Quality

The roads are in reasonably good condition (although some are poorly lit) and many of those which run from Cotonou to Dassa, and Parakou to Malanville, are paved. Tracks are passable during the dry season but often impassable during the rainy season.

Car Hire

A number of local and international firms are available in Cotonou. It's a good idea to hire a car with a driver rather than attempting to drive yourself.

Coach

Buses connect the main cities, while bush taxi services run along routes to smaller towns.

Documentation

An International Driving Permit is required.

Urban travel

Taxis, especially motorbike taxis, are widely available in the main towns. Taxi fares should be agreed in advance.

Rail

Benin's railway service has been mainly limited to freight trains in recent years, but the Cotonou-Parakou line is being upgraded, with plans for an eventual extension to the border at Gaya and on to neighbouring Niger.