Transportation system in Saint Louis is very well developed. There are many ways of getting to Saint Louis, as the ancient colonial city is well connected with most of the major cities of Senegal

Transportation system in Saint Louis is very well developed. There are many ways of getting to Saint Louis, as the ancient colonial city is well connected with the major cities of Senegal. Here are some basic facts about Saint Louis in respect to the transportation in Saint Louis.

Saint Louis was the oldest European colonial town and a fortified trading center in West Africa at the mouth of the river Senegal. It was established by the French in 1659. It was formerly the capital of Senegal and Mauritania for some time. The wide range of transportation is one of the main features the city boosting tourism in this part of Senegal.

Senegal is well connected to all the major destinations throughout the country. The nearest airport is the Saint Louis Airport. The Dakar Leopold Sedar Senghor Airport and the Cap Skirring Airport are the other important airports from where one can access the city pf Saint Louis. There are regular flights to Saint Louis from Dakar, Mali, Mauritania, Gambia and other major islands. The main carrier is Air Senegal. Other airlines are Aeroflot, Air Algerie, Swiss air,Tap Portugal, Iberia, Air Zaire and Ethiopian Airlines alight at Dakar and from there one has to get connecting flights to Saint Louis.

The Saint Louis and the Dakar Railway station is there for availing train services. Train runs to and fro Dakar and Saint Louis. The train station is located is north of the gare routiere or the bus terminus.

There are bus and minibuses between the cities of Dakar, Ziguinchor, Kaolack and Saint Louis and other important towns. The bus terminus (gare routiere) is located on the mainland about 100 mt south of Pont Faidherbe. There are alhams (30 seater minibus), they are the cheapest options.The most common form transport are the car rapides (small buses).

There are various kinds of local transport in Saint Louis. There are Taxi brousse and the big Mercedes buses (Ndiaga Ndiaye) running within the city. It is cheaper to take a running taxi from the road other than making prior arrangements. There are various Car rental agencies from where cars can be hired. French or an International Driving Permit or else a Green Card is an essential requisite. The Peugeot Taxis are good options for visiting the various places of sightseeing in Saint Louis.

Saint Louis can also be reached by sea route taking a ferry from the main port of Dakar.