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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Dakar
Dakar
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Dakar
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Dakar
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Dakar
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Hire a Car in Dakar?
Dakar, Senegal, offers vibrant markets and cultural experiences. While public transport is available, hiring a car grants freedom to explore Dakar and its surroundings, from beaches to historical sites, at your own pace.
Flexibility. A hire car allows you to visit attractions at your convenience without being tied to bus schedules or taxi availability.
Access to Remote Locations. Many of Senegal’s beautiful sites are outside Dakar. With a hire car, you can easily reach them and explore at your leisure.
Comfort and Convenience. Especially for families or groups, a hire car offers more comfort and space, making travel easier and more enjoyable.
Hire Terms and Conditions in Dakar
Before hiring a car in Dakar, be aware of the common conditions. These typically include age restrictions, required documents, insurance policies, and potential extra charges. Knowing these will help ensure a smooth and worry-free hire experience.
Area
Approximately 550 square kilometres (212 square miles)
Population
Around 3.9 million residents
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0)
Ideal for
Exploring Senegal's diverse landscapes
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic during mornings and evenings, especially on weekdays.
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to hire a car in Dakar is generally 21 or 23, depending on the hire company. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence is not in French or English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the hire price, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have daily or weekly limits. Check the fuel policy, which often requires returning the car with the same fuel level as when picked up.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, airport pickups, or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
Car Hire Prices in Dakar – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (November to January): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to September): Often come with discounts
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Dakar?
Booking a car in Dakar involves several steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs. Consider these steps to streamline the process and make an informed decision.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various hire companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Hire Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your hire vehicle.
General Information About Dakar
Dakar, Senegal, is a bustling city with unique traffic conditions and local customs. Knowing some key details can help you navigate the city and its surroundings more easily and safely.
Dakar is the capital and largest city of Senegal, located on the Cap-Vert Peninsula along the Atlantic coast. It is a major administrative, economic, and cultural center, known for its vibrant markets, music scene, and historical landmarks. Driving in Dakar can be challenging due to traffic congestion and varying road conditions.
Top Attractions to Discover
Île de Gorée
A UNESCO World Heritage site that serves as a memorial to the Atlantic slave trade.
Lake Retba (Lac Rose)
A pink-coloured lake known for its high salt content and vibrant hues.
African Renaissance Monument
A towering statue symbolising Africa’s rebirth and progress.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in the city centre, but spaces can be limited. Be prepared to pay a fee.
On-Street Parking
Can be found, but it's often crowded and may require payment to local attendants.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer parking for guests, which is often the most secure option.
Gas Stations in Dakar
Total and Shell
These are the main fuel chains in Dakar, with stations located throughout the city and on major roads.
Fuel Availability
Fuel is generally readily available, but it’s wise to fill up before heading on longer trips outside the city.
Payment
Most gas stations accept cash, and some may accept credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Dakar
Be Aware of Traffic
Traffic in Dakar can be heavy, especially during rush hours. Plan your trips accordingly and allow extra time.
Negotiate Taxi Fares
If you opt for a taxi, negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Respect Local Customs
Dress modestly and be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Learn Basic French
Knowing a few basic French phrases can be very helpful, as it is the official language.
Key Transportation Hubs in Dakar
Major Bus Stations
Gare Routière de Petersen
The main bus terminal for long-distance travel to other parts of Senegal.
Railway Stations
Gare de Dakar
The primary railway station, providing limited services within Senegal.
Airports
Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
Located about 47 kilometres (29 miles) outside of Dakar, it serves international and domestic flights.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Dakar?
Hiring a car in Dakar requires a few essential documents and understanding some key requirements. Having these in order will make the hire process smooth and efficient.
A valid driver’s licence from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence is not in French or English.
The minimum age to hire a car is generally 21 or 23, depending on the hire company. Drivers under 25 may face additional surcharges.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is necessary for the security deposit. Some companies may prefer or require a credit card.
A passport is required for identification purposes, especially for international visitors.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Dakar as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Dakar was a whirlwind! Spontaneous weekend trip, loved the energy, but the beaches were surprisingly crowded.
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 02.11.2024
Pretty laid-back, actually.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 17.09.2024
Pretty relaxed vibe
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 24.07.2025
Dakar was fantastic! Having a car made exploring so easy during our road trip. The city buzzed with life, and we loved the vibrant markets and delicious street food.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 18.02.2025
Dakar exceeded expectations! Exploring with my family was a breeze, thanks to our rental car. Wonderful trip!
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 09.02.2025
Dakar was amazing! Meeting friends and exploring the city with our rental car was effortless and fun.
Ben Miller
Reviewed: 09.09.2024
Dakar was vibrant! Getting around with a car was a breeze, making it easy to meet up with friends and explore the city's hidden gems. Such a memorable trip!
David Lee
Reviewed: 26.12.2024
Dakar was wonderful! So relaxing by the coast, exploring easily with our car.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 15.02.2025
Dakar was a delightful surprise! A last-minute weekend escape, and having a car made everything so easy. The city's energy is infectious.
Isabelle Dupont
Reviewed: 12.12.2024
Pretty chill, actually.
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 25.10.2024