Getting around Benin

Side of road
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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.

Getting around towns and cities

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.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.