By Air
The main entry point is Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), which replaced the old Léopold Sédar Senghor airport in 2017 and sits about 45 km east of central Dakar, near Diass. It is larger and more modern than its predecessor, though the distance from the city means transfers take 45–60 minutes by road.
Direct flights from Europe are plentiful. Air France, Brussels Airlines, Iberia, TAP, and Transavia all fly from major European hubs. Turkish Airlines connects via Istanbul. From the United States, Delta flies non-stop from New York (JFK) year-round; it is currently the only US carrier on the route. Air Senegal operates regional connections within West Africa and to Europe. Royal Air Maroc connects via Casablanca.
Getting from the airport to Dakar: official taxis and shared minibuses are available at the arrivals exit. The TER commuter train now links the airport area to downtown Dakar — an affordable and reliable option that takes around 45 minutes to Dakar's Hann station.
By Road
From Mauritania: The main crossing is at Rosso, on the Senegal River. The road on both sides is paved. Shared taxis (sept-places) and buses connect Dakar to Nouakchott via Saint Louis.
From Guinea-Bissau: The crossing at São Domingos is the most used. Roads are unpaved in places and conditions can deteriorate in the rainy season.
From Guinea and Mali: Tambacounda is the transit hub for both routes. The road to Mali via Kidira and Kayes is long but passable.
Through the Gambia: The trans-Gambian highway crosses the River Gambia by ferry at Farafenni. Delays at the crossing are common; allow extra time.
By Sea
Occasional ferry services connect Dakar with the Canary Islands and with other West African ports. Schedules are irregular. The main sea terminal is in Dakar's port.