Collecting your vehicle at AIBD airport
You are landing at Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD, IATA code DSS). At the arrivals exit, your Senoto partner is waiting with a sign showing your name, walks you to the vehicle parked at car park P1 (included), runs the handover checklist with you, then hands over the keys. This guide covers every step from leaving the aircraft to taking the road.
How to collect your vehicle
- 1Share your flight number when booking
Provide your flight number (e.g. AF 718, IB 3821) when you book. Your partner tracks the flight in real time: they automatically adjust the meeting time if the flight is delayed and stay available if you arrive early.
- 2Clear immigration and collect your bags
Allow 30 to 45 minutes between landing and leaving the terminal. Immigration is on the first floor, baggage on the ground floor. If you are getting a visa on arrival, allow another 15 minutes. Keep your passport and boarding pass to hand.
- 3Buy a local SIM card (recommended)
In the arrivals hall, the Orange and Free desks sell SIM cards with 5 GB of data for about 2,000 FCFA. Essential for Google Maps on the road. The airport Wi-Fi is free but unreliable.
- 4Change currency if needed
Currency exchange desks are in the arrivals hall, before the exit. Check the EUR/XOF rate of the day (around 656 FCFA for 1 €). The ATMs (CBAO, Société Générale) accept Visa/Mastercard and dispense FCFA.
- 5Meet your partner at the arrivals exit
At the arrivals hall exit, your partner is waiting with a sign showing your name and the Senoto logo. If you do not see them straight away, call the WhatsApp number sent with your booking confirmation: they are parked nearby and will be with you in a few minutes.
- 6Walk to the vehicle (car park P1 included)
Your partner walks with you to the vehicle parked at car park P1 (covered, CCTV, short-stay — the parking fee is included in your booking). Allow 3 to 5 minutes on foot from the terminal.
- 7Handover check and keys
The handover check is done together: walk-around (four sides, interior, dashboard, mileage, fuel level), dated photos, signature on the contract (in French). Once the check is agreed, your partner hands over the keys and stays available for any last questions before you set off.
- 8Hit the road
For Dakar: follow the signs for « Autoroute à péage » (A1). The toll costs around 3,600 FCFA (cash only, no card). Allow 45–75 min depending on traffic. For Saly/Mbour: head south via the Sindia road, 40–50 min. For Thiès: 25–35 min, direct route.
Before you fly — pre-flight checklist
- Check that your Senoto booking is confirmed (email with the booking reference).
- Share your flight number and expected arrival time when booking.
- Scan or photograph your driving licence and passport (digital backup).
- Download Google Maps offline for the Dakar–Thiès–Saly area.
- Keep some cash in FCFA, or withdraw at the ATM in the arrivals area (for the toll and SIM card).
AIBD specifics
- The airport is open 24 hours a day — flights arrive at all hours.
- Two public car parks exist: P1 (covered, CCTV, short-stay) and P2 (outdoor, long-stay). Your Senoto vehicle is waiting at car park P1 — fees are included in your booking, no ticket to pay on exit.
- There is no direct public transport AIBD → Dakar (no TER, no regular bus). Alternatives are the official taxi (fixed fare displayed at the exit) or a private shuttle.
- The quick drop-off zone (Kiss & Fly) is in front of the terminal; no stopping over 10 minutes.
- Toilets and the prayer room are in the public area, ground floor.
Tips for the AIBD → Dakar drive
- The toll motorway (A1) is the only recommended option at night — lit, dual carriageway, secure.
- The national road via Mbour is longer (65 km, 1 h 30) but toll-free. Avoid at night (no lighting, pedestrians, carts).
- Dakar rush hours: avoid entering the peninsula between 7:00–9:30 and 17:00–20:00.
- The toll booth only accepts FCFA cash. Keep 4,000 FCFA in small notes.
- If your flight arrives after 23:00, traffic is almost nil — allow 40 minutes to central Dakar.
Useful information
Documents to bring
- Valid driving licence (international permit recommended for non-residents)
- Passport or photo ID
- Senoto booking confirmation (email with the reference)
- Means of payment for the deposit (international Visa/Mastercard)
- Flight number (shared at booking)
