Getting there & Getting around

Getting there

Direct flights to Benin are available from France, Belgium and many African countries. Air France is the most dependable airline and Point-Afrique offers budget fares. You can also fly to Lomé in Togo and catch a three-hour taxi to Cotonou. This is especially good if you've had trouble getting a Benin visa from your point of departure: temporary visas are available at the border on the Lomé-Cotonou road.

Taxi travel to Cotonou is simple but time-consuming (about 14 hours) from Niger, and will cost you about 15.00. The border is open 24/7. The trip is only about three hours from Nigeria.

The main roads from most surrounding countries are tarred and in fair condition, so driving yourself is also an option.

Getting around

Buses are the most comfortable option for getting around Benin. Confort Lines runs daily buses between Cotonou and Natitingou (10 hours), stopping in all major towns en route via Savalou. Air-conditioned, with one bum for one seat, it's by far the most comfortable form of transport. Benin Routes has daily buses between Cotonou and Parakou (five hours).

Taxi prices are reasonable, with the 135km (84mi) trip from Cotonou to Abomey costing about 4.00. Minibuses are slower, but cost about 25% less than the taxi rate. Cotonou has four main gare routiéres (bus and taxi stations), though many travellers recommend hailing them on their way out of town. From the ranks, they rarely leave for an out-of-town destination until they're full. Trains run from Cotonou to Parakou via Bohicon (near Abomey). The entire trip takes about 11 hours, and trains depart at 8.30am on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. First and second class tickets cost 11.00-8.00 respectively. Hire cars are available from Cotonou airport or the Benin Marina Hotel.

There is a daily charge, which is added to a distance rate. Petrol is extra. Travelling 200km (125mi) per day will cost you about 110.00.

Visa information

Two-day visas can be obtained at the border, and one-month extensions in Cotonou. When you apply be sure to have a fistful of photos.