Traffic in Dakar

In 2024, Dakar's transportation landscape is dominated by walking, with half of the population choosing this mode for their daily commutes.

The city faces challenges with traffic inefficiency and CO2 emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable transportation solutions.

Average Commute Times

The average commute time in Dakar is approximately 25 minutes, with a balanced distribution between walking, driving, and bus travel.

  • Bus - Bus commuters spend around 30 minutes traveling, with an additional 10 minutes waiting time.
  • Car - Car users experience a driving time of 30 minutes, covering an average distance of 11.27 km.
  • Walking - Walking is a popular choice, with an average commute time of 12.5 minutes over a distance of 1.13 km.
Traffic Breakdown
Walking
50%
Car
25%
Bus
25%

Traffic Data

The following traffic data has been gathered from 4 user contributions.
Overall average travel
Distance
4.4 miles
Walking
7.5 mins
Waiting
2.5 mins
Driving Car
7.5 mins
Bus / Trolley
7.5 mins
Total:
25.0 mins
Average when primarily using Bus
Distance
9.3 miles
Walking
5.0 mins
Waiting
10.0 mins
Bus / Trolley
30.0 mins
Total:
45.0 mins
Average when primarily using Car
Distance
7.0 miles
Driving Car
30.0 mins
Total:
30.0 mins
Average when primarily using Walking
Distance
0.7 miles
Walking
12.5 mins
Total:
12.5 mins

More Information

Seasonal Trends

Traffic congestion tends to increase during the rainy season due to road conditions.

Holiday periods see a reduction in traffic as many residents travel outside the city.

Commuter Pain Points

Long waiting times for buses and traffic congestion are common issues for Dakar commuters.

Limited public transport options can lead to reliance on walking or private vehicles.

Best Travel Times

Early mornings before 7 AM and late evenings after 8 PM are ideal for avoiding peak traffic.

Midday travel is generally smoother, with less congestion compared to rush hours.

Event Impacts

Public events and festivals can significantly disrupt traffic flow, requiring alternative routes.

Major events often lead to increased demand for public transport and ride-sharing services.

Sustainability Efforts

Dakar is exploring initiatives to expand its public transport network and encourage cycling.

Efforts to increase green spaces and pedestrian-friendly areas are underway to promote sustainability.

Ride-Sharing Impact

Ride-sharing services are gaining popularity, offering flexible travel options and reducing the need for private car ownership.

These services help to ease congestion by providing alternatives to traditional transport methods.