Maradi's bus and minibus stations are not sights in the usual sense, but they are where the city reveals its regional importance. Coaches, bush taxis, traders, sacks of grain, and passengers heading toward Zinder, Niamey, or the Nigerian border all converge here.
If you are crossing Niger overland, this is one of the places where you will feel the country as a network rather than a map. Arrive early for onward travel, confirm the destination twice, and do not assume that a vehicle leaves until every seat and a surprising amount of roof space has been sold.